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High End Luxury Cars

24700 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 12:24 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.

#13502 of 24700 Re: The trueth about the Century :) [ljflx] by garyh1 Jan 19, 2006 (11:36 am)
Replying to: ljflx (Jan 19, 2006 8:57 am) I wonder if the Crown Majesta should have been the GS. It would have done more damage to an E-class than current GS will do to a 5-series IMO.   I have to agree with you here, Len. The relationship between the ES and the GS300 has always been confusing to me, even understanding the large technical differences between them.   For example, in about a year I will be looking for a replacement for my '98 E320 (extremely low mileage) that my wife is now driving, and I can't figure out what to get for her. She's no sports car driver, but unless an AWD version of the ES becomes available, I'm not sure I'd want to see her in a FWD car. And the GS300AWD is too small in the back seat to be practical, but the LS is more car than she wants. She's not going to like the interior of the 5-series, and neither of us can stand to look at the nose of the A6. And I'm not ready to assume that MB has fixed the reliability problems of the E yet, although perhaps by then I will be - but I think a new version will be coming out around then, and that really makes me nervous! All of which leads me to believe that if the Majestic has a better back seat than the GS (the pics make it look like it does), it might be the answer for her.   Of course, the best answer may be to convince her to take my LS, and then I can justify getting the new one!   Bottom line questions for lexusguy: wouldn't it be nice to have a "baby LS" in the showroom, rather than just a gussied-up Camry and 2 versions of an poorly-sized sport sedan? Would the Majesta fill that role? Replies to this message: lexusguy (Jan 19, 2006 11:51 am) garyh1 (Jan 19, 2006 8:20 pm) ljflx (Jan 19, 2006 12:07 pm)
#13503 of 24700 Someday Toyota might by scott1256 Jan 19, 2006 (11:50 am)
set aside their concerns over protectionist sentiment in the USA and EU. If that ever happens the ultra luxury market will get interesting fast.   Toyota has engines and other systems in place that would enable them to roll out world class sedans, roadsters and coupes in the $100-250,000 bracket.   They now have great cabin designs, at least at home. The interiors Toyota offers in Japan rival what the British and Italians are building.
#13504 of 24700 Re: The trueth about the Century :) [garyh1] by lexusguy Jan 19, 2006 (11:51 am)
Replying to: garyh1 (Jan 19, 2006 11:36 am) Well, Lexus has no plans to bring the car stateside, so its not something you're going to be able to just get at your local dealer. What do you think of the Acura RL? Replies to this message: garyh1 (Jan 19, 2006 8:20 pm)
#13505 of 24700 Re: The trueth about the Century :) [lexusguy] by bdr127 Jan 19, 2006 (12:05 pm)
Replying to: lexusguy (Jan 19, 2006 11:01 am) We've talked about Toyota in Japan as being "THE" luxury brand. I know this is somewhat off-topic for the HELM board, but does Toyota in Japan make cars that are more on our Toyota level, too?
#13506 of 24700 Re: The trueth about the Century :) [garyh1] by ljflx Jan 19, 2006 (12:07 pm)
Replying to: garyh1 (Jan 19, 2006 11:36 am) Gary - there are certain things you just look at and you know they'd be big hits. The Crown Majesta and the Imperial concept are two that come right to mind. If I'm a Lexus dealer I want that car here tomorrow and if I'm a Chrysler dealer I want the Imperial production starting tomorrow. An AWD Crown Majesta here will be a smash hit IMO and given it's more ES in size it would be viewed as a smaller LS. Now if they make that car become the next ES and restyle it with L-finesse than the ES sales - which are already quite high - will surge. I've read in a number of places the new ES will be distinctly different than the Camry, so maybe it's a possibility.
#13507 of 24700 Re: The trueth about the Century :) [bdr127] by lexusguy Jan 19, 2006 (8:43 am)
Replying to: bdr127 (Jan 19, 2006 8:22 am) No, the Century is just a very dated looking car, I think thats universal. The Crown Majesta is a modern luxury car, more attractive than the current LS430, actually.   Replies to this message: rjlaero (Jan 19, 2006 5:08 pm)
#13508 of 24700 Re: 2006 Detroit Autoshow Report (cont) [merc1] by tagman Jan 19, 2006 (9:25 am)
Replying to: merc1 (Jan 19, 2006 12:03 am) merc1,   I finally got a chance to read your posts. Some of these other "old-timers" are more familiar with you than I am . . . so, I must say that you continue to amaze me as I read more of your writings over time. It is truly a pleasure. From a personal standpoint, I was awaiting your feedback most of all for the GL, the S-Class, and the LS460 (and L). . . but I enjoyed every word of your report. Again, a little later than some of the others, but my first opportunity to say a well-deserved "THANKS" to you. And . . . welcome back!   TagMan
#13509 of 24700 Re: The trueth about the Century :) [lexusguy] by rjlaero Jan 19, 2006 (5:08 pm)
Replying to: lexusguy (Jan 19, 2006 8:43 am) Sorry, but to me, that car looks circa 1992. Nothing special about the design and it's a very boring look.
#13510 of 24700 Re: The trueth about the Century :) [lexusguy] by garyh1 Jan 19, 2006 (8:20 pm)
Replying to: lexusguy (Jan 19, 2006 11:51 am) What do you think of the Acura RL?   Good suggestion, lexusguy. I never have looked at the RL closely. It had just come out when I got my LS in October '05. The early reviews all commented on the small size of the back seat, and that was a big deal for me (carrying 2-3 people in back for business meetings, and carrying my two teenagers on family outings), so I never pursued it. And the styling of the front of the car was singularly unexciting to me. But that certainly is something to consider if nothing else comes along before then that takes her breath away.
#13511 of 24700 Re: Merc1 [ljflx] by merc1 Jan 19, 2006 (9:13 pm)
Replying to: ljflx (Jan 19, 2006 8:15 am) Deep under all that Mercedes love there is a very objective car guy. I've said that before in different words but I'll say it again. Excellent report.   Of course I am, thanks! This year was like the best show ever since I've been going. The sheer number of concepts and production debuts were a lot to take in. I enjoyed going through the trouble of trying to do so.   M

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