Originally posted by Stephen
Bjorn- You drove the new A8? How would you rate it in ride to the S500 (which rides somewhat similar to the LS, although not quite as smooth)? It also looks like it has a similar system to IDrive from the pictures, I take it it works better?
I've always been an S500 fan I think its a great looking automobile, and they've fixed the quality issues for this year, but whenever I see the sticker I always feel like I'm being hosed. You're talking about a $90,000 car who'se competition tops at around 75-77 and I dont see anything about the car, other than the star on the hood to justify the increase.
Yes, my father is looking for a new car, so we just drove a bunch of cars. I'm going back to Florida again in a week, so we may drive a few more (and a few repeats).
The S class has always been one of my favorites. We had an Audi way back in the mid 80's, when the build quality was probably the worst in the world (dealer politeness too). That ruined it for my dad and he refuses to ever buy an Audi. I had to drag him to the dealer to even test drive it (and I ended up doing all the driving as he still didn't want to
). Ever since that faulty Audi, we've had Mercedes of one kind or another. The S class is (in my opinion) the best model of all three German marks. I like the new Audi's. The only reason we don't have one now is because the nearest dealer is 520 miles away...
Anyhow, the controls in the S is much simpler to use. It's still very complex, but not as cumbersome as the iDrive system. I think that these days any luxury car with the usual prerequisite gadgets is going to be complex by necessity. The Audi was also very nice to use. Similar to the iDrive, but much, much simpler.
As for the ride, all three are going to ride a bit rougher with the larger optional wheels. I always prefer to get the basic wheels and buy some nicer aftermarket wheels myself. You get a better wheel for the same price (or rather the same level wheel at a cheaper price if you prefer). The S rides great, but since I grew up driving Mercedes, I may be a bit biased. The BMW's always ride a bit stiffer, but the last BMW we had was a Z3, so it's a bad example to compare.
I think all three German sedans will ride a bit stiffer than the Lexus, as all German cars tend to do so from what I've seen. Lexus makes some really smooth cars.
Have you seen the new M45? It's design is very interesting. It looks very nice to me, and from my brief experience it is quite nice. Some may not like the new look, but I do. It's not as nice as the Q, but it's still a great car and it's only $45k. My wife is looking at something more sporty, so we're considering the G35 coupe. It's the 350Z's big brother, and it actually handles better despite weighing more.
If you don't mind paying the premium for the S, I say do it. You could always consider the S320 if you don't mind a few less hp. You could always get the new S600 with the twin turbo V12 (sick, absolutely sick, but I love it!).
My uncle just bought the new SL55 AMG, and that's a great car. I'll snap some pics of me in it when I'm in Florida, as well as my dad's new car (if he ever decides!!!).
Anyhow, no matter what, just go and drive each car thoroughly before buying. That's the best way. Audi has hte benefit of having Quattro. Mercedes is introducing AWD in the S class, but I think only the 600 has it right now.
