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

Messages Page 1799 of 2471: 1; ...; 1796; 1797; 1798; 1799; 1800; 1801; 1802; ...; 2471; Prev; Next; Last

#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...
#17985 of 24700 Re: Thanks Pat [tagman] by blkhemi Aug 11, 2006 (6:35 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Aug 11, 2006 5:12 pm) Tag, most of your opinions about the car are pretty much what I came away with today. The transmission will lose it's Cambiocorsa moniker in favor of a , ironically, Audi-sourced 6-Speed autobox. The interior has a unique flair to it. The choice of woods,plastics, and leathers are very appropiate for the 100k+ sticker, but closer scrutiny reveals the interior is not as well assembled as MB or Audi's. No huge biggie, what cars are? The suspension was on the stiff side. But I like my suspensions like I like my drinks, STIFF, STIRRED and not SHAKEN. The car has that glued to the road feel of the 7, but admittedly, a 760i Sport will dance circles around it. I did enjoy the stiff structure and rattle free interior. Absolutely no body roll. And I thought the Audi 4-Ring was huge on the front, that Maser Trident measures 11 inches, HUGE. All in all, I really dig the car. It is truely what the blend of performance and luxury is really all about. The car has the perfect balance of a true sport sedan. But that is the problem: too sporty. My W12 and the S600 let's you choose between all sporty or all comfort, not so in QP, which is it's intended purpose anyway.... BTW: Thanks to all for your respective views on this awesome sports sedan. The info is really appreciated. What do any of you think of the S600? I think I know where Tag and Merc stands........... Replies to this message: lexusguy (Aug 11, 2006 9:58 pm) blkhemi (Aug 12, 2006 4:31 am) designman (Aug 12, 2006 5:43 am) lexusguy (Aug 12, 2006 9:49 am) and 4 more... merc1 (Aug 13, 2006 9:08 pm) lexusguy (Aug 13, 2006 10:09 pm) and 3 more...
#17986 of 24700 Re: Thanks Pat [blkhemi] by dewey Aug 11, 2006 (7:17 pm)
Replying to: blkhemi (Aug 11, 2006 2:33 pm) All in all, I really dig the car. It is truely what the blend of performance and luxury is really all about. The car has the perfect balance of a true sport sedan. But that is the problem: too sporty. My W12 and the S600 let's you choose between all sporty or all comfort, not so in QP, which is it's intended purpose anyway.... If I had to choose between these two wonderful cars I would pick a QP. Is the QP too sporty? I wouldn't want it any other way. The purr of a V8 Ferrari engine is just too tempting. Based on my interpretation of your statement above it does appear that you're leaning towards a car like the S600 which provides more of a balance between luxury and performance than a QP. If I am mistaken and you do favor the sport of a QP, then have you ever considered putting your name on the waiting list for an Audi RS6? I know the QP and RS6 are at very different price levels but the RS6 does look like one great bang for the buck(at least relative to a QP)