We took the best parts of the Maybach's exterior and the 7-Series interior and turned them into this: http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000837047500/
the rims on the maroon car look sort of ugly, imo. if they were going to do the radial-style (a la SL55 amg standard), they should have made the center hub much smaller.
Looks cheaper/lower level than the current model, not classy and elegant like a $100k+ car should look. The wheel arches remind me of the Chrysler 300 (look like boy-racer add-ons), and the headlights look too pointy. I was never a huge MB fan anyway, but this doesn't make me want to spend big bucks on a luxo ride like the current model does. David
The back looks like the Acura RL. Just like the old model, way too conservative. You would think that the success of the CLS would of moved mercedes to think "outside the box" just a little bit. Not that they are at the same price point, but the sedans from Lexus and Infinity are more appealling especially the GS's, and the new "M". Between customer satisfaction and styling, they are in trouble unless the leases are unbelievable, there won't be a new Benz (S class, should I say) in my garage. Sad!
Dam Im disappointed. Ive got about a year to go on my 745 lease and I was thinking about a MB S but Im not impressed. I cant get another BMW because I swore that Ill cut off my nuts before I would buy another BMW. So now I dont know. I might just give up on the luxury car rat race and get a GMC Tahoe or something like that.
Mark, go for the A8...it's a great machine and I can hook you up with the folks at Jack Daniels. Why do I never see your 355 here in Ridgewood? You're so close...
Im ascared. Ive always been told that the people on the other side of 17 have horns and sharp teeth. Actually, Im in Ridgewood often as my accountant is there. I just find it a little too congested to bring the Ferrari.
While I do understand that sales for the 7-series came in really strong even after iDrive isn't user friendly, I do not understand why Daimler would make the new S-Class interior so much like the BMW. I always liked how MB placed its buttons and how the center console was done, especially after navigation became more frequent. I hate how now there is this large screen recessed way back there, exactly like the 7-series. I don't mind the styling of it, except for the "fender creases" - that is ugly. Assuming the S500 is its largest seller as it is now, essentially we'll be getting a mini Maybach for 80G's pushing 382hp. For those of you who love the 2000-2006 styling as I do, getting a 2001 S500 with AMG Sport Package with 60K miles on it for $30-35K sounds rather enticing. This sort of price range is just a guess by me, but I don't think I'm too far off. Should start once the 2007 is released.
[For those of you who love the 2000-2006 styling as I do, getting a 2001 S500 with AMG Sport Package with 60K miles on it for $30-35K sounds rather enticing. This sort of price range is just a guess by me, but I don't think I'm too far off. Should start once the 2007 is released.[/QUOTE] Do you mean the S55 or the S430/500 (old mans car) with the sport package? If its just the S430 or 500 w/sport package, who cares. My neighbor has one. In essence its still a stock S Class (some show, no go!). The real car here is the S 55, from I think 2003 and newer. That car had "493" Horse Power. The 2001 had "354" Horse Power (if thats the car your talking about). The S 500 has 300 HP. Now for the difference in price: The 2004 AMG goes for about $85,000 and the 2001 is about $50,000.00. I've been looking at the 2005 S55. Blast to drive as far as sedans go. Would trade my daily driver (XJR) for that. Lots of HP make up for the bland styling.
Gary, Don't discount the S600.... I've driven both the s S600 and the S55 and I like the torque of the 600 better. BTW -There is a new member from LI "canonshooter"... say hello, if you haven't already.
I'll have to check it out, but I like the way the S55 looks over the S600. Also the S600 looks just like the S500 for a large premium. You really have to look very close to tell the difference. Drove last yrs 760 wasn't impressed. More on the "big car feel" then "sports car/sedan feel".
I was speaking of the S500 with AMG sport package, not the S55 - I realize its a whole different car/whole different engine. Still for $35,000 that "boat" is a deal in its category in my mind. Though now you mentioned it - saw a 2001 (old S55 engine) S55 silver on black 53k miles for $43,000 buy it now on ebay...that's a pretty good deal as well, specially figuring that car will be had for less than that. While it claims its only approx. 55 more hp than stock S500, I have been in both and I can tell you the extra AMG engine and all of its components makes a light years difference - I'm sure the 2003 and newer engine, and of course the '06 S65's are like rocketships. Isaiah
The last time I heard of a car called a "Boat" was 1976 when my neighbor bought a 1976 Caddilac! My father (and his generation) would refer to those "large" cars as boats. I guess if thats what you want (S-430/500 with sport package), then you should buy that. To me, the S430/500 is an old mans car with or without the sport package. Its a modern day Caddilac. Not for me. Its not an enthusiasts car.
just another reason to go with an A8...as if you needed any more...MB hasn't built a quality product since 01...
I really think that the A8's interior is first class, much attention to detail but, the outside is very nondescript. The all wheel drive is a reason to buy one, but they need to come out with the A8S like in previous years. The basic performance of the A8 is subpar. Between the 750, S500 and the A8, I would take the A8.
That's exactly what I was thinking. The A8 is a fantastic car in every way; a little more power would always be better though. I'd take the Quattroporte over the MB or the BMW at this point. My only issue is reliability - its too soon to tell if there are going to be real issues with the car/engine like there are with the Ferraris, whose engines are built mere feet from the Maserati engines by the same engine builders. Yeah, my choice right now would be Audi or Maserati... or the predecessors to the current model Mercedes/BMW, both of which had their merit that the new models do not have. David
