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High End Luxury Cars

24723 messages,  Last post on Jan 28, 2013 at 6:55 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

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.

Messages Page 1939 of 2473

#19379 of 24723 Too much complexity is no virtue by dewey

Sep 28, 2006 (8:13 pm)

How many German car owners love their COMMAND, MMI or iDrive sysems? Evidently not too many. Below is an interesting study done on European auto info/entertainment systems:
 
link title
 
SOURCE: GLOBE & MAIL, Sept 28, 2006
 
Euro interiors too complicated to be safe, study finds
 
Auto companies in Europe are losing the battle between safety and convenience features, with no end in sight, according to a study released this summer.
 
The report concludes that the advanced infotainment systems found in many leading European cars are too complicated to be operated safely, and that there's not much safety improvement coming down the product pipeline.
 
The study, done by auto parts consultancy firm SBD, looked at the current offerings of mainline as well as luxury auto makers in Europe, as well as infotainment concepts proposed for the near future.
 
Both current and proposed systems were found to be too distracting to be safe, especially in vehicles with menu-based, instrument-cluster displays that encourage the driver to look away from the road ahead, such as BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI systems.
 
"We believe vehicle manufacturers should inhibit functions that are too difficult to perform, or are unnecessary while driving, to encourage motorists to focus on the primary task of driving," said SBD director David McClure.
 
On the plus side, he cited BMW's head-up display for vital vehicle info a step forward for safety, but concluded that the overall HMI (human machine interface) was safest in Volvo and Saab models, which don't have menu-based systems.

#19380 of 24723 Re: Unfortunately, [blkhemi] by tagman

Sep 28, 2006 (8:18 pm)

Replying to: blkhemi (Sep 28, 2006 7:53 pm)
The R8 is already preordered up to mid '08, so a virtual sellout.
 
The R8 deserves that kind of sales embrace.
 
As we've said . . . expect big things from Audi. This is just the beginning.
 
TagMan

#19381 of 24723 Re: Unfortunately, [blkhemi] by ivan_99

Sep 28, 2006 (8:20 pm)

Replying to: blkhemi (Sep 28, 2006 7:53 pm)
The R8 is already preordered up to mid '08
 
Is is “really” sold out? By really I mean is it sold to people intent on insuring it and putting it on the road?
 
I thought a number of low quantity / high desirability vehicles were purchased by independent dealers...and put on the market at a premium...say 20K? Heard this somewhere...maybe on the internet, so who knows if its true.

#19382 of 24723 Re: Unfortunately, [tagman] by dewey

Sep 28, 2006 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Sep 28, 2006 8:18 pm)
The R8 deserves that kind of sales embrace.
 
IMO this car screams for too much attention.
  
Personally I prefer the "wolf in sheep's clothing" Audi RS models. If I'm driving I dont want too much attention especially from traffic patrol officers.

#19383 of 24723 Re: Audi R8 [dewey] by merc1

Sep 28, 2006 (10:05 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Sep 28, 2006 7:02 am)
I find the 07 model year for BMWs quite peculiar. BMW 530/525s will sell side by side with BMW 335i and 328i models. Doesn't make much sense to me since bigger and more expensive models do deserve more power?
 
True, but BMW will fix that with a 5-Series facelift, I'd say in the spring with an early 08' model. Here I go betting again, but I'd say there will be a 535i as well as a 635i and 735i too.
 
M

#19384 of 24723 Re: Audi R8 [lexusguy] by merc1

Sep 28, 2006 (10:07 pm)

Replying to: lexusguy (Sep 28, 2006 8:17 am)
I felt the same way when I first saw an Merc E200 in the UK.
 
Yeah there is a guy on one my other boards with a W140 "S280". A real tank, slow and all.
 
M

#19385 of 24723 Re: Dewey - Is this the new "baby"? [dewey] by merc1

Sep 28, 2006 (10:09 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Sep 28, 2006 12:05 pm)
Well I suspect it won't be sheer power that will seperate the future M3 from the new 335i models, but a serious upgrade in handling and looks. That new Coupe shape is just the right base for some serious body modifications. Wider this and bigger that and the next M3 is going to be stunning to look at in addition to drive with a reach-for-the-sky reving 4.0L V8.
 
M

#19386 of 24723 Re: Unfortunately, [dewey] by tagman

Sep 28, 2006 (10:10 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Sep 28, 2006 8:32 pm)
IMO this car screams for too much attention.
   
Personally I prefer the "wolf in sheep's clothing" Audi RS models. If I'm driving I dont want too much attention especially from traffic patrol officers.
 
You know, dewey, there is something wonderful about appreciating the limits of automotive design. Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini all immediately come to mind, of course. They are stunning in their own ways, and their performance is exhilerating.
 
IMO, the R8 joins the ranks of the beautiful cars of the world. There are others, of course, and I don't intend to list them all here.
 
I have never had any reservations about being in the driver's seat of a beautiful car. Sure, we can say it's just the performance that counts, but is it really? The visibility factor of a gorgeous car is part of the fun, IMO.
 
What's better . . . being with the wife in front of a fireplace with a golden glow on her face, or being together in a pitch black room?
 
Now, on the other hand, if you are describing more "stealth"-like qualities, I definately can see the validity at times.
 
Given the choice, though, I have to admit that I'd be one of those that would be very content in the driver's seat of that new R8.
 
TagMan

#19387 of 24723 Re: hpowders is right [dewey] by merc1

Sep 28, 2006 (10:16 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Sep 28, 2006 2:04 pm)
A V6 Accord with a stick would be my number one pick within that price range.
 
I continue to wonder why VW doesn't offer the V6 Passat with a stick. Would you consider one of those if they did? The Passat with its sport package is way sportier than any Accord.
 
M

#19388 of 24723 Re: tag, and merc [dhamilton] by merc1

Sep 28, 2006 (11:36 pm)

Replying to: dhamilton (Sep 28, 2006 8:11 am)
Boy that car is stunning. As always with Audi, the devil is in the details.
 
I agree!
 

 

 

 
I just can't imagine seeing this at an Audi dealership. I think it is going to cause quite a stir.
 
M

Messages Page 1939 of 2473

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