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High Performance Luxury Sedans

1038 messages,  Last post on Jun 18, 2008 at 1:12 PM

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What is this discussion about? Jaguar XJR, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Audi S6, Maserati Quattroporte, Audi S8, Sedan

#709 of 1038 1991 BMW M5- which is better: european or american version? by joyrider147 Aug 05, 2003 (10:41 am)
1991 BMW M5: What is the difference between the American version and European version? Does the american version have a speed limiter than the European version? Or is it a different version engine?
#710 of 1038 shoes by merc1 Aug 05, 2003 (10:08 pm)
How has the SL55 been? Do you still have the C32 and CLK500, if so how have they been holding up? Did changing the rotors/pad change the brakes for you? I cannot grasp the concept of having so many AMG cars, lucky you!   M
#711 of 1038 pablo_l by jagboyxtype Aug 06, 2003 (8:25 am)
I totally agree with you on the new XJ's looks - it really looks quite different from the older model and it is noticeable when the two cars are not near each other. It's new size and different stance alone make it look totally different to me. When I first saw one, its added height reminded me of the tall shape found in those old British taxis.   If the media cannot pay enough attention to the cars it's covering to be able to easily tell apart two completely different cars, I think it just goes to show how much effort they don't put into their work at times. It's not like we're trying to pick-out every different body tweak between an X300 and X308 XJ, and even those aren't difficult at all. My question is how can someone not see the difference between the new and old XJ, even with a casual glance, as their proportions are even completely different?
#712 of 1038 by fenn Aug 06, 2003 (11:12 am)
Sure, most of us who are car enthusiasts can spot the differences, but the general population does not easily discern the new car from the old. Despite the different contours and dimensions, the car conveys a similar look from a casual glance.   I saw this evidenced the other evening when a new 2004 XJ pulled up at the valet parking outside of a popular L.A. restaurant, and I was the only one in our group of three couples that noticed that it was a new 2004 XJ.   The fact is that Jaguar sought to maintain the XJ essence in the new car......And, they succeeded.
#713 of 1038 jagboyxtype by merc1 Aug 06, 2003 (10:09 pm)
Well I'd have to say it's pretty much what Don is saying...you and I can tell the difference as we spent way too much time dealing with cars, but the average person might have trouble. I hear the same thing about different Mercedes models nowadays. It's only apparent that a C is not a S once you get to see the car up close and can gauge it's actual size. Oh well, prospective buyers will put the effort into telling the difference I suspect. Sometimes car mags come up with stuff like that when there really isn't much else to complain about, thats a good thing if that all they can come up with negative about the new XJ. I say if the design works keep it. Porsche's 911 is iconic for the same reasons. BMW is the one who changed for the hell of it and messed up, imo.   M
#714 of 1038 shoes......price on 03 E55! by westcoast323 Aug 07, 2003 (12:42 am)
shoes, what did you pay for the E55--out-the-door?
#715 of 1038 On Jag shapes... by pablo_l Aug 07, 2003 (12:24 pm)
To me, the new XJ has just as many design similarities with the X-type and it does with the old XJ, and I don't say that necessarily as a negative.   From an elegance point of view, nothing in the current sedan landscape could touch the old XJ, even to the ignorant layman's eyes, because it was low, long and simply perfectly proportioned. of course, it did cheat: the price was an interior that was more GT than the exectuive sedan category it supposedly competed in.   The new XJ of course still has a distinctive design, but the interior room has come at the price of more mainstream and less elegant overall proportions. It is geometrically unavoidable that it looks a bit more bloated.   That said, when compared with the extremely clumsy shape of the new BMW 745, or the more sterile design approach of the Merc and especially Audi, the Jag still triumphs when it comes to elegance. Tradition is nice in luxury automobiles, and the Jaguar's visible hommage to its roots clearly makes the point.   But, personally, the old XJ is the only sedan I'd own. Well, I *did* own the XJR as my "techno-bubble-mobile" of choice, and it was a great grand tourer - I'd still very highly recommend it to those who don't feel they *must* ensure spacious accommodation for 4 at *all* times.   Interestingly, when the XK came out, I actually preferred the XJS. Which is interesting considering that the XK now is wiedly regarded as one of the micest designs on the road - I till felt the XJS was more distinctive, and that a more evolutionary approach -as they have done now with the XJ- would have been nicer. But that's just very personal opinion.
#716 of 1038 by fenn Aug 07, 2003 (2:51 pm)
As elegant as it may have been, I am tall, and the old XJ was never a car that I could consider due to it's cramped interior and low slung passenger compartment. This tight interior inside of a large heavy car never worked for me.   Jaguar needed to fix this, and they did a good job in keeping a Jaguar look, while improving space and ergonomics. I agree that the old car is more crisp and elegant, but they needed to create more space.   They did such a good job that that it looks like I may have to bite the bullet, and get myself a 2004 XJR. Damn.
#717 of 1038 by pablo_l Aug 07, 2003 (4:11 pm)
I am 6'1, and I found the XJR beautifully cozy, and not claustrophobic. But of course you couldn't seat anyone behind me unless they were willing to amputate their legs previous to entering their car.   Can't go wrong with the XJR, old or new. Phenomenal car.
#718 of 1038 Regular or Premium Gas for the E320? by carging Aug 10, 2003 (5:15 am)
I am considering the purchase of a 2002 Mercedes E320. The manufacturer recommends premium gas, but I was able to use regular gas in my 6 cylinder 2000 Lexus ES300 on the advice of the mechanic) even though premium was recommended, with no problem. I would appreciate hearing from any 2002 E320 owners who use regular gas successfully, or anyone with any advice on this issue. Thank you.

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