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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 2134 of 2473

#21327 of 24723 Re: LS Interest [dewey] by laurasdada

Nov 25, 2006 (8:37 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Nov 25, 2006 12:36 pm)
Yes, Dad enjoys his cars. Usually a little off-center including a (I think the year was) 1956 Mercedes 300(?) grey four door convertible that was not meant for the US. The rear view mirror flipped up like a periscope due to the huge rear stack created by the convertible top. The car had a "Dictaphone" in it, the speedo was, of course, calibrated in km/h. It was HUGE! He also had a '71 Saab 99 with "freewheeling" four speed stick, the car I learned to drive in and ended up using in high school. By then, very faded red, but fun and different from the plethora of Monte Carlos, Camaros, Mustangs, Pintos and Mavericks of friends... Dad also bought a "restored" 1964.5 Mustang convertible from a friend. From a distance, it looked fab, not so much under close scrutiny. And, after a post-purchase mechanical inspection, he was told that it was a time bomb on wheels... And, about as un-HELC as possible, a yellow w/black racing stripes Renault Le Car. Two friends and I drove the LeCar from CT to Jackson Hole, WY for a semester break ski trip. Car was an economical champ and got us through some wicked snow storms. Still the most snow I've ever seen in my life and the best seven straight days of skiing...
 
Dad always wanted a BMW, a Bavaria specifically. He had friends who just loved driving them. But hated owning them, days of less than stellar reliabiility I guess back then. Mom did so like her Mercedes, though.
 
And now for a sarcastic(?) moment:
 
Another differnece in the LS vs. S interior is that all those lovely electronics will probably actually work reliably for the LS!
 
I think the S looks much better on the road than in pix. While I absolutely hate the "Bangle-butt" (most egregious on the 6 series), it is done a little more gracefully on the S, but I'd prefer a more traditional posterior. Saw a shiny, black 2007 S today while spending the day on Cape Cod. Looked good to me...

#21328 of 24723 Re: Tag [drfill] by tagman

Nov 25, 2006 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: drfill (Nov 25, 2006 8:29 pm)
Doc, the trickiest stick I ever drove was actually in a Ferrari.
 
I cursed more than once at its inverted 5-speed with first gear in the lower left corner. Just because it was in a Ferrari doesn't mean it wasn't goofy. It was horrible.
 
TagMan

#21329 of 24723 Re: LS Interest [laurasdada] by tagman

Nov 25, 2006 (8:55 pm)

Replying to: laurasdada (Nov 25, 2006 8:37 pm)
I think the S looks much better on the road than in pix. While I absolutely hate the "Bangle-butt" (most egregious on the 6 series), it is done a little more gracefully on the S, but I'd prefer a more traditional posterior. Saw a shiny, black 2007 S today while spending the day on Cape Cod. Looked good to me...
 
As much as I like the S-Class, I would have preferred to see a little more of a streamlined graceful trunk.
 
TagMan

#21330 of 24723 Tag by dhamilton

Nov 25, 2006 (9:11 pm)

Doesn't the Maserati Gransport come in a drop top? Could that be an option?
 
 On the cheap end, what about the new Ford Mustang Shelby cobra. I know, I know, not near as refined as the other cars were discussing, just thought I'd throw out some odd balls.
 
What a dilemma you are in. It's kind of like the quandary that Mrs Blkhemi is facing on her return from overseas. The S600, or the S8. Oh the humanity

#21331 of 24723 Re: Test Drives [tagman] by lexusguy

Nov 26, 2006 (5:15 am)

Replying to: tagman (Nov 25, 2006 7:19 pm)
Very nice, but I'm not all that impressed with the Tiptronic.
 
I got the same impression in my Carrera S Cab tiptronic test drive. The Porsche autobox is average at best, it really doesn't befit a performance company of their stature. Porsche needs Audi's "R-tronic", and they need it now.
 
I'm sorry the Jag test drive wasn't up to your expectations. I would suggest giving it one more go, if its not too much trouble. When its working properly, the Jag's gearbox is amazing. Mercedes' 7-speed is probably the most refined automatic on the road, but that doesn't necessarily make it "fun". When I test drove the SL I tried the manual mode briefly and then just left it in auto. The Jag on the other hand is all the fun of a SMG, without the drawbacks.
 
The XK is a large car, but it doesn't drive that way. Its several hundred pounds lighter than the SL, and I can tell behind the wheel. Also, that size means the XK has a usable trunk. The SL has room for maybe one bag, and only a soft one.

#21332 of 24723 Re: Tag [dhamilton] by lexusguy

Nov 26, 2006 (5:32 am)

Replying to: dhamilton (Nov 25, 2006 9:11 pm)
Doesn't the Maserati Gransport come in a drop top? Could that be an option?
 
Unfortunately no, the Gransport is only offered as a coupe.

#21333 of 24723 Re: Tag [tagman] by dewey

Nov 26, 2006 (6:31 am)

Replying to: tagman (Nov 25, 2006 7:35 pm)
Help me out with the Porsche Tiptronic 911 vs. SL550 dilemma
 
Test drive again and again until you find your answer!
 
The SL would get my vote. Its 7 G tronic speed transmission is the best automatic transmission offered on any boulevard cruiser/roadster. Its styling is classic. And its high tech folding roof is the best in the industry. Porsche and tipronics is like oil and water. They just dont mix.
 
Why haven't you even bothered to test drive the BMW 6 Series?
 
Personally I prefer small roadsters vs. boulevard cruisers and would pick a smaller and nimbler BMW 3series convertible coupe/M series but certainly not as fun as a Porshce with a stick. I think those cars are more fun to drive especially with a stick. But with a auto tranny my choice would be for a larger boulevard cruiser like the SL. Definitley the SL.

#21334 of 24723 Re: Tag [lexusguy] by lexusguy

Nov 26, 2006 (6:34 am)

Replying to: lexusguy (Nov 26, 2006 5:32 am)
I dont think Tag is a mustang kind of guy. Also, going from an Elise to a Shelby is pretty backwards, from one of the lightest, best handling cars in the world to a big nose heavy straight-line only muscle car with a beam axle.
 
A CLK AMG would be a much more logical choice I think.

#21335 of 24723 tag, a mustang kind of guy by dhamilton

Nov 26, 2006 (7:40 am)

I agree, however , every reviewer that tests it says all those things, nose heavy, not up to a stock vette's performance, but still a blast to drive.

#21336 of 24723 Re: Tag [dewey] by tagman

Nov 26, 2006 (7:45 am)

Replying to: dewey (Nov 26, 2006 6:31 am)
Test drive again and again until you find your answer!
 
That's what I should do.
 
One other disappointment about the Porsche that was totally unexpected... The styling is certainly darn good, but as I spent time with it I realized that the front has gotten very plain in this latest rendition. There's absolutely nothing going on up front any more, and it seems a bit old in the tooth when I look at that front end.
 
On the other hand the XK and the SL were stunning, IMO.
 
BTW, I'm not a 'stang guy. Former owner of a Camaro H.O. 5-speed stick (years ago!)
 
TagMan

Messages Page 2134 of 2473

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