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

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#4342 of 24700 Maybe different - not attractive by footie Mar 05, 2004 (7:51 am)
Each to their own, eh Merc1. To me the 5 and 7 still look like somebody scrambed a box of model cars on the floor and then picked up the pieces and stuck them together with a blindfold on. From the headlights of the 5, which remind me of an owl, to the bustle on the back, the 5 seems artificially contrived. Of course, the 7 looks like someone put a big square box in the trunk and then shut it with a metal press. Even though there's supposed to be a single designer behind these cars, I also still liken the new 5 and 7 to camels, which of course are horses designed by a committee. I much prefer the MB design to the BMWs, beccause the MB design is integrated, flows smoothly (jellybeans) from front to back. Not everyone may like the MB, but at least it is harmonious.
#4343 of 24700 Vote now! by pat HOST Mar 05, 2004 (8:44 am)
Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004 Survey is posted and ready for your input!
#4344 of 24700 What about the Inside Looks? by edspider1 Mar 05, 2004 (9:25 am)
I like the outside styling of MB best, but I have no faults with the other players. I don't see any as ugly. I'm more interested in how they feel while inside the car. I don't know about you, but that's what I see the most of. IMO, Lexus & Jaguar have the best looking interiors. MB comes in second. The rest are about the same. There is an exception, though I don't like the brushed metal/aluminum so many makes are using. I would not be happy with an RX these days. I hope that doesn't ever land in an LS.
#4345 of 24700 merc1... E60... CLS by designman Mar 05, 2004 (10:21 am)
I've noticed your change of heart regarding E60. I’m not understanding the swing from “uglier than all getout" to “actually attractive” though. Wow, I have been known to make 180 degree swings in my opinions but this one stumps me. Wouldn't mind hearing you elaborate. As a BMW owner and long-time fan, Lord knows I've tried to get some growth on E60, but it just isn't happening. With regard to the CLS, I'm pulling my hair out over it because it is so close yet so far on my score sheet. My first impression was very positive… sleek, curvaceous and aerodynamic. I believe they had great aspirations with the curves, but the curves are lacking in sophistication… too simple. For instance, the curve of the beltline, and the crease just beneath the beltline, are just too darn symmetrical and parallel. And I don’t like how my attention is always drawn to the rear door. It’s the wedge working. The front is a little squeezed. Compare the areas just above the front and rear wheels… disparate… framing some bulk in the doors. I like the treatment of the front lamps, but they clearly copied Porsche although not as shapely as Porsche. I really wish they would lose that pinched-putty treatment of the trunk… it’s just so out of nowhere. I’ve always liked five-spoke wheels but these need a little shape and change in direction… not enough thought in them. MB interiors have always been kind to my taste but this one is a potpourri of random, uncalculated shapes. I particularly don’t care for the circular vents and heavy application of wood. For the most part I like the exterior of the CLS, particularly the grand aerodynamic picture, but I don’t I believe it was finessed enough… rushed… a little too sketchy. I have to believe the diversity across MB model platforms has precluded the nth degree of effort that a fully implemented design deserves. But due to the disposable, just-do-it world we now live, I fear this is becoming the norm across the board.
#4346 of 24700 edspider by syswei Mar 05, 2004 (10:28 am)
I am in your camp, inside matters more to me because I don't see the outside that much...LS will be my next car even if it is still the least attractive among its closest competitors (to me) when the next generation is rolled out.
#4347 of 24700 designman by shipo Mar 05, 2004 (10:48 am)
"With regard to the CLS, I'm pulling my hair out over it because it is so close yet so far on my score sheet." Gee, I wish I still had some hair of my own to pull out. (:-/ I agree with you though, with the demise of the 5-Series (at least in my eyes), I feel like a person without a country. Lots of cars have certain "right" features, however, virtually everything currently on the market is just wide enough of the mark to make me wonder if I will still be driving my E39 for another eight or ten years. Best Regards, Shipo
#4348 of 24700 What I would like is a .... by vcheng Mar 05, 2004 (12:18 pm)
..Lexus/BMW sedan mix with a honking big V-8, stick shift (no more than 5 speeds preferably) and only a few electronic doodads: stability control, antilock brakes, traction control, all with off switches. Climate control (single zone, gasp!). Thats' it. No nav, no air suspension, no Idrive, no power windows, no power mirrors, no sunroof, no leather. All that for a 40-45K tag, and I'm there!
#4349 of 24700 shipo by designman Mar 05, 2004 (12:23 pm)
"...with the demise of the 5-Series (at least in my eyes), I feel like a person without a country." Well said. I try to stay optimistic though. I think if I can't get passionate about a car to replace my 530, I'll just save the money and go back to driving cars with plain 'ol economy and utility. Then hopefully the sports cars will still offer up the thrills. I can't imagine them going south... knock on wood!
#4350 of 24700 Designman by shipo Mar 05, 2004 (12:41 pm)
There is a lot to be said for the idea of replacing my 530i (when the time comes, and none too soon at that) with something like a Dodge Stratus for under $20K and then a 1995 911 for $35K. Then again, we still have our old 1998 Caravan as a third car so maybe I'll just skip the Stratus and get a lightly used 2000-2002 911, or even a 2003 M5. Best Regards, Shipo
#4351 of 24700 vcheng - would you look at an Infiniti M45 by footie Mar 05, 2004 (1:27 pm)
If you can stand the bland styling the M45 is quite a bargain in this segment. Edmunds gave it a very positive review, particularly in the performance and handling. Lexus-class reliability and quality, class leading 340 hp V8 333 ftlbs torque VVT w/32 titanium valves. ABS/EBD/TRAC/VSC, 18" wheels, 5 speed sport / automatic. You can get it without the moonroof, nav, etc. but you are stuck with leather, though the seats are ventilated and highly bolstered. Should sticker out around $45,000 and given its lack of popularity, probably can be had for a substantial discount. It's probably one of the best car buys in this category if you are more interested in how it drives than how it looks.