Help A Chinese In Need: Audi Q7 3.6, Mercedes ML300, BMW X5-3.0, Or VW Tourareg V8?

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

A Chinese friend just called me up. Claimed I would know a lot about cars. Asked whether he should invest his hard-earned Renminbi into an Audi Q7 3.6, or a Mercedes ML300, or a BMW X5-3.0, or a VW Tourareg V8?

What do I know. Of course, I didn’t tell him that.

My reputation as a know-it-all foreigner is at stake here. You know, China, all about face. So I’m asking the best and brightest of the Best & Brightest: What should I recommend? Serious, snark-free advice, please. Obviously, this guy has money, and I don’t want to end up on his wrong side. I would suffer a serious quanxi deduction if my advice turns out as bogus. No other brands, he’s fairly set on these Teutonic choices.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Gsnfan Gsnfan on Mar 26, 2010

    I like the Q7s looks the best.

  • Niky Niky on Mar 26, 2010

    I'd go with the Q7... depending on what trim level he can get with the money. I don't know what trim levels are available in China, but if it's similar to here (we're practically next door neighbors...), then the 3.0 is going to be woefully specced. Bigger inside than the previous X5, but the 3.0s tend to be pretty basic. If he's looking at a big SUV, I doubt he's looking for something great to drive... just something luxurious.

  • Gimmeamanual Gimmeamanual on Mar 26, 2010

    Do they import the V10 Touareg? If so, that's the one to rattle the hutong in, rollin on 26's of course.

  • Bertel Schmitt Bertel Schmitt on Mar 26, 2010

    Thanks, guys. I discussed your finding with my buddy. He sends you a heartfelt "xie xie" (thank you) for all your help. He especially likes the Q7 recommendation: "Ah, my father-in-law drives one of those." That'll give him a lot of face at home. For the master race theorists: His current car is Japanese.

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