Seems the S500 and E55 are going to cost about the same. Seems no matter how fast the E55 is, the S500 is just a nicer, more plush auto. True, the S500 isn't going to race down the road as fast, or handle as well. I do have a friend that has a 2001 E55, and he loves his car.

My fear is that I get stuck in a 3 year lease (via my company, never buy) for the E55, and regret it after I have fun for a few months.

e55 over the s 500 anytime.

Why do you say that, aside from the obvious?

the s 500 handles like a big boat every s class does in that matter. it's a lot slower than the E 55.. obviously. not to mention it's really huge and takes a lot of space to park. however, it does give more presence than than the E 55...... duh it's a s class after all. id still take the e 55 for being faster, more dynamic and more technology advanced.

depends on what u want, if u want the extra luxury go with the S500, if performance is important get the E55 AMG

I'd personally go with the E55.

But that S class rear seat is REALLY nice! Being 6'3 means that I am comfortable in the rear seats of only a very few cars in the world, and the S is one of them!

And, I suppose the S500 goes probabaly as fast as anyone ever really needs.

Still ...

S500 for me. The place where I live is quite busy, so E55 performance in most cases won't be used. However, I have long commute and additional luxury of S500 isn't such useless.

I'd say E55. The interior on the new E is very nice and comes pretty close to that of the S430/500. Unless you'll be carrying lots of tall/large back seat passengers, the E class is pretty decent.

It's always nice to have the extra power on tap for those times when you need it.

s500.. if u want a fast performance car, there are a bunch of 10,000$ hooked up 1993 Integras out there.

You are going to get different opinions all along, ultimately you will be driving the car, so go test both and pick up the one you like.

E 55 is nothing but a beef up E class !!! for me it's still an E class . just my 2 cents!!

True, the E55 is a machine, but it's not an S. I think I'll have to drive it first to make a decision.

I'd opt for the E55 simply because of an impending change to the S Class body. ie the E class look will still be fresh come 2007 vs the S being the old generation model.

When is the new S class design due to hit the showroom?

everyones got an e-class... i saw more e-classes than any other type of car during a drive one day, i saw about 10 of them in an hour.

I've decided to go w/ the S500 w/ Sport, Parktronic.

Congratulations. Post pics when you get it.