I have to replace my Lexus LS460L. Any thoughts on the S550 vs. the 750i? Your experiences would be helpful...
I have a new S550 4matic and I test drove the 750Li before I bought the S-Class. I found the interior of the 7 series to be sub par. It looks like a big 3 Series inside. I had a 745i (the previous body style) and for whatever reason that car had a much nicer interior. The S-Class has a lot of driver safety aids which I have really come to like. The interface is pretty intuitive and it is just an easy car drive. The new S-Class body style is coming soon so I chose to lease mine in hopes that they will continue to make an S600 in the next generation. If you liked the way your Lexus drove then I would consider another one. The leather, the wood, the sound system are all superior in the Lexus LS600Hl my brother drives.
Do you ever watch CNBC or Bloomberg TV ? Whenever they have footage of the world's richest and most powerful people getting out of a car in front of the Hotel Intercontinental in Geneva it's not a 7 series BMW........it is usually a black S-Class. Having said that......I'm partial to the big Merc for numerous reasons........exterior styling, interior fit and finish, image (yes, I said image) and resale value. Disclaimer.......I was also an MB salesman for 8 years.
I currently have a 750IL and love it. It is quiet, fast and trouble free. I have had many MB in the past and in my opinion BMW has gotten it right on with this car. If I were you I would order it with the M package, it makes it look more stealth.
Test drove both the Blutech diesel and the new MB twin turbo v8. Pretty impressive acceleration on the gas engine for such a huge car.
+1, love my 7 and it is a great car from a Driver's perspective, although I don't think you can go wrong with a S550.
Its always been mb for full size models ie. S class and bmw for compact ie. 3 series. Its just what they do best
Personally I could care less if a big car handles like a sports car. To me these are luxury sedans, and after 3 7 series, I now have a S Class. For me it was the better choice, but if someone gave me a 7 I would not give it back. I do agree though that BMW's are started to all look alike.
suggest U test drive the Audi A 8 and the new Jaguar XJSport. Then u would have a much wider choice as S class is more a limo to me than a driver's car.
I know this may be somewhat irrelevant to the conversation at hand but the best car my family owned when growing up was an E32 735i. It was quick, luxurious, and very involving to drive. In a lot of ways, I feel like the large sedans have only gotten more complicated since then but not necessarily any better.
S-class all the way. I've owned both and driven both for 10k plus miles. The 750li seems like a cheaper car. Get one of those S-class twin-turbo's, I'd like to hear a review!!
What he said. Once a car is a block long, it's all about comfort and style. I vote for the Merc, although the new 7 is a lot less ugly than the one it replaced.
...an S63 AMG? I have a soft spot for AMG MBs. http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=110&i=22306 Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The S550 is a nice car... but why go half-way? The CLS63 AMG is the car you want. Storm Red Metallic. Black AMG leather interior with Burled Walnut dash and door trim. You'll want the AMG Performance Package that increases top speed to a limited 186MPH and re-calibrates the engine management so it delivers a train-like 550HP/590TQ. It also tweaks the suspension to be even more performance oriented. All at the bargain price of $7,300. However, the Performance Package does not include the Limited-Slip Differential--a MUST HAVE with that much torque, trust me, I know--so you'll have to order that separately for @$2,000. While you're at it, add the red brake calipers, no charge. Other options? Order everything offered--Premium Package, Lane Tracking, Parktronic, Rear Air Bags, AMG Illuminated Door Sills and Night View Assist. But skip the Driver Assist, it sucks. You'll be the owner of what is one of the most desirable, capable and driver-friendly extreme performance machines available at any price point--for less than $115,000. Contrast the CLS63 AMG, for example, against the considerably more expensive Maserati GranTurismo S. The CLS63 will literally run circles around the porky, under-powered and somewhat spartan Maser. Image Unavailable, Please Login
bmw is better driver's car but he merc looks better. I'd opt for the merc personally. i'd never consider the audi.
Bingo. I would comment exactly the same way. Have driven, and been driven in, (do not buy either) both S550 and 750 IL (2011 models). The BMW is big, bulky, yet surprisingly sturdy and fast. The interior and exterior are severely mediocre and bland. I'm not crazy about the torpedo style front end, and the boxy, boring dash and seats. The MB on the other hand has an absolutely gorgeous shape, is quite fast, and the interior design oozes luxury and refinement. The BMW is much more "industrial and utlitarian" inside, and the MB has abit more curves and wood trim. Handling and performance were both equal, the BMW might take a corner at 65 mph, but rating these luxury sedans on top speed and cornering is just stupid. Unless your drive to the office takes you thru the Nurburgring ! I can' speak on behalf of the reliability, or gas consumption though. It depends on your taste. The MB just feels and looks more superior.
2013 s-class redesign isn't far away at this point. The CL coup goes away, and is replaced with the S-Coupe. Word is there will be an S-class 4 seat convertible appearing in 2013 as a 2014 model. (NOT the SL).
just got a 2011 S550 with AMG appearance package, absolutely great lux barge. mine is white and i call it the "sled". agree with all the comments said. yes BMW handles better but the MB is all about luxury. recently returned from vegas and stayed at Mandarin Oriental. The house car is a black S550. i came out of a 2008 M3 for the sled, obviously smaller and a different car. the F car is the sports car.
I drove a new 740d today. I was very impressed. Didn't expect to like it so much. The engine is a gem and suits this type of car perfectly.
