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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 55 of 2473

#540 of 24723 Lexus GS and BMW 7-Series..... by merc1

Feb 04, 2001 (10:56 pm)

The Lexus GS for the most part does have a radical look for a Lexus, but the front and rear treatments (to me) mimic the E-Class more than anything else. The Europeans will always have styling all over the Japanese, if arguably nothing else.
 
Arcoates
 
I would almost agree with you on your assessment of the BMW 7-Series with the Sport Package, but with the S55 AMG around I can't say that the 7 is the best large sporting sedan anymore. The S55 is faster and better handling, and (I know you'll like this) better looking. I just wish the 750iL or 740iL actually got the suspension tunning of the 740i, instead of just the wheel/tire package. That said the 7 is still a favorite of mine, has been since the fall of 1994. It has that Mafia, "Kingfish" look about it. Any of these cars would do for me.
 
M

#541 of 24723 M vs. AMG by arcoates

Feb 05, 2001 (1:10 pm)

If only BMW made an M version of the 7 series. I think that compared to AMG, the M divison does a much better job with the cars. Maybe it's just because you can get manuals in all but the 7's, but I think they have better material to work with from the beginning.

#542 of 24723 by stevemarvel

Feb 06, 2001 (11:19 pm)

Ditto, guys to the messages expressed earlier regarding BMW 740i. Yes they are incredible Automobiles to drive, but be prepared, YA GOTTA PAY TO PLAY. I have probably spent over 4K the last two years on my 94. Stick a fork in me - I AM DONE.

#543 of 24723 re: E30 BMW's by arcoates

Feb 07, 2001 (1:03 pm)

My dad has an '88 735i, with the 3.5L I6, and get ready-a stick shift. Extremely rare- frankly that's why he keeps it around. That was the last year they made a 7 with a manual. Anyway- it still runs and looks great (like a '94 even), and he hasn't spent too much on it to keep it in top condition. Mostly on repairs when my mom smacks it up!

#544 of 24723 Jaguar XJR by mvargo1

Feb 07, 2001 (1:17 pm)

Better looking and faster than anything but an M5. How can you not love 370HP and almost 400 foot/lbs of torque. Not to mention optional BBS 2 piece alloy wheels and brembo brakes.
 
Bang for the buck in a large lux car. will be the 2002 Q45. 340HP 0-60 in 5.9, faster than everything but an XJR or S55, and styling that is at least not derivative of anything else, all for under 55 grand.

#545 of 24723 98-99 Jag XJ8 --Experience/comments? by saaycock

Feb 07, 2001 (11:29 pm)

Pondering buying a 98 or 99 Jag sedan - anyone actually owned on and can give me their experience on ride-powrer -handling-problems/maintenance...Thanks!

#546 of 24723 re: Jag experiences by arcoates

Feb 08, 2001 (1:19 pm)

This may be of some use to you- I'll throw it out there anyway. We had a 1995 XJ6 until September. Not the same engine, but bodywork, electronics, chassis etc...
 
Interior was gorgeous- no problems there. The I6 was a gem, as is the V8. The handling, although not a BMW, is very competent- when you push it, you are surprised at how it reacts. The tires on ours were very grippy (225 Pirelli P6000 with 16'), and the handling was very confidence inspiring.
 
In our experience, it is not a winter car at all. When we got rid of it, there were mutliple rust spots- not huge, but still there. We didn;t have the traction control, and there was no limited-slip diff, so it was hard to get it going in the snow, or even the rain!
 
If you're willing to have a winter car, or live in the sun, it is a great car. Beautiful, fast, great handling. The electronics acted up once in awhile, but it is a british car after all. I would reccomend it. If you're having passengers though, go for the long-wheelbase- the back is extrememly tight. Other than that- get one!
 
I hope this helps you.
 
A.R.

#547 of 24723 BMW question by auraraptor

Feb 09, 2001 (9:43 pm)

am 16 and got a 98 bmw 750il, is it reliable? am hearin some bad stories. need to know specifically about the 98 model(earlier and later dont count)
 
I bought it cuz its not a copy(lexus), im too tall(jag), and i dont wanna show off (MB), my fellow students dont know what it is, and its better than a MB(my oppionin), it 'looks' longer than the new MB S(who i think they look like a elongated lincon ls w/ different front) so i chose a BMW.

#548 of 24723 GS by ejerod

Feb 11, 2001 (5:37 pm)

Well I do agree that the Japanese are great imitatiors, but what I do love about my GS is that from a distance, love it or hate it, you know what it is. The LS430 is NOT like that. From the front you know what it is, from the rear at a distance it a cross between the Avalon and the 99 S class Benz. That's what turned me off. Another thing I have to speak of is vehicular content. I don't mean just bells and whistles I mean solidity, rigidity and plain old substance. Close he door on the LS430 then close the door of the S Class. I did this.. with the vehicles side by side, there is a difference and I don't mean a subtle one. Then close the trunk, Hood etc... big difference..

#549 of 24723 arcoates by merc1

Feb 11, 2001 (10:36 pm)

With the "M" brand/image so strong now. I think we will get a M version of the next 7-Series. Yes M cars are sportier in part because of their manual trans, they handle a smidge better too, it's very close though. Two publications actually liked the E55's handling over the M5's, which was a surprise to me too. One thing is for certain the Japanese don't have a single car at this level.
 
M

Messages Page 55 of 2473

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