S Class versus 7 Series
01-15-2006, 11:31 AM
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Mercedes C400, BMW X3
S Class versus 7 Series
I own a 2006 BMW 750i which I picked up at the factory in September. It is nicely equipped with comfort seats, security glass (for quiet), active cruise, premium sound, and so on. I have 2,000 miles on it.
While I was in Germany in September, I was afforded the opportunity to drive the S550 for about five hours. On the Autobahn, it was very impressive, if a bit isolated. Comparing the two back to back like this, I preferred the 7 series for its superior road feel.
Now that the S Class is arriving at the local dealerships, I was curious to give it another try on US roads. Now I feel that the ride quality and quiet interior of the S Class, make it a more logical luxury car choice than the 7. I find the ride of the 7 series a little rough in comparison to the S Class.
Both of these cars have presence, but I am not sure that is a compliment to either. The 7 series styling is still very in your face. The S Class wheel arches are cartoonish, but at least this affect is moderated in darker colors.
There is no comparison on the interior. The 7 Series has way too much plastic, the leather quality is average, and I am constantly turning on the windshield wipers when I intend to shift the car into gear. The interior of the S Class seems simpler and more cohesive. Accessing controls is difficult in both, but becomes more second nature in the Mercedes faster.
I am voting with my pocketbook in favor of the S Class and have ordered flint gray/black for Euro delivery in May.
While I was in Germany in September, I was afforded the opportunity to drive the S550 for about five hours. On the Autobahn, it was very impressive, if a bit isolated. Comparing the two back to back like this, I preferred the 7 series for its superior road feel.
Now that the S Class is arriving at the local dealerships, I was curious to give it another try on US roads. Now I feel that the ride quality and quiet interior of the S Class, make it a more logical luxury car choice than the 7. I find the ride of the 7 series a little rough in comparison to the S Class.
Both of these cars have presence, but I am not sure that is a compliment to either. The 7 series styling is still very in your face. The S Class wheel arches are cartoonish, but at least this affect is moderated in darker colors.
There is no comparison on the interior. The 7 Series has way too much plastic, the leather quality is average, and I am constantly turning on the windshield wipers when I intend to shift the car into gear. The interior of the S Class seems simpler and more cohesive. Accessing controls is difficult in both, but becomes more second nature in the Mercedes faster.
I am voting with my pocketbook in favor of the S Class and have ordered flint gray/black for Euro delivery in May.
01-15-2006, 12:15 PM
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'97 W202 C180 aut. Elegance Former : '99 W202 S500 w. keyless go, carlsson lowering kit.
Congratulations on your purchase 
Looking forward to some pictures when you get her !
I also agree on your choice, altho i still havent tried the W221 yet. Somehow the comparison sounds pretty accurate when you compare BMW vs MB over all.
Looking forward to some pictures when you get her !
I also agree on your choice, altho i still havent tried the W221 yet. Somehow the comparison sounds pretty accurate when you compare BMW vs MB over all.
01-15-2006, 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by shoes
I own a 2006 BMW 750i which I picked up at the factory in September....I am voting with my pocketbook in favor of the S Class and have ordered flint gray/black for Euro delivery in May.
01-20-2006, 10:13 AM
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My uncle had a 2005 BMW 745i, which he traded in for an Audi A8. The A8 ended up being a lemon, and now has a 2005 s600. Personally, I like the s600 better than the other 2 put together. He said getting rid of the BMW was the best decision he ever made.
01-20-2006, 12:41 PM
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Mercedes C400, BMW X3
The 750 is a big improvement over the 745
I must say that everyone who rides in my 750 is favorably impressed. My wife is distraught at the idea that I am giving up this car because she loves being a passenger in it. The new 750 is a fine automobile- I love the storage areas, the torquey V8 and its physical presence.
I am not putting down the 750 by saying that I think that Mercedes has raised the bar with the S550.
I am not putting down the 750 by saying that I think that Mercedes has raised the bar with the S550.
01-20-2006, 04:40 PM
#6
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It's nice to read your comments on the two vehicles. The 7 has great seats, especially with the comfort package. I haven't driven the new S, but I look forward to doing so. The S on display at my local dealership doesn't have the most attractive (tan) interior, but perhaps in another color.
Keep the reviews coming!!
Keep the reviews coming!!
