NY C32

Yeah I know what you mean but it doesn't bother me much... It seems all car makers have something on each of their cars that remains to be desired.

Toog4me

It reminds me of the old Infiniti M35 or 45 or whatever it was. I went in to test drive one, and as soon as I turned the thing on, the speedo lit up like a g35!!! I couldn't believe it. With more than $20k in price, you would imagine that they would make the car a little more "unique."

Jakpro1

Just saw a guy with a black S550 in the middle of a mall parking lot yesterday. Literally a crowd of young and old surrounding the car like a mob scene. Hadn't see anything like that in years. What a car.

jsloan01

Well, I got an offer last Sept, but I turned it down and went with another bank. Same job, IB, just felt like a better fit.

However, I had a great summer @ Bear.

I am moving to NYC by June 1st and start work in July. I must now get ready to go through the hell of selling my C class.

Does MBWorld have any NYC meets for those that are car-less????

On topic, i like the Audi pics!

lorinsertuned

I live near Ann Arbor by the way. Now that you guys have brought up the S8, it looks like a really good competitor. Or maybe the A8 W12, but that seems pushing it a little for some reason. Anyway, im also making appointments to drive the S550. Does anyone know when the 4-Matic comes out? I think if i choose the S class i might as well wait for the 4matic since ive been using that on my previous cars for a while now...

jsloan01

could be wrong, but i want to say october or november of this year

Nevada Jack

I just saw a English program where they drove the Maseratti and they loved it on the highway but not in the city. They said the ride was harsh and the car is just not designed for city driving. I know nothing of the car but just happened on the on air review...a pretty comprehensive one also by pro drivers.

The 4-Matic is due this fall.

On your basic question I would choose the S550 with the AMG package...I did and get it Friday. I don't think you can go wrong.

ClayJ

4-Matic is promised to be out this Fall, in time for Winter.

BLK 300C

THAT INTERIOR IS TO DIE FOR. SOOOO BEAUTIFUL.

W210

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/ly/06qp.htm

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jm/06_750li.htm

Germancar1

I agree totally. I think a lot of people didn't and still don't grasp what these new SMG/DSG type trannies really are. They hear automatic and go from there and then are shocked the Maser doesnt' shift like a regular automatic.

That said though the "automatic" mode of all these types of transmissions is terrible and they really only shine when one is willing to work the shift paddles.

I agree though they should just put a manual in it and a true automatic with the V12 version. Or hell just offer both types of boxes for both engines.

M

ruykava

well, the fact is the Maser is a performance car with a manual box that just happens to have an auto mode, and thus doesn't shift the way the S550 does. if someone here has been misrepresented then that is another question, though.

personally, i like the Maser's styling - it does look better in person than in the pictures. if you want to stand out, both will - but the Maser is beautiful where the S is imposing.

though i don't have any long term experience with the Maser the feeling appears to be that it makes even Merc in a bad year look like a model of reliability.

haha, what are the Audi fanboys doin' here? - still not getting over the fact that almost no one buys one of 'em A8s, eh? (half kidding )

Wolfman

A couple of things to keep in mind.

The new S-class is technically the safest and most advanced car you can buy anywhere. Period.
And Mercedes finally spent a fair amount of time adressing the issues most MB owners complained about; getting rid of cheap interior plastic, improving build-quality and most importantly, improving reliability.
Reliability is important for me, but in all my years driving them all quality related issues were based on nuissance electronic problems, like seat memory, switches, window regulators and such, never on critical systems. Point is that the Mercedes gives you the safest place in traffic and the chance to walk away from an accident.

Re. the A8, this is a very capable car and in German car tests is always highly rated, but at this point is no match for new S-class (including the W12). Personally I never cared for the look and the previous models resale value was so poor that it couldn't be given away. This may have changed though with the latest model.

But in the end, there is nothing better than driving it. Take all of them for an extended spin (over the weekend if possible) and see what you like best. Then add your priorities regarding reliability, safety, convenience and financial pros/cons and you'll have your pick

Have fun,

Wolfman

D2-AUTOSPORT

They are actually 2 really different cars so its almost a apples to oranges comparo. I do no know very much about the Maser's reliability but I find them to be gorgeous and sexy cars, it doesnt come through in pics, but in person the car has a very athletic stance.

Tough call, but I guess it will come down to what you are looking for.

lorinsertuned

Would one feel as safe as driving in the mercedes compared with the maserati? no doubt the merc's safety features are among the best, but i wonder how the quattro compares...

TA-9FF

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...ttroporte_v12/

Wait for the Quattro GT...........

Germancar1

Here are some pics of the Quattroporte and other Masers.


http://www.germancarzone.com/showthread.php?t=3197

M

vraa

Oh you're going to drive it?
Then get a LS430. For the first few minutes, it's so fun to blow off doors of cars that think they are sports cars

BlackSL

we test drove the maseratti before the S500 and it was brilliant. For the driver that is. Great handling and powerful engine. The rear seats are a bit cramped and the downside is my father sits in the back whilst the chauffeur drives the car, so we went and test drove the A8.

Fantastic car, but my father was keen on the new S class, having owned the previous 2 models. Now that we have taken delivery of the new S, I'm glad we got it. The new S handles nicely (non comparable to the Maser) with the Sports mode and body roll is less evident than the previous model.

Cruising at 2000rpm the car feels powerful, I have yet to run it in fully before driving in the higher rev range. My father is in love with the car and so are the neighbours.

If you are to go with the S, get the AMG sports package. I heard from the Maseratti salesmen that a longer version of the Maser will come out, when I do not know.

phonetics

if u buy the maserati, people will think it's an used car, but if u buy new S, it's got to be a brand new car....

v8plus4

Why would anyone think the Maserati is a used car?

Toog4me

People who think like that don't matter. Only an idiot would use that logic to determine if a car is new or used.

phonetics

what i meant is just that w221 is new to the market, so perhaps it's a better choice... only an idiot would challenge such simple statement .. no life piece of shxt...

Toog4me

That's fine, but that's not what you said which is why I made my comment.


Buddy, you're original comment was that people will think the Mas is a used car because it looks old so you should get the S... Need I say more?

NY C32

I agree...with those that responded to it. Don't take this the wrong way but is that how stupid people think??? They look at a car and their first thought is new or used?