Ask the Car People.SM


High-End European Luxury Sedans

448 messages,  Last post on May 03, 2007 at 3:41 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jaguar XJ-Series, Maserati Quattroporte, Volkswagen Phaeton, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Sedan

Messages Page 38 of 46

#363 of 448 Re: Good topic! [blckislandguy] by merc1

Nov 26, 2005 (12:30 pm)

Replying to: blckislandguy (Nov 25, 2005 6:35 pm)
I'd say you're right, very few if any S-Class/7-Series/A8 buyers are going to buy a Quattroporte as a direct replacement IMO. The car's ride and tranny are nothing like those cars according to everyone who has driven it. The Quattroporte is more of a 4-door Ferrari.
 
Now reportedly they're working on a regular automatic version and a V12 version also with a regular 6-speed automatic. Adding a regular automatic should open up the car to a wider group of buyers. They've already worked on the ride for 2006 and they've added both a sportier version and a more luxury biased version too, but that SMG style tranny will never equal the smoothness of a regular automatic. Too bad the partnership with Audi fell apart because Audi's DSG box would be perfect for a car like the Quattroporte.
 
For the past two Chicago Autoshows I got a special invite from Maserati to see the cars from the good side of the barriers. They are special cars for sure. Very unique and they really do make Mercedes and BMWs feel like "mass made" cars when it comes to interior treatments and the endless combinations of leathers/woods you can specify.
 
M

#364 of 448 Re: Good topic! [merc1] by blckislandguy

Nov 26, 2005 (9:36 pm)

Replying to: merc1 (Nov 26, 2005 12:30 pm)
You know, it puzzles me that people would pop for an S Class and look like every other prosperous burgher in their villiage when for roughly the same money they could get something bespoke. Maybe the Maser we are discussing or even a used Arnage. I guess the answer is that once you get beyond the S/7/8s that the alternatives just don't look utilitarian enough for a working rich guy to drive to work in.

#365 of 448 Re: Good topic! [blckislandguy] by merc1

Nov 27, 2005 (12:16 pm)

Replying to: blckislandguy (Nov 26, 2005 9:36 pm)
Well the Maser is an emotional choice not a logical one like an S-Class or 7-Series is for a Euro luxury buyer. The ride and tranny on the Maser along with very limited dealer presence and just whole "unknown" factor will keep S/7/A8 buyers away from a car like the Quattroporte.
 
A Bentley on the other hand is just that, not utilitarian enough. Too much car to drive to the office for the working rich. Bentleys are for the rich leisure crowd.
 
It would be interesting to ask the Maser owners in the Quattroporte thread what other cars they have or what they traded for their Quattroporte.
 
M

#366 of 448 Re: Good topic! [merc1] by emauss

Nov 28, 2005 (4:27 pm)

Replying to: merc1 (Nov 27, 2005 12:16 pm)
A friend of mine owns a high-end previously owned dealership (100K-plus plus plus), and his wife told she *hated* the Maser because of its every hard shift from 1 - 2. She has driven most of the non-clutch cars that he has taken home, and this not one of her favorites. (He,on the otherhand, liked it a bunch!). She much prefers the Aston Martins he brings home.
 
(e)

#367 of 448 Re: Good topic! [emauss] by merc1

Nov 28, 2005 (10:30 pm)

Replying to: emauss (Nov 28, 2005 4:27 pm)
Yeah I think we're going to see a new 6-speed automatic sometime in 2006 for the Quattroporte, and of course that V12 version.
 
M

#368 of 448 Re: Good topic! [merc1] by designman

Nov 29, 2005 (5:19 am)

Replying to: merc1 (Nov 28, 2005 10:30 pm)
Those guys in the Quattroporte thread seem as happy as clams with little concern for issues. It's funny how they just HAVE to have the car. They're a rare breed and this car appears to hit a sweet spot. The following post caught my attention. I love the second paragraph:
 
The car is not as "limo-like" for your passengers as M-B, Jag, BMW or Audi. The luxury is certainly there but the "performance-orientation" is for the driver more than the passenger. However, you will learn to drive it more smoothly after some miles and I think it is very comfortable and luxurious for passengers; and most seem pretty thrilled and overwhelmed by the car.
  
Regarding resale value; I have no idea. I didn't buy mine with any expectation except having an adventure. I plan to put a quick 50K miles on it and sell it, take whatever hit might be involved and start over. First year car, unknown reliability, unknown resale value, terrible gas mileage, etc; just nothing practical about this thing. Repairs will be expensive after warranty, that's for sure. I had a failed cd player replaced under warranty but the part would have been $11,700, according to the dealer!)
  
But I enjoy this car much more than any BMW or M-B I've owned. Can't wait for any excuse to take a road trip.

#369 of 448 Re: Good topic! [designman] by merc1

Nov 29, 2005 (6:00 am)

Replying to: designman (Nov 29, 2005 5:19 am)
That has to be a misprint about a part for a CD player costing 11K!
 
I'm not surprised about the "must have" factor with a car like the Quattroporte. It is just the car for folks who really love cars and have some serious money to risk it for a car they find appealing beyond all logic. The engine, styling and mystique behind it are so strong, well at least to people who truly love cars.
 
M

#370 of 448 Re: Good topic! [merc1] by designman

Nov 29, 2005 (6:46 am)

Replying to: merc1 (Nov 29, 2005 6:00 am)
That has to be a misprint about a part for a CD player costing 11K!
 
Indeed!

#371 of 448 Re: Good topic! [designman] by kbrookings

Nov 29, 2005 (7:48 am)

Replying to: designman (Nov 29, 2005 6:46 am)
That was my comment quoted above. No misprint; but it was the whole electronics unit that the CD player lives in, the dealer, F/M of Orange County, showed me the price book. Still seemed rediculously high. At 28K miles now I've had no problems at all except the CD drive, no other costs other than maintenance and tires. This is definitly a car that you like better over time. I moved to his car from an M-5. Loved the M-5 and have had many wonderful BMWs and Mercs plus a Ferrari, Jag and Porsche in my life. For me, no comparision; the QP is the coolest car I've ever owned, most compelling car to drive.
Ken

#372 of 448 Re: Good topic! [kbrookings] by designman

Nov 29, 2005 (8:52 am)

Replying to: kbrookings (Nov 29, 2005 7:48 am)
Ken... Anyone would find the cost of the CD-Drive repair curious and outrageous. However, that is not what impressed me. It's your spirit of adventure, the stuff that interesting biographies are made of. And you were quite eloquent in the way you expressed yourself.

Messages Page 38 of 46

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