Ask the Car People.SM


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 2303 of 2473

#23017 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [hpowders] by tagman

Jan 18, 2007 (12:09 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jan 18, 2007 11:41 am)
Sat in the 2007 X5 at the showroom today...
 
Disappointing!
 
Well, then, you may have saved me a trip to the BMW dealer. I've been curious about the new X5.
 
The new GL diesel sounds nice, and there will possibly be an additional version with a bigger V8 diesel as well. Only thing is, it seems too big. We'll probably just keep the wife's MDX for a while longer. She likes it enough, and it's been flawless so far.
 
TagMan

#23018 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [tagman] by hpowders

Jan 18, 2007 (3:42 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 18, 2007 12:09 pm)
When the salesman tells you the X5 is a "big step up", he isn't referring to status!
 
Man! I thought I was mounting a horse, climbing into that monstrosity!

#23019 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [tagman] by hpowders

Jan 18, 2007 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 18, 2007 12:09 pm)
The new MDX is on my "have to drive" list. I will check out the 2008 model next year. Hope they have parking sensors by then. And perforated cooling seats. And real wood. And a power lift gate available in basic, sport and technology packages. And a different front grille. And desperate dealers who are watching inventory pile up and ready to see things "my way."
 
PS: This of course, if my outrageously low offer for the 545i is rejected.

#23020 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [hpowders] by tagman

Jan 18, 2007 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jan 18, 2007 3:53 pm)
Wife's MDX is an '06, loaded, and yes, it has parking sensors with the camera, nav, satellite, bluetooth, voice command, i-pod link, DVD rear-entertainment, and a long list of options and accessories. No power tailgate, however, and fortunately she's never expressed a need or desire for that.
 
As flawless as her '06 has been, I'm guessing the new version starting with '07 is likely even better.
 
TagMan

#23021 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [hpowders] by dewey

Jan 18, 2007 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jan 18, 2007 11:41 am)
The new X5 disappointing?
 
That is exactly why my wife drives a BMW touring wagon. Also my kids are no longer Hobbit-sized so the third row X5 seat will no longer be of any assistance to us.

#23022 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [tagman] by dewey

Jan 18, 2007 (6:16 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 18, 2007 12:09 pm)
The new GL diesel sounds nice.
 
A V8 diesel with California diesel prices?
 
I think I will wait a few more years before seeking an alternative fuel efficient drivetrain. I am looking forward to a lithium ion battery powered hybrid (a Chevy Volt or a Toyota/Lexus hybrid) that wont share the same burning fate as Sony laptops.
 
The diesel alternative sounds soooo 19th century. And the other fuel efficient alternatives sounds soooo 20th century---CVT or 8 speed transmissions, low friction engines, accessories decoupled from the engine,, displacement on demand systems, cam phasing and multicam engines. Squeezing out fuel savings from these alternatives is like squeezing a dry lemon.
 
For fuel efficiency the 21st century belongs to hybrids and fuel cell autos. IMHO at least.

#23023 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [hpowders] by dewey

Jan 18, 2007 (6:40 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jan 18, 2007 8:54 am)
Was told that one can bring in the vehicle every 12 months for an oil change if the 15k mileage interval hasn't been achieved
 
I will have to find out if this covert oil change policy applies to BMW dealerships in Toronto?

#23024 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [dewey] by tagman

Jan 18, 2007 (6:55 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Jan 18, 2007 6:16 pm)
There you go again.
 
The new diesels are not only modern, but will be an even better partner to the electric motors than their gas counterparts, as diesel/hybrids start to make themselves a reality... first in Europe and then in the States.
 
And... the diesel GL costs at least $1500 to $2500 LESS than its gas counterpart, so the savings begins even at the point of purchase, let alone the continued savings at the pump. (unlike hybrids, whick take forever at the pump to make up the hybrid purchase "premium".)
 
Sorry, Dewey, diesels are modern and will be part of diesel/hybrids, and beyond that they will burn alternate fuels as well. All modern thinking, my friend.
 
It won't be all that many years after their introduction that modern diesels capture at least 9% of the entire market here, and will ultimately outsell gas/hybrids. Mercedes will sell 15% of their SUV's as modern diesel models.
 
Want to place a bet on this?
 
Here's some info on diesel hybrids in Europe:
 
plugged-in diesels for Europe
 
Here's some info from C&D on the Mercedes GL diesel you might find interesting:
 
'07 Diesel GL
 
BTW, I absolutely do agree with you about fuel cells, however. But that will come later, not sooner.
 
TagMan

#23025 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [tagman] by dewey

Jan 18, 2007 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 18, 2007 6:55 pm)
It won't be all that many years after their introduction that modern diesels capture at least 9% of the entire market here, and will ultimately outsell gas/hybrids. Mercedes will sell 15% of their SUV's as modern diesel models.
 
Want to place a bet on this?
 
It's a bet! My prediction is that by 2013 non-hybrid diesels in N. America will become relics of the past as plug in hybrids become more mainstream.

#23026 of 24723 Re: Spoke to... [tagman] by hpowders

Jan 18, 2007 (8:31 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 18, 2007 6:02 pm)
C&D gave the MDX a nice write-up in their latest issue.
Most of the reviews have been positive.
Whether I get one or not, I will drive one next year. I remember enough about the 2005 X5 drive to make a comparison.

Messages Page 2303 of 2473

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement