High End Luxury Cars

24685 messages, Last post on Nov 02, 2009 at 4:40 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan

Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.

A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.

Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.

Outline

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#1 of 24685 Welcome by L8_Apex Nov 23, 1999 (4:23 am)
I've decided to open up this topic a bit from the original HIGH END LUXURY? 7-Series vs. S-Class vs. LS400? topic. Arguably, the LS400 qualifies at the low-end of high-end while the S-Class and 7-Series, when equipped to the hilt with technowizardry and cylinders in the double-digits, define high-end. For the purposes of comparison, the cover charge is a base MSRP of $50K. Several manufacturers have obviously decided to strategically price their offerings just below this magic number. If that's the case, are they really interested in the "high-end" or is the "upper-middle-class" of the car world a good target, at least for now? So... the cutoff is $50K. Please continue your discussion... Thanks, L8_Apex Sedans Host Replies to this message: agentstirling (Sep 21, 2006 3:27 pm)
#2 of 24685 . by enigma23 Nov 23, 1999 (5:20 am)
All great cars, so let the discussions begin!!! Replies to this message: polljimmy (Jul 20, 2009 2:24 am) ajvdh (Jul 24, 2009 12:45 pm) rockshocka1 (Jul 24, 2009 1:00 pm) tayl0rd (Jul 27, 2009 5:39 am)
#3 of 24685 . by merc1 Nov 27, 1999 (4:29 am)
I guess no one wants to talk anymore huh? M
#4 of 24685 I'll start by bmwboys Nov 27, 1999 (2:17 pm)
I was talking wiht a friend of mine about this line up of autos. We came to the conclusion that the figures just dont add up. It is not completely fair to put these cars up in head to head competition. The Mercedes and BMW both have sitcker prices arround 95+. The Jaguar and Audi ring up at arround 70K, and Lexus starts arround 55K. All five are great cars but i personaly believe some are just better than others, not because one is a lesser car, but it is just not in its own league. After doing some research The Lexus is more comperable to a 5-series BMW or a E-class Mercedes. When you look at the competition that way, its pretty clear who is on top. The LS400 offers more toys than either of the 2 Germans and puts it in a totaly different class. Each of these cars has a totaly different personality. Audis are still a sleeper, the A8 is understated, no one realises it is what it is. Bimmers are known for a sporty reputation. Jaguars are the stuffy british kick, great style and pleanty of problems. Lexus seems to be a total isolation vehicle, a place to get away from any and all noise. Mercedes has always been the ultimate in status, not that is is the best thing out there but its all status. To say any of these cars is better than another is impossible, they all have some quirk that gives them an edge, i would kill to get into a design center and make my ideal car with all the best things from all the above makers. That would be my super car!
#5 of 24685 Observation by bernard1 Nov 27, 1999 (5:29 pm)
Currently we own a vehicle from Lexus, both of the German makes and Volvo. Each offers a different level of comfort, sport and security. For vault like construction, the Germans have it, and at the top, I believe is the MBZ. Sprotiness, BMW. Quietness goes to the Lexus. Longevity, I believe will go to the MBZ with BMW second. As far as the Lexus, I will have to wait and see. To all who have complained of the many problems with these autos I have been fortunate. I Have owned 3 MBZ (2 S classes and one SL) and have had no problems with the sales people or the service people. I have had minimal mechanical problems and the cost have been very reasonable. I have only had the Lexus for a year and the only mechanical problem I've had was with the cd changer and Lexus gave me a brand new one. No questions asked. The sales person was a nimrod and they are overly proud of their autos but the Sevice people are execellent. The other Marques could learn a thing or two from these guys. Bye the way, Lexus even sent me a $50 check for bring my car in for a factory recall. The bimmer is only a few months old, but not one problem and the phrase fun to drive just does not describe it. So far the Lexus has not cost me one dime to maintain (service wise) but with the posted labor prices, I expect that to change and it looks as if the Lexus will be the most expensive to maintain. Any opinions on this? Replies to this message: doctordata (Dec 07, 2004 5:11 am) ljflx (Dec 07, 2004 5:37 am) kdshapiro (Dec 07, 2004 6:32 am) michael_mattox (Dec 07, 2004 9:14 am) and 3 more... ljflx (Dec 07, 2004 7:03 pm) and 2 more...
#6 of 24685 bmwboys by merc1 Nov 27, 1999 (8:40 pm)
What "toys" does the LS400 offer that are not available on the S-Class or 7-Series, or did you mean the E-Class and 5-Series? If its the 5 and E, the LS is a notch above those 2 in most areas. The S-Class does not have a sticker of 95K, and the only 7-Series approaching that price is the 750iL, unless you get one of the protection models. The competitive models, S430 and 740iL are not 95K cars. M
#7 of 24685 . by enigma23 Nov 27, 1999 (9:29 pm)
But the S500 is knocking on $90K+!!
#8 of 24685 price by bmwboys Nov 28, 1999 (7:33 am)
After adding tax and lux tax and destianation charges you are at 95. I was reffering to a 750, primarialy cuz it is the king ok the BMW line up, as is the LS to Lexus. as for the toys, im not sure what all Lexus puts in their cars but i do own a BMW 7 with so many gadgets that it is almost crazy. To me the toys of my car are: Heated Steering Wheel, Comfort seats with an adjustable sholder rest, 8 Air Bags, Insulated Windows, power rear seats with heat, radar in the bumpers, power sun shades. Its all the little toys i love and BMW is known for their toys. What all does Lexus offer? I know that Jaguar is a pretty boring car on the inside, very plush, but boring.
#9 of 24685 . by enigma23 Nov 28, 1999 (4:53 pm)
How are 8 airbags toys?? I would consider them as Safety features and would never think of them as toys.
#10 of 24685 LS400...used...which year to get? by jbradb Nov 28, 1999 (10:34 pm)
I've seen edmunds re used LS400s, but any strong feelings? seems '96 ('95?) was a style change and '98 was an engine change. other than those two biggies, what do you Lexophiles think? I'm not asking opinions about WHETHER to get a Lexus vs. other brand. I've driven enough to know they are like apples and oranges. Thanks!