S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

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Old Feb 2, 2009 | 10:26 PM
  #301  
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Originally Posted by drpasteur
who named Hyundai Genesis the CAR OF THE YEAR? its basically a copy cat of S550


.........from the front, and a Lexus LS from the side , and a BMW from the rear.
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Old Feb 2, 2009 | 10:30 PM
  #302  
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unbelievable. fully loaded for $42K. i rather get S550 like mine for $53K
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Old Feb 2, 2009 | 10:41 PM
  #303  
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Originally Posted by drpasteur
unbelievable. fully loaded for $42K. i rather get S550 like mine for $53K

I agree. However, I saw one of these up close and in person , and it is not a bad looking car. With the economy dragging like it is, if I didn't have my current car and was in need of a new car , [and I wanted to play it safe], the Genesis wouldn't be a bad idea considering all the features it has.
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Old Feb 2, 2009 | 10:43 PM
  #304  
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well, i saw one this afternoon at a Hyundai dealer. all the salesmen were admiring my S550! but yeah Genesis is not a bad looking car, but i was laughing inside of how Hyundai copy cat other brands' looks and features into their car.

and the savings value is not that much different anyway. $42K and $53K = only $9K different ==> don't make much different in monthly payment
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Old Feb 2, 2009 | 10:46 PM
  #305  
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Originally Posted by drpasteur
well, i saw one this afternoon at a Hyundai dealer. all the salesmen were admiring my S550! but yeah Genesis is not a bad looking car, but i was laughing inside of how Hyundai copy cat other brands' looks and features into their car.

and the savings value is not that much different anyway. $42K and $53K = only $9K different ==> don't make much different in monthly payment
Absolutely! Without a doubt, you're sitting in the "driver's seat" when it comes to a great deal.
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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 10:01 AM
  #306  
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Originally Posted by trumpet1
.........from the front, and a Lexus LS from the side , and a BMW from the rear.
Would you pay $96,000 for a Hyundai?

What if you were a South Korean executive in the market for a domestic Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Hyundai is hoping the answer is yes.

Hyundai has released the first designer sketches of its next generation super luxury sedan. Code named VI, this all-new large sized Hyundai sedan will adopt the Equus name from its predecessor and is expected to hit the South Korean Hyundai showrooms in February 2010.
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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 11:56 AM
  #307  
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that sure looks like a Lexus body style!
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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 12:28 PM
  #308  
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Originally Posted by JohnH4260
Would you pay $96,000 for a Hyundai?

What if you were a South Korean executive in the market for a domestic Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Hyundai is hoping the answer is yes.

Hyundai has released the first designer sketches of its next generation super luxury sedan. Code named VI, this all-new large sized Hyundai sedan will adopt the Equus name from its predecessor and is expected to hit the South Korean Hyundai showrooms in February 2010.

That looks great!
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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 12:33 PM
  #309  
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Originally Posted by JohnH4260
Would you pay $96,000 for a Hyundai?
uh...
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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 06:00 PM
  #310  
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Originally Posted by drpasteur
uh...

It would be a very risky thing to do. The VW Phaeton flopped in America under the same conditions and that was back when our economy was doing pretty good. Americans just couldn't stomach spending over $50K for an economy car marque. VW failed at it, I don't see why Hyundai wouldn't fail for the same reason. At the current time, this would not work at all I'm afraid.
In the case of Hyundai though, they don't have a cousin automobile to compete with it like VW had with Audi. Audi hurt the VW Phaeton. Maybe if Hyundai regrouped and formed a new luxury name just to sell this upper crust brand, they might could succeed like Toyota did with Lexus. Wait and see I guess.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 08:44 PM
  #311  
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What Gives Top-of-the-Line Mercedes-Benz It's Appeal?

The German word bürgermeister means “mayor.” The literal translation is “master of the citizens.” Not only in Germany but throughout the world, this is the type of buyer you’ll see in the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz sedan.

In automotive terms, the S-Class is the ultimate indicator of affluence and power. The lowest-end version costs just a shade under $100,000 including tax, while the top model, the fire-breathing twin-turbo AMG, goes for more than double that amount. Chief executives and heads of state drive—or in many cases are driven—in S-Class cars. On both large and small screens, the big Benz sedan is used to signal that a character accepts only the best. Think powerful editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada or avaricious agent Arliss Michaels in the HBO series Arli$$.

It’s not as flashy as a Ferrari. It’s slightly less snooty than a Bentley. It’s not trying to be a combination sedan and racer like the Audi A8, nor does it put you in touch with your inner accountant like the plush but conservative Jaguar XJ. And it’s definitely not for everyone.

Not surprisingly, most S-Class buyers are men, says Valentine O’Connor, a spokeswoman for Mercedes-Benz. “Their average age is 55, with a household income of about $300,000,” she says. Mercedes gets its statistics from Strategic Vision, a 30-year-old San Diego company that tracks the buying and personal habits of consumers.

So how does Mercedes keep its design edge and retain its loyal following year after year? For one, the carmaker has five research and development facilities in Stuttgart, Germany, where it explores all elements of design and ergonomics, says Michael J. Silverstein, a Chicago-based senior vice president with the Boston Consulting Group. “They are spending $2 billion per major model on research, design, and scale-up,” he says. “They’ve invented 10,000 tests that they perform on their gizmo electronics. They are exploring all details from purchase through driveaway through usage of the latest gadgets. They are quite insatiable in wanting to know more about the consumer.”

The S-Class first appeared in 1951, as the long-snouted, high-grilled 220. That model, one of the company’s first new designs following World War II, signaled Benz meant to resume its pre-war position as the leading provider of rock-solid, prestigious sedans. Throughout the ensuing half-century, the company released a steady stream of innovations in luxury, design, technology, and safety. Today, both front- and backseat passengers can have their own moonroofs, and the rear headrests retract for a better view through the back window. The 14-position driver and passenger seats are leather armchair-comfy, and mechanical supports on either side of the driver’s torso shift during turns to maintain equilibrium (and give a mini back massage) on curvy roads. The S-class was also the first car to include a crumple zone (1959), computer-controlled antilock brakes (1978), a supplemental restraint system including a driver’s-side airbag (1982), and vehicle stability control (1996).

This year’s edition offers an advanced version of Pre-Safe, a system that prepares the vehicle if an accident is looming. If the driver oversteers or the tires lose their grip, Pre-Safe raises the windows, closes the sunroof, shifts the seats upright, and tightens the seatbelts. Most noticeable to drivers, though, is Distronic Plus cruise control, which adjusts the vehicle’s speed—all the way from a full stop back up to freeway velocity—in order to maintain a consistent distance from the car in front of it.

All that safety work without any luxurious play could make the Benz a dull car, which today’s S-Class is not. The sturdy but slightly boring sedan of 20 years ago has evolved into a more handsome presence. Wheel arches curve out from the fenders, a vast hood covers engine sizes ranging from large to enormous, and doors still close like bank vaults. Even at top speeds, the interior is as silent as a meditation hut.

There are, of course, a few features that might be considered … suboptimal. Between the front seats, awkwardly placed buttons flank a control wheel that manages the telephone and the navigation and sound systems. Window controls are so subtly marked that they’re hard to find, especially at night. The gearshift is a dinky wheel-mounted stub offering simply drive, reverse, or neutral (there are addition gearshift buttons hidden behind the wheel). But these are hardly deal-breakers.

Benz knows that top-of-the-line tastes vary. The company has been catering to successive generations of buyers for almost a century. Today’s S-Class comes in four different models—all featured in our slide show—with variations in speed, strength, style, and trim. Laymen may not appreciate the subtler differences, but the people who can, well, they’re the ones who matter.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 11:21 AM
  #312  
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Record Sales for Mercedes-Benz AMG

Yesterday we reported a 35% decline in sales for Mercedes-Benz in January 2009. To nobody’s surprise, the rich are not as much affected as the middle class, which are the people who usually buy the C and E-Classes. One indication on how the rich can still afford things are the sales numbers of the AMG Mercedes models. Mercedes-AMG is actually celebrating the most successful year in its company history. AMG succeeded in increasing unit sales worldwide by 19%, selling 24,200 vehicles in 2008 (2007 sales were 20,300) and bucking the market trend in extremely difficult conditions.

As in previous years, the USA was the strongest market for AMG with a share of 38% of total sales. Germany came in second place (13%), followed by Japan (8%). The greatest growth markets of 2008 include amongst others China and Brazil with rates of increase of 260% and 565% respectively. With these figures AMG confirms its leading position amongst high-performance vehicle brands and at the same time further expands its market share in the high-performance segment.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 03:07 PM
  #313  
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2007 s600 2007 cls63
What if you were a South Korean executive in the market for a domestic Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Hyundai is hoping the answer is yes
The Koreans had something called SSangyang if I recall correctly in the late 90's which was almost a replica of the W140. It was popular among the asian countries so the Genesis could work but maybe just not in the US where the W221 among others are priced so low compared to other markets.
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 12:39 PM
  #314  
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DTM Drivers Bernd Schneider And Klaus Ludwig Begin Roles As Brand Ambassadors For AMG And Mercedes-Benz
Bernd Schneider and Klaus Ludwig, by far the most successful ever DTM touring car racing drivers, have been appointed as brand ambassadors, instructors and test drivers for AMG and Mercedes-Benz. With these appointments, which take immediate effect, Mercedes-Benz and the high-performance brand AMG have succeeded in securing the extensive wealth of experience and expertise of two of motorsport’s greatest professionals.
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 07:19 PM
  #315  
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January 2009 - Luxury Vehicle Sales

Entry SUV
1. GLK - 1,300
2. RDX - 801
3. EX - 776
4. X3 - 394

Pre-Entry-Level
1. TSX - 2,406
2. C30/S40/V50 - 756
3. 1-Series - 716
4. A3 - 227

Entry-Level
1. 3 - 5,013
2. G - 3,509
3. CTS - 3,418
4. C - 3,032
5. ES - 2,971
6. A4/5 - 2,661
7. IS - 2,400
8. TL - 2,317
9. MKZ - 1,561
10. 9-3 - 523
11. S60 -275

Mid-Level
1. 5 - 2,596
2. E - 1,768
3. M - 1,176
4. GS - 898
5. A6/S6 - 776
6. S80 - 473
7. STS - 413
8. RL - 208
9. 9-5 - 101

Flagship
1. LS - 904
2. S-Class - 516
3. A8/S8 - 95
4. 7-Series - 23
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 10:38 AM
  #316  
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Is Your Car a Cop Magnet?
A survey from ISO Quality Planning, which helps insurers spot risks, has published findings on which vehicle models get ticketed most/least often by police. There are definitely some that may surprise you.

10 Most Ticketed Vehicles
1. Hummer H2
2. Scion tC
3. Scion xB
4. Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG
5. Toyota Solara Coupe
6. Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
7. Scion xA
8. Subaru Outback
9. Audi A4
10. Toyota Matrix

10 Least Ticketed Vehicles
1. Jaguar XJ
2. Chevrolet Suburban
3. Chevrolet Tahoe
4. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500
5. Buick Park Avenue
6. Mazda6
7. Buick Rainier
8. Oldsmobile Silhouette
9. Buick Lucerne
10. GMC Sierra 1500
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Old Feb 7, 2009 | 10:58 AM
  #317  
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AMG Introducing Stop-Start and Direct-Injection Technology in 2010
Horsepower is no longer the present focus of AMG, making efficiency the new standard for performance. AMG is presently developing a whole new lineup of diesel versions with ultra-lightweight materials and advance construction processes including, and hybrid systems, of course. By 2010, according to AutoTelegraaf, AMG will be introducing stop-start and direct-injection technology throughout its range.

AMG’s stop-start will work much in the same way as the regular system where the engine is powered down at full stop and revived when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is activated. On the other hand, the direct injection system will be patterned after the second generation found in the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY version of Mercedes-Benz. The aim of AMG is to reduce fuel usage by 30 percent all throughout the range by the year 2012 with better technology than it presently has. Although there is still much work to be done where efficient diesels and hybrid versions are concerned, the SL65 Black Series is the initial implementation of AMG’s current green initiatives and the lightweight materials and weight-reducing processes that come with it will be passed on to models of the future.
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 04:21 PM
  #318  
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Mercedes-Benz Launches Exclusive Resort And Hotel Program For Mercedes-Benz Owners
Montvale, NJ - Mercedes-Benz USA today announced the introduction of its Destinations program that will entitle Mercedes-Benz owners staying at a collection of distinct properties with exclusive benefits that include complimentary use of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, welcome gifts and room upgrades.

Through the Mercedes-Benz Owner’s online website (www.mbusa.com/owners), customers can view descriptions of resort properties and benefits available to them. The properties in the Destinations program were chosen for their distinctive lodging experience, excellence in guest service that matches Mercedes-Benz’s own customer care standards, desirable geographic location and luxury amenities. They include Calistoga Ranch, CA; Encantado, NM; The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, SC; The Montage Beverly Hills, CA; Rancho Valencia, CA; Stowe Mountain Lodge, VT; The St. Regis Aspen, CO; and Winvian, CT; and Trump International Hotel & Tower, IL.
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 08:17 PM
  #319  
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Facelifted 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG on German Streets
Our friends over at GlobalMotors.net have spotted a facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class on the roads in Germany. Well it doesn’t seem to be just any S-Class, but a 2010 S63 AMG version. The bumpers are similar to what we see at the Sl65 AMG Black Series, along with new side mirrors, LED lights, and new quad exhaust.

The engine will probably stay the same, a 6.2 liter V8 with 525hp. The S65 will have 612hp and be equiped with a 6.0 liter V12. Fuel efficiency and overall performance should see an improvement, as even more lightweight materials will be used in the construction of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 10:32 PM
  #320  
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Originally Posted by JohnH4260
Facelifted 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG on German Streets
Our friends over at GlobalMotors.net have spotted a facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class on the roads in Germany. Well it doesn’t seem to be just any S-Class, but a 2010 S63 AMG version. The bumpers are similar to what we see at the Sl65 AMG Black Series, along with new side mirrors, LED lights, and new quad exhaust.

The engine will probably stay the same, a 6.2 liter V8 with 525hp. The S65 will have 612hp and be equiped with a 6.0 liter V12. Fuel efficiency and overall performance should see an improvement, as even more lightweight materials will be used in the construction of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The quad exhaust looks the same as the '09.
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 08:40 PM
  #321  
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Mercedes-Benz and Harman-Kardan to Develop Upgradeable Built-In GPS
The major downside of built-in GPS systems is that they become almost useless with the passing of time. Well not exactly useless but after a few years you will surely want to get a new GPS system, one that knows how to play music and video files and that is touch-friendly.

That’s why Mercedes and Harman are going to develop a new system, a hybrid one, that will be built-in future Mercedes models but it will be supporting easy and fast replacement of an external PND. That means the standard design will be upgraded whenever you want to. The screen and controls will be mounted on the dash while a hidden processing box will carry the actual GPS system, music storage, playback, Bluetooth connectivity and all other features. This new GPS kit will be launched in the second half of 2010, and eight new Mercedes cars will carry it.
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 06:25 PM
  #322  
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Maybach Reincarnats Automotive Legend - The Zeppelin
The Maybach brand is bringing out the new Maybach Zeppelin to spearhead its luxury saloon model range. The new model, which is receiving its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, represents the absolute zenith in the high-end luxury saloon segment. This makes it a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, which was revered worldwide as the ultimate in high-class automotive engineering in the 1930s.

The hallmark features of the new Maybach flagship’s unique sense of style include a stunning paint finish, featuring a shoulderline in a contrasting colour, as well as the exquisite, meticulously crafted materials in the interior, whose long list of optional extras includes a world first – a highly sophisticated perfume atomiser. The new model’s performance even outclasses the rest of the Maybach range, making it the most powerful Maybach ever. The new Maybach Zeppelin is being built in a limited edition of just 100 worldwide.
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Old Feb 13, 2009 | 08:53 AM
  #323  
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Danica Patrick Poses for 2009 SI Swimsuit Magazine
IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has once again gotten rid of racing gear to pose for the Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue.

Patrick’s last year appearance came right before her 2008 Indy Japan 300 victory - her first IndyCar win. She has also earned Rookie of Year for the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series season.

The year 26-year old Patrick returns for the 2009 issue for the magazine showing off her long legs next to a Shelby Cobra replica. Check out the SI Swimsuit 2009.
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Old Feb 13, 2009 | 11:54 AM
  #324  
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This forum (especially this thread) certainly has its PERKS!
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Old Feb 13, 2009 | 01:23 PM
  #325  
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I wonder what the avg is for the typical new CL buyer?
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