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Luxury Performance Sedans

10007 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 7:40 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan


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#8950 of 10007
Re: All Wheel Drive Comparison [allagaroo] by lexusguy
Dec 19, 2006 (12:58 pm)
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Replying to: allagaroo (Dec 19, 2006 6:10 am)

The ATTESA E-TS system in the M does a very nice job. As in the 530xi, you can fool yourself into thinking you're driving a RWD car. That said, Quattro AWD owns all other contenders in deep snow and ice. I'm not sure how the competition's systems would rank in terms of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. but there's no question about who's in 1st place.
#8951 of 10007
Re: All Wheel Drive Comparison [markcincinnati] by allagaroo
Dec 19, 2006 (2:28 pm)
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Replying to: markcincinnati (Dec 19, 2006 11:42 am)

Great explanation. Thanks so much. I certainly liked my Audi and if the lease costs didn't go up so much I would have a different decision. I'm finding it hard to justify $150 a month more for the Audi then the M. The Audi is spectacular in the snow.
#8952 of 10007
Need advise on what to buy please! by danny318
Dec 26, 2006 (9:14 am)
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I looking to spend 50 - 60K on a car (used or new). I will be driving 170 miles per day Monday thru Friday (all highway) in the Northeast. I value comfort, a great sound system, good power, awd and reliability most. I was originally thinking of a used Mercedes S500, but have been scared off by the horror stories around problems with reliability. I'm a fairly big guy (6'1" / 240 lbs), so I'm thinking a large luxury sedan is the class I need to be looking in. Basically I like a sharp looking car as much as anyone, but its the inside of the car that's more important to me than the outside.
 
Any suggestions?
#8953 of 10007
Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [danny318] by allagaroo
Dec 26, 2006 (10:29 am)
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Replying to: danny318 (Dec 26, 2006 9:14 am)

I'd look at Audi A6 4.2 or Acura RL. I don't think the Mercedes S500 is AWD. If not important I'd recommend Infiniti M45. Lexus GS350 also although a little smaller inside but OK in front. Infiniti M35X is AWD that fully equipped comes into the 50-60K range.
 
J
#8954 of 10007
Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [allagaroo] by rayainsw
Dec 26, 2006 (11:43 am)
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Replying to: allagaroo (Dec 26, 2006 10:29 am)

The S500 ( and now S550 ) have been available with AWD = 4Matic.
But adding such a system would likely result in even more repair \ reliability "issues", seems to me....
- Ray
Agreeing that the Audi A6 4.2 or even a ( Certified ) used A8 might fit....
#8955 of 10007
Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [danny318] by tamparl
Dec 26, 2006 (12:43 pm)
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Replying to: danny318 (Dec 26, 2006 9:14 am)

I am the similar size to you (6'3'' 250#) and recently bought an Acura RL. It is the most comfortable of all I tested (of course this is subjective to each individual). But I found the seating position, comfort and adjustments ideal. Better yet the car was such a surprise on how much I liked it compared to the others. When I found the price was in low 40K, it was a no brainer. Acura may not have the identity of the others, but I would certainly give it a test drive. The comfort, technology and features sound ideal for your requirements. The drive is a good balance of comfort and sport and the economy is very good on the highway (I avg 23-24mpg on my mixed commute).
 
I had not considered the RL in my initial search, but after driving it, I was sold on the car itself, and not by the ratings, reviews or marque mongers.
#8956 of 10007
Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [danny318] by lexusguy
Dec 26, 2006 (1:55 pm)
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Replying to: danny318 (Dec 26, 2006 9:14 am)

I value comfort, a great sound system, good power, awd and reliability most. I was originally thinking of a used Mercedes S500, but have been scared off by the horror stories around problems with reliability. I'm a fairly big guy (6'1" / 240 lbs), so I'm thinking a large luxury sedan is the class I need to be looking in.
 
I would suggest trying the Lexus GS350 AWD, Infiniti M35x, Audi A6, BMW 530xi, and Volvo S80 AWD. The Acura RL, in my opinion, is just mediocre. It may seem like a bargain at the $40K you can get one for now, but thats all its really worth. Its not that quick, not that comfortable, not that big, the reliability has been only average, and the fuel economy is fairly lousy. The M35x has the same issue with fuel economy (another 5-speed auto in that car), but its at least fast and fun, which makes up for it.
 
The GS350 has loads of horsepower, a fantastic stereo, and is likely to be the most reliable, but its somewhat cramped for someone 6'1", and the trunk space is a joke.
 
I personally love the M35x, but spend some time on rough roads and highways and make sure that the ride quality\road noise doesn't bother you if you are seriously considering the M.
 
The A6 has really grown on me. Its very quick with the V8, comfortable if you avoid the sport package and rubberband tires, and has much better secondary controls than the BMW. There's lots of space, its fun to drive, and in bad weather its unbeatable.
 
I'm not really a fan of the 5 series, but its still worth a test drive. If you don't mind the looks and iDrive, its the most entertaining car in the group.
 
My wife and I ended up not testing the new Volvo S80 V8 AWD, so I don't have any personal experience behind the wheel. I can tell you though that the seats will be spectacular, Volvo's Dolby Pro-Logic\Dynaudio sound systems are amazing, and the driver adjustable steering and blind spot warning system are very cool ideas and the first of their kind.
#8957 of 10007
Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [danny318] by qbrozen
Dec 26, 2006 (3:01 pm)
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Replying to: danny318 (Dec 26, 2006 9:14 am)

i second the Volvo S80. Since you list comfort first, and they have the most comfortable seats in the industry ... 2nd you list sound system and their available dolby prologic system is superb.
 
I don't know WHEN you need the car, but the all-new S80 is coming soon (spring, i think), so if you can wait ...
#8958 of 10007
Re: Need advise on what to buy please! by markcincinnati
Dec 26, 2006 (5:52 pm)
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Replying to: lexusguy (Dec 26, 2006 1:55 pm)

Consider the STS from Cadillac -- both the V6 and V8 can now be had with AWD.
 
They are often heavily discounted (5 figures) and the leases even at your kind of mileage are also subvented.
 
Of course with low low low interest rates (below market), a finance approach can be attractive, too.
#8959 of 10007
Re: Need advise on what to buy please! [tamparl] by uglybear
Dec 29, 2006 (5:01 pm)
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Replying to: tamparl (Dec 26, 2006 12:43 pm)

I recently tested RL, A6 3.2 and 530xi. Problem with RL is that it is really not worth its original MSRP of $49K or so. For $50K one may have very nicely equipped Audi A6 with features not available in RL. Here is my list of issues in RL (as $50K car - it is fine as $40K car).
 
1. Engine. Although it claims 300hp, you drive torque, not horsepower. And RL torque is not that high and peaks at 5000rpm. This means car does not feel quick unless you really step on it.
2. 5 speed transmission. Everyon ein 50K+ segment offers 6sp or more.
3. Only 8 way driver seat. Even *basic* BMW seat adjusts 10 ways and contour seats do it 20 ways.
4. Only 4-way adjustment for passenger seat. Is this a joke?
5. Acura says, everything is included. But is not not! RL simply does not have options every luxury car has. Where are rain sensing wipers? Heated rear seats? Parking sensors or rear camera? Night vision? High-grade leather? iPod integration? Heated steering wheel? Headlight washers? Multi stage front heated seats? Ventilated seats?
 
It feels like Acura decided to cut costs all over the place. It does not make me feel good spending 50K.
 
Audi is better is that sense, although in places I see too much sharing between Volkswagen and Audi. Even look is getting closer. Luxury car should not be reminding about lower end segment of the same company.
 
However, I like Audi interior, features and performance. I would take Audi if it did not have that light servotronic steering. I have test-driven A6 three times and still hate that variable assist. I am read-blooded male so I don't need that steering that thinks I am a newborn baby or 70 yo little lady.
 
As much as I hate spending 10K extra, and not being a fan of Chris Bangle, I will probably buy 530xi.
 
I never considered Infiniti or Lexus as I don't M look or Lexus isolation. I do like look of Infiniti FX though (and we do own one).

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