S600/CL600 TT/S550/SL impressions
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
S600/CL600 TT/S550/SL impressions
i finally test drove the 03 and up V12 TT yesterday and i wanted to share some impressions and get some feedback. i've owned a mid-90's SL600 and also have driven 01/02 S600/CL600s, but obviously it's not the same w/o the twin turbo.
overall, i thought the s600TT felt much heavier off the line, even compared w/ the non-turbo. once the car got going, the power and the smoothness of the power were both amazing. i could see how people fall in love w/ the engine. i could see myself going for long drives just to enjoy the cruising. the main disappointment for me was that the S600 steering felt too light, even at high speed. it felt similar to the Lexus LS, and in fact, it felt looser than my E320 wagon.
the CL600 was great and i'd love to have that as a daily driver. the car "drove" smaller and was much more enjoyable, but the back seats are about the same as my old SC400 and really not functional.
btw, i spent some time playing around the interior of the new S550 and SL500. many part of the interior were ok, but overall i have to say it's pretty disappointing to see certain pieces feeling very cheap and plasticky. from an engineering standpoint, the car probably drives better than prior models, but i'm still disapointed at what you get for $90k+, including the way the SL door closes.
so at this point, i'm a bit torn. i could be very happy w/ the S500/S55 cars, but other than finding a nice pre-owned designo model, i'm keep thinking about the 600's superior interior...with the downside that i could face more electrical/mechanical issues. obviously in the big picture, this is not such a big problem, but i thought i'd share these impressions and ask for some feedback.
p.s. i hear the bmw 745i/Li for 02 and 03 both come std w/ 6 yr/100k factory warranties...hmm...food for thought?
overall, i thought the s600TT felt much heavier off the line, even compared w/ the non-turbo. once the car got going, the power and the smoothness of the power were both amazing. i could see how people fall in love w/ the engine. i could see myself going for long drives just to enjoy the cruising. the main disappointment for me was that the S600 steering felt too light, even at high speed. it felt similar to the Lexus LS, and in fact, it felt looser than my E320 wagon.
the CL600 was great and i'd love to have that as a daily driver. the car "drove" smaller and was much more enjoyable, but the back seats are about the same as my old SC400 and really not functional.
btw, i spent some time playing around the interior of the new S550 and SL500. many part of the interior were ok, but overall i have to say it's pretty disappointing to see certain pieces feeling very cheap and plasticky. from an engineering standpoint, the car probably drives better than prior models, but i'm still disapointed at what you get for $90k+, including the way the SL door closes.
so at this point, i'm a bit torn. i could be very happy w/ the S500/S55 cars, but other than finding a nice pre-owned designo model, i'm keep thinking about the 600's superior interior...with the downside that i could face more electrical/mechanical issues. obviously in the big picture, this is not such a big problem, but i thought i'd share these impressions and ask for some feedback.
p.s. i hear the bmw 745i/Li for 02 and 03 both come std w/ 6 yr/100k factory warranties...hmm...food for thought?
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 872
Likes: 2
From: Saint Louis
CLS 63 S AMG , s500,clk550
if get an 03+ there wont be many defects if any they will be very minor. and mechanical issues its a benz who cares. but yeahh it does cost allot to own a benz ill give u that..lol
