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High Performance Luxury Sedans

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

#845 of 1038 pablo by habitat1 Mar 15, 2004 (2:09 am)
Not sure I agree with your assessment as it applies to the E39 M5 vs. E60 M5. I am sure the new model will offer impressive performance, but I for one would prefer the previous body style and cleaner interior to one based on the current 5 series with i-drive and funky interior aesthetics.   And, as for "blow away" performance, at what point does this become a bit ridiculous, especially for a 5 passenger sedan. The 2002 M5 gets from 0-60 in under 5 seconds and has lateral grip that compares to my S2000. I'm not sure how much better the E60 M5 will be, but I'd be more inclined to keep a 2002 E39 M5 than trade up in performance and down in style. Subjective, for sure, but a lot of others appear to share this opinion.   I do agree with your assessment as it would apply to the E55. As best I can tell, the new 2004 is a substantial improvement over the old in all categories. However, wonder how long it will be before it becomes usurped by an E65?
#846 of 1038 pablo/habitat1 by portknoxxa Mar 15, 2004 (3:15 pm)
The E39 M5 set the standard for performance/luxury sedans and that's why it's a classic and the 2002 E55 is not. I agree with the both of you, but I think the E60 M5 will "somewhat blow away" the E39 M5 in performance based on that V10 500 hp and I'm sure the tourque has to be somewhere around 400. Not to mention the car is lighter, because of the extensive use of aluminum. I also agree that this engine placed in the E39 would have been an instant classic. Look what Dinan did to the E39 M5, giving it 470hp and 0-60 times of 4.1-4.4s. With no turbo or supercharger, but the conversion cost about $30,000. I "love" the E39 design and I "like" the E60 design. But you know how it is "my car is faster than yours". I also think the E60 545 and M5's pure perfromance level will negate the Banglization of BMW. I've never really thought of the last generation E55 as a special car, it always trailed the E39 M5 in every comparo and probably in every category, but still a great car. Lastly look at those E60 M5 pics and just look at the additions made to the body of the car, especially that front air dam, bulging tire wells, and those quad pipes out back. P.S. How come Audi is not producing the RS6 anymore, was just a one year thing.
#847 of 1038 2005 M5 Pricing? by e350v10 Mar 15, 2004 (10:38 pm)
Anyone know what the M5 pricing will be?   I was thinking it would be around $75-80K (E55,RS6).   I'm #1 on a waiting list, but the dealer said the MSRP might be around $120K!
#848 of 1038 e350v10 by mbukukanyau Mar 18, 2004 (4:48 pm)
With $120K you could get yourself a CTS_V something else like a 540i. Two cars. Tommorow. It’s your decision
#849 of 1038 $120K by e350v10 Mar 18, 2004 (6:49 pm)
That kind of money opens up all kinds of options (e.g. Turbo Porsche).   If it is at that price, I think BMW will have a difficult time selling them.
#850 of 1038 $120K by e350v10 Mar 18, 2004 (6:52 pm)
That kind of money opens up all kinds of options (e.g. Turbo Porsche). Or 540i + Range Rover!   If it is at that price, I think BMW will have a difficult time selling them.   But the 6 Series is $80K to start . . .
#851 of 1038 $120K by portknoxxa Mar 19, 2004 (3:39 pm)
The 645i is about $70,000 but the other models coming later with smaller engines will be "cheaper". I think I read that the enrty 6 will be around $55,000 with a 6 cyl. The M6 will have to be around $85,000, still less than A CL500, CL600, CL55, and the M6 drop top about $95,000 They will have to keep the M5 near the E55 and RS6. E39 M5 MSRP was about $71,000 in it's last year, it's first year I think it was $69,500, so I would assume closer to $80,000. MSRP's for the other 5-series' have not gone up that much. $120K is definitely a dealer markup and they probably will get a some of us.
#852 of 1038 BMW 645i Convertible by pathdoc Mar 19, 2004 (3:58 pm)
I currently drive a XKR convertible and before that a XK8 convertible. Although I have only seen the pictures and intro articles on the 645i convertible I am very interested. If the price is in the mid 70's it will be very competitive and may spell trouble for Jag sales since performance and features shoud surpass or equal the Jag. for much less money. Has anyone seen/driven the convertible yet?
#853 of 1038 pathdoc by mbukukanyau Mar 22, 2004 (4:06 pm)
You could also look at the XLR and the SC for the heck of it. I think the XLR is a good first attempt worth consindering.     I have never owned a luxo vehicle but I sat in many being an auto nut. I was very impressed with the XLR
#854 of 1038 XLR by pathdoc Mar 22, 2004 (4:15 pm)
It may seem strange but one of my considerations for a convertible is trunk space since I drive to and up the coast frequently. Every summer I do a 2-3 week road trip up Ca 1 from Orange county to Monterey for the Historics and then further into SF,Napa and parts North. I appreciate the amt. of space I now have with the top up or down. My driving up the coast is with the top down. When I looked at the SLR and SC 430 I noticed there is almost no room with the top down. With the SC430 you need the run flats for any space either way and I am concerned about not having a spare if you were 100's of miles from a Lexus dealer. I have also heard some complaints re ride with ride/handling with the run flats.

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