Stryke

I was not happy with my old 2001 S500 Sport mainly due to alot of electrical problems but I have been hearing good things about this new generation. My wife's Range Rover is coming off lease in 2 months and I am thinking of giving her my 2008 4.8i X5 and replacing it with the car in the subject. Any owners have any pros/cons for me to consider? If it helps, I was very happy with my 2006 750i except I do not want another rear wheel drive vehicle as a daily driver in NYC.

Thanks in advance.

nychokeyplaya35

Don't buy a new one buy like a year old one for like 30k off or even more they de-value ridicolously.

Stryke

You're right but I apologize for not clarifying. I would be leasing this vehicle. Both swap-a-lease or my local dealer would both be an option. I buy the "toy" cars but I lease the daily drivers.

drksuh

I have a s550 4Matic and enjoy it. I believe it is one of the safest cars ever made and it is nimble like a smaller car. One of my favorite features is the Distronic Cruise control which I highly recommend.

wman

if you wait a little the 2009 7 series will be available in all wheel drive, to compare to the 550

silberrosa

Of course you have to drive the new S to truly appreciate it. The car has been great from the start of the new generation with very few issues. As good as the new 7 might be, in this segment, the S-Class is simply the best road car which you can buy. When you get out of the car after a long trip, it is the only car I have ever been in where you actually feel better than when you startede. It also depends on what you are looking for. In the twisties, the new 7er might be better. However, if you looking for something which is good in the twisties, buy something other than a 4.000+ pound car.

emjay65

Can someone tell me the difference between a four-wheel drive (standard in S-550) and the AWD of the 4Matic?

cjf_moraga

Excellent comments on the S-Class as a road car... I quite agree. Also you have properly identified the essential self-contradiction of the 7-series!

Chris

jasonrhcastle

While I agree with the comments about the S class, and having observed the vast difference between our 2008 X5 4.8i and our 2009 GL550, I prefer the handling characteristics of the BMW's. The ride of our GL is fantastic. Really, a truly enjoyable vehicle that you feel refreshed from when you arrive. However, for my DD I really prefer than handling of my M5. You may want to hold off and drive the X-drive 7 when it debuts this fall.

I have thought of replacing the M5 with an S63 in a year or so, but don't know yet. I don't know that I can justify the price increase. I may look for one that has 2000-3000 miles on it so that someone else takes that depreciation hit.

Good luck Stryke....Let us know what you do.

QuadBenz

The S550 doesn't come standard with "four-wheel drive" unless you specifically get a 4Matic model. Aren't AWD and 4 wheel drive the same thing? 4 wheels are moving, the car has 4 wheels only. All wheel drive, all the wheels are moving, which there are 4 of...

Quadcammer

yes and no. Most people think of 4wd as part-time, user selectable system, as opposed to the full-time, automatic AWD.

Mat

DO NOT BUY UNTIL ALL THE BUGS ARE CLEAR - COULD BE ANOTHER COUPLE OF YEARS - I AM REGRETTING MY 09 PURCHASE

BMWFanboyy

The dealers I have contacted aren't budging much on the price on the 2009s. They still have 2009s on their lots but won't move more than 4% off MSRP, no way close to invoice even. I have checked with several sources who say that there are no incentives on 2009s from MB except for the reduced money factor. Although I've read on the web some people saying they got below invoice pricing on 2009s, I won't believe it until I see it.

QuadBenz

Can you expand on this? My 07 has been great, with no issues whatsoever.
Before you steer others away from this fantastic car, did you stop to think yours could be a lemon?

cjf_moraga

Yes please clarify. (And don't shout) The w221 S-Class has been in production long enough that such a sweeping statement is way out of the norm from all reviews and data reported both here and in many other sources including (gasp) Consumer Reports!

Chris

softgenious

I have an 07 S550 and it's been great. Not bad for a car with so many electronics. I think Mercedes has finally got it right.