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High End Luxury Cars

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

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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.

#20966 of 24685 Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [merc1] by tagman Nov 14, 2006 (10:14 am)
Replying to: merc1 (Nov 13, 2006 9:37 pm) Then there are the huge gaps between the buttons and the steering wheel hub   We've all seen this before, when the steering wheel's hub uses the center axis as a pivot point, and therefore needs the "space" to move (push on side to side) the hub in order to honk the horn. The gap is by design, but there are alternatives that other manufacturers have clearly proven are less unsightly.   TagMan Replies to this message: merc1 (Nov 14, 2006 2:58 pm)
#20967 of 24685 Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [merc1] by anthonyp Nov 14, 2006 (12:31 pm)
Replying to: merc1 (Nov 13, 2006 9:37 pm) I guess as a personal opinion that the wood steering wheel looks great, but after now having the leather I sure wouldn`t go back...On my next car if the pictured wheel were to be all leather on the bottom--no metal--I would be happy....The wood gets slippery and sort of a light greasy feel if not wiped off regularly Tony Replies to this message: blkhemi (Nov 14, 2006 1:30 pm) tagman (Nov 14, 2006 3:02 pm)
#20968 of 24685 Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [merc1] by blkhemi Nov 14, 2006 (1:28 pm)
Replying to: merc1 (Nov 13, 2006 9:37 pm) Merc, it's good to know that I wasn't the only one to find that steering wheel unsightly.   It just doesn't belong in a vehicle starting slightly south of $60k. It's hard to say this, but the Escalade's(altho tilt only-MANUAL AT THAT!!) is more nicely wrought out.   The whole IP is a bit uninspired to my eyes, but the use of materials and assembly are first rate.   But as Tag eluded to, the steering wheel gaps are part of the function of the wheel, not a design flaw. But it is a cheapened way to get a better wheel to fully integrate the wheel controls and hub, like on most other high end cars.
#20969 of 24685 Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [anthonyp] by blkhemi Nov 14, 2006 (1:30 pm)
Replying to: anthonyp (Nov 14, 2006 12:31 pm) Tony P: Wood is good, leather is clever, but I sure wouldn't trade my Alcantara suede-lined wheel rim on my Audi's for nothing, altho the wood wheel on my S600 is pretty cool. Replies to this message: tagman (Nov 14, 2006 3:02 pm)
#20970 of 24685 Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [tagman] by merc1 Nov 14, 2006 (2:58 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Nov 14, 2006 10:14 am) The gap is by design, but there are alternatives that other manufacturers have clearly proven are less unsightly.   Well I think it is just plain poor (i.e. cheap) design. Mercedes does much better on their other models so there is no excuse for the R/M/GL steering wheel to look that way.   M
#20971 of 24685 Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [blkhemi] by dewey Nov 14, 2006 (3:00 pm)
Replying to: blkhemi (Nov 13, 2006 3:10 pm) But, as I see it, regarding Audi, very few owners report the problems that are so purported with German cars. I had the most technology-driven, most powerful and biggest Audi of them all, yet that car never saw one unscheduled visit.   I myself have shared your positive experiences with German cars for more than two decades. And I can assure you that JD or CR will not sway me to purchase or not purchase a car. The non-existence of JD or CR stats on BMW twin turbos did not prevent me from buying one.   Having said that I think you and I can agree upon the importance of JD and CR stats for the automobilie buying public. The weakness of all German luxury cars is that there is not a single model that has consistently earned red dots for more than a few years as an overall score from CR or has ranked as best in class by JD on a consistent basis.   Lexus has achieved that with many of its models on a consistent basis throughout the years.   Is that important? I dont think so! But from a strictly marketing perspective it certainly does help Lexus. Replies to this message: syswei (Nov 14, 2006 3:13 pm) tagman (Nov 14, 2006 3:18 pm) syswei (Nov 15, 2006 4:20 am) and 22 more... dewey (Nov 14, 2006 3:28 pm) houdini1 (Nov 14, 2006 4:33 pm) and 64 more... syswei (Nov 14, 2006 5:24 pm)
#20973 of 24685 Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [blkhemi] by tagman Nov 14, 2006 (3:02 pm)
Replying to: blkhemi (Nov 14, 2006 1:30 pm) I sure wouldn't trade my Alcantara suede-lined wheel rim on my Audi's for nothing, altho the wood wheel on my S600 is pretty cool.   Jaguar Vanden Plas steering wheel is wood, both top and bottom, with leather in the center and both sides, good balance between the two, decent thickness, coordinates with burl interior, and is also internally heated in conjunction with heated seats  . . . three temp selections. Well done, IMO . . . but I'd have to say my favorite has always been quality leather. I also like a thick grip . . . skinny is no good, IMO.   BTW, Targa is supposed to arrive within next few days.   TagMan

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