Pure Driving Experience: w221 vs BMW 745i
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From: Tampa Bay, FL
Something on 4 wheels..
I'd say the W221 - and I owned a 760Li.
Certainly, it also depends on WHICH W221 we are talking about. The W221 is newer, so better developed. Most car-reviews rank the MB higher than the BMW.
Certainly, it also depends on WHICH W221 we are talking about. The W221 is newer, so better developed. Most car-reviews rank the MB higher than the BMW.
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From: CT
Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Tesla
I'd say overall, the S550 performs better. But it depends on whether or not it has ABC or Airmatic, IMO. My friend's 750Li stayed pretty flat in corners, but it wasn't as flat in corners as my S, which does have ABC, and I have driven an Airmatic S550 before (which it does perform better than in corners). Another thing is that the S550 definitely has WAY more power, and the one thing that bothers me is that there's lag when you step on the gas to start moving from a stop in the 7. Much worse than any Benz I've driven.
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From: CA
2010 CL65
Have test-driven various latest M3/M5 (haven't driven 7 in yrs)...BMW clearly has inept engineers who can't figure out basics like steering precision, chassis precision/stability, brake pedal feel/fade resistance, tq, gearbox speed/smoothness/robustness
Would prefer any new S/CL600 (550 brakes suck; too underpowered and plasticky interior) over any BMW...or any P for that matter
S/CL65 are on a separate level vs non-AMGs....only real comparos are 599 and GT2...which have various issues of safety and/or daily-useability compromising their real world dynamics/perf
Best approach is to test-drive new 7 vs '10 S65 (or 600/63) on interesting roads...both fast urban fwys (to test tq/gearbox) and mtn twisties (steering/chassis/brakes/tq/gearbox)...judge for self
Would prefer any new S/CL600 (550 brakes suck; too underpowered and plasticky interior) over any BMW...or any P for that matter
S/CL65 are on a separate level vs non-AMGs....only real comparos are 599 and GT2...which have various issues of safety and/or daily-useability compromising their real world dynamics/perf
Best approach is to test-drive new 7 vs '10 S65 (or 600/63) on interesting roads...both fast urban fwys (to test tq/gearbox) and mtn twisties (steering/chassis/brakes/tq/gearbox)...judge for self
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From: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
'09 S63 AMG
I would not lump the 221 with the 7.
I hate to break this news to my S class bretheren, but the stock 550 simply does not compare with the 7 when it comes to pure handling.
The S63 and S65 OTH would blow the 7 out of it's socks. I have not driven the 600 so I can't comment.
I hate to break this news to my S class bretheren, but the stock 550 simply does not compare with the 7 when it comes to pure handling.
The S63 and S65 OTH would blow the 7 out of it's socks. I have not driven the 600 so I can't comment.
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From: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
'09 S63 AMG
S/CL65 are on a separate level vs non-AMGs....only real comparos are 599 and GT2...which have various issues of safety and/or daily-useability compromising their real world dynamics/perf
Best approach is to test-drive new 7 vs '10 S65 (or 600/63) on interesting roads...both fast urban fwys (to test tq/gearbox) and mtn twisties (steering/chassis/brakes/tq/gearbox)...judge for self
Best approach is to test-drive new 7 vs '10 S65 (or 600/63) on interesting roads...both fast urban fwys (to test tq/gearbox) and mtn twisties (steering/chassis/brakes/tq/gearbox)...judge for self
Last edited by AustinGuy; Feb 13, 2009 at 01:21 AM.
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WSH - sorry to bust your bubble but this is the biggest line of horse hoey I have every heard. Come on man, are you serious? BMW engineers inept? Really? I would argue that the S550 cannot hold the 7's jock strap when it comes to handling and driving pleasure. I have driven both - for extended periods of time. Steering precision on the 7 is immaculate.
Agree, the 550's brakes need some work but I wouldn't go as far as saying they suck.
I can tell you first hand that the S63's handling is on a different level than the 7. Better and more responsive. Plus the suspension is slightly softer yet firm enough.
Agree, the 550's brakes need some work but I wouldn't go as far as saying they suck.
I can tell you first hand that the S63's handling is on a different level than the 7. Better and more responsive. Plus the suspension is slightly softer yet firm enough.
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From: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
'09 S63 AMG
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DK much about the 02 745 compared to the merc.However when sold my 05 s500, i compared the 08 s550 to the 08 750il. I can honestly say the merc reminded my of my dad's old seville(steering) and the plush ride of a lexus. I felt underwheemeld to say the least. while the bmw handled,breaked much more responsive while be 10k cheaper( due to the upcoming f01 release). keep in mind most of the people on this forum will not be open minded regarding a fair assesment of ANY bmw.
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