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.

Outline

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#17975 of 24700 Thanks Pat by blkhemi Aug 11, 2006 (2:33 pm)
You know, I was going to strike back at the Doc and tell him to stop taking the crazy pill, but no. I'm here to elaborate on my experience today in a brand spankin' new Maserati QP GT today. Let me just say, WOW. I've long underestimated this car as I'm still not as forgiving as some with the past Maserati offerings of the past 20 years. First thing, this cars interior, while not quite as lush as an A8 or S550, is very nice. The choice of interior materials and quality of them is about the best thing out of Italy behind a Ferrari Scallietti V12. The seats are super supportive and coddles without the restrained feel. The exterior design, while not the best in the class, is stunning as pictures don't do it justice. And the performance: The Ferrari-sourced V8 is absolutely electrifying. The sound is so good you actually think you're behind the wheel of a F430. The car takes curves like it's on rails, altho I didn't think it to be that much better than a 750i Sport. But what the car does do right is stop on a dime. 60-0 in 119 feet, a few shorter than a Boxster(none S) and only 4 feet longer than an Enzo. So, my friend who owns the car asked: Dude, is it enough to pry you out of your W12? I replied, heck no. He went on to ask sense my wife and I sold our CLS55, will it take your mind off of the S8? I replied, are you crazy? Then finally, he asked will I rethink the soon-to-be-purchased S600? I told him that I would have to drive them back to back again as the S600 is just that good. The QP GT is a true "4 door Sports Car", while the S600 is the complete package. It goes fast, it turns on a dime, and looks damn good doing it. Tag, Merc, hp, dewey, reality, even LG, what do you fellas think of the QP, particularly the GT? I respect your views on cars more so than most on here as they're unbiased, unlike some the "perfecto's". Replies to this message: pat (Aug 11, 2006 2:40 pm) hpowders (Aug 11, 2006 3:16 pm) reality2 (Aug 11, 2006 4:33 pm) tagman (Aug 11, 2006 5:12 pm) blkhemi (Aug 11, 2006 6:35 pm) lexusguy (Aug 11, 2006 9:58 pm) and 12 more... dewey (Aug 11, 2006 7:17 pm) merc1 (Aug 13, 2006 9:03 pm)
#17976 of 24700 Re: Thanks Pat [blkhemi] by pat HOST Aug 11, 2006 (2:40 pm)
Replying to: blkhemi (Aug 11, 2006 2:33 pm) The folks whose opinions you are seeking know what they are talking about and I probably don't. But let me tell you, if I won the lottery, I think the first thing I would do is find a Maserati QP and bring it home. (and then go right back outside and run it!)
#17977 of 24700 Re: Thanks Pat [blkhemi] by hpowders Aug 11, 2006 (3:16 pm)
Replying to: blkhemi (Aug 11, 2006 2:33 pm) Well I wish I can say I drove one, but alas, I haven't. I usually stay away from vehicles that are a bit above my price range. However, from everything I have read, there is no doubt it is the best of the HELM vehicles discussed here in that it is the only vehicle that has successfully solved the luxury/performance dilemma, is great in both and makes no concessions. Such a vehicle is wasted in the USA with its ridiculous speed limits, IMO, unless you have access to a great track and can really put it through its paces where I am sure you will feel quite exhilarated. As one would expect, the mpg is quite dismal, but if you can afford this vehicle, I'm sure you don't have to ask about the gas. As for me, I'm like Pat. I will just keep playing the lottery and dream! I'm sure Merc, LG, Dewey and Tagman have a lot to say about this allegedly great vehicle.
#17978 of 24700 Re: Thanks Pat [blkhemi] by reality2 Aug 11, 2006 (4:33 pm)
Replying to: blkhemi (Aug 11, 2006 2:33 pm) Thanks blkhemi. I must say that I have driven the QP once. I think it blends Italian design and performance in a very nice package with a very Italian taste to it. Which is nice compared to the ulitarian German look. Only Merc and Audi make comparable sedans to the QP GT as you mentioned. In my simple review, for a vehicle weighing so much, I found it easy to drive with a pretty good communicative feel in terms of handling. I did not notice too much roll either. It is very stiff though, much more I would assume than the new S8 since the S8 has adpative suspension. One thing that grabbed me a bit strange during my test drive was that the V8 spools up and sort of "gathers" itself before launching. For me this was a bit ackward. I get this same feeling on my '05 A6 4.2, but not as soft as the QP GT and much faster. The transmission is interesting and takes some time to get used to, but I did not find it frustrating as others have reported in various reviews of the QP. The interior is a nice blend of Italian tradition with a modern appeal, but not up to Audi standards. Still, the QP is low on hp compared to its main rivals from MB and Audi. But the QP is a very nice ride with that elegant and sexy Italian appeal. Robb Report is 'gaga' over it as they chose it over other competitors. Would I get it over the S8 - no! But still it is very appealing and different (which is always good).
#17980 of 24700 Re: Europhiles Even More Desperate [houdini1] by reality2 Aug 11, 2006 (4:36 pm)
Replying to: houdini1 (Aug 11, 2006 10:31 am) Why would Air Europe be desparate? I am not sure of your point. There is room for the LS in the marketplace, but it won't hurt the Europeans, especially in Europe, where no one will buy the LS except some "footballers wives".
#17982 of 24700 Quattroporte by designman Aug 11, 2006 (4:39 pm)
Blkhemi... if you haven't done so yet, read the entire Quattroporte thread on Edmunds. It's must-reading for anyone with interest: Maserati Quattroporte 2005+
#17983 of 24700 Re: Thanks Pat [blkhemi] by tagman Aug 11, 2006 (5:12 pm)
Replying to: blkhemi (Aug 11, 2006 2:33 pm) Regarding the Q: You might already know that I do not have the same negative view of the interior that some others do on this forum. The other day I posted the interior pic for all to see, and although I understand the criticisms, I really see and appreciate the beauty in it. The exterior is wonderful. I remember months ago I had asked the question of this forum to find the one single HELM that blended luxury and performance and the Q was one of the answers. The tranny is reputed to shift a bit too harsh, but I understand that is about to be changed for the better. I filled up at the gas station the other day right next to a gentlemen and his Q. I had to ask his take on the car. He LOVED his Q . . . its style and performance. My take on the Q? I have intended to drive it for myself, as there is a dealer not too far, but I've put it off for one reason or another, most particularly of course because I'm not about to buy one right now, but a drive will be in the future. At this point, without the test drive I give the car high marks, but a test drive is worth a lot. I would predict that after such a drive I would like it even more. TagMan Replies to this message: blkhemi (Aug 11, 2006 6:35 pm) lexusguy (Aug 11, 2006 9:58 pm) blkhemi (Aug 12, 2006 4:31 am) designman (Aug 12, 2006 5:43 am) and 5 more... merc1 (Aug 13, 2006 9:08 pm) and 4 more...