New MB S550, BMX 7 Series or?

I have been an SUV owner for the last ten years but since it now seems that I will not be spending winters in the great white north any longer I am thinking of trading in my Cayenne and getting a sedan , still with AWD.
Any thoughts from owners?

 

There is no question.... The S is the way to go

 

Well, there is no question, but it's the Audi A8 that's the way to go. Check it out!

 

+1

 

That was true before '14 S-Class was introduced.........

 

Yes I did read that the A8 was getting a little long in tooth and I like what I read about the S Class. Anyone own a new S class?

 

I just bought an s550 AWD 2013 with six thousand miles. It is the advantgarde edition . it is simply stunning. I paid almost half of list, that's right. I like the 14 but there are bugs in the first year model and for the price I paid I would be insane to buy a 14.

 

I'm you're going brand new... the new-body style (2015) MB S550's are incredible.

I've never really been a MB guy... but I rode around in one of the new ones at a dealer a month or so ago and it truly feels like 'something new'.
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I concur with the S Class. In terms of technology, the S is always lightyears ahead. Plus they tend to drive well, provide great power and feel like a genuinely high quality product, something which lacks with lower level Mercs. The A8 would be another great call though.

 

S-class looks great, but now with the rear seat options, I rather be driven in one than drive it myself. If you didn't require the AWD feature, I would've said M6 Gran Coupe.

 

Sales guy that since MB discontinued the Maybach line of cars... they will use the name by offering a "Maybach package" in the new S-Class.

 

I will be stopping by a MB and AN Audi dealer tomorrow. Funny no one recommended the BMW

 

Because the xDrive option isn't that often seen on BMWs. They're mainly RWD for a reason.

 

point taken but there is no denying the safety and drivability benefits of AWD in marginalized conditions

 

I have owned cars from BMW, Merc and Porsche. After having a Cayenne you will be let down by the quality of service of BMW dealers if they are anything like my local dealers. Mercedes is somewhere in the middle for quality of service. The new Merc is stunning. It's the easy winner compared to the BMW 7 which shares its chassis with the 5 series for cost saving reasons.

 

Thanks for the input. I suppose I should look at the Panamera while I am at the Porsche/Audi dealership. I just don't know about that backend!

 

Agreed on the back end of the Panamera. They have also changed the engines recently. Turbo six instead of the eight! One of the things I like about Porsche Is the massive option list. I purchased both of mine used but if I was purchasing new the customization with options would be a strong pull. Enjoy the test drives, it's part the fun of looking or a new car.

 

There is still the option of the naturally aspirated V8 in the Panamera GTS.

I would also suggest looking at the BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe xDrive. It's basically a slightly more comfort oriented M6 but with AWD and is now offered on the NA market.

 

Forgot about the Alpina...would be better imo as a driver's car than the S. Plus, you probably would never see another one driving in the opposite lane like you would with the S.

 

I personally cannot warm to the looks of the panamera. I find the cockpit crowded and confining. Also, they burn a lot of oil which i'm not comfortable with. There is nothing out there that can touch the new S class. That said I am glad I opted for the end run of a proven platform. The savings was significant .

 

I'm surprised a Tesla hasn't been suggested for you... at a very similar price point, you're experiencing the future of automobiles. It's ahead of the curve by far... I say this after having just driven one around LA. Cheers.

 

good point but after having driven one would you put it in the same class (big luxury car) as a S class? I think size/amenities/"plushness" is more on par with E class/5 series/A6.

 

The BMW is a good enough car, but considering the amount of money at stake here, it's best to go for the best in the class. If this was cheap hatchbacks for a few thousand, then it's a different story I guess.

 

Big fan of our Alpina B7 - transmission programming makes for a big upgrade over the 750i (not to mention the extra power. We have had 4 of the current generation 7-Series - obviously my favorite of the big sedans.

 

My dad's lease just finished on his 2012 S Class and had a 2014 S class on order. He was going to take delivery of it, until he went to the Audi dealership and test drove the A8 TDI. He ended up leasing the A8 and loves it. His brother has the new S class and he thinks it very close between the two cars. My dad also has 2013 750i, which is also very nice, but I think you should look at the A8 TDI(Diesel) you maybe impressed.