jagata

Ok I have my S550 which is close of being sold, now I am coming to the realization I do not know what to replace it with. I need some ideas so I'm coming to you guys for your thoughts. Here is my wants, pretty simple anything cool that is equal or lesser in value than your average S550, I tend to lean towards European brands.
Thanks

QuadBenz

BMW 750 (i or Li) with the M-Sport package.

CL55_Serge

How about an E63?

jagata

Thanks Serge, I have already owned a w211 so not looking for the same. Quad I have been thinking about the 750 but don't think I seen a M sport package only seen a sport pkg. unless that's what you mean.

QuadBenz

Nope. M-Sport (slightly modded):





Stock 7 with M-Sport:

RobertM

how about a Maserati QP

jprescott

Maserati is a hard move from an S550. Rough drive. Some great deals out there though. Best car I ever had was my A8L. New one at Detroit show looks good

AsianML

F10 M5.

emilner

Just curious, you prefer the A8 over the S550? I looked at an 07 A8 but I did not care for it's power or interior. I guess we all have different opinions but I just wanted to here your viewpoint...

jprescott

S550 is the king of luxury. I had a 750 for a few days and own the A8. Hands down MB has the plush look, drive,materials etc. As far as a car that I just love, my A8L just makes me feel good. I'm 46 so I don't feel like Grandpa or like I'm over the top in the A8. It is so subjective. I look more forward to driving my S550 to work in the morning because it's like a yacht. Will take the A8 to the Lakers game tomorrow. Don't know why. That's what I love about cars. By the way, the S doesn't make me feel old. My wife and kids make fun of it for being stodgy. Really the Lexus was the only car that "felt" too old for me. As you said, we all have different opinions. Forgot to mention I love the new E350

vonbeeler

Consider '10 Range Rover if you like to drive something large. You will get excellent luxury while having some utility. If you don't mind downsizing and are looking for a bit more fun consider M3 vert with D/C. I came out of a 07 600. I was growing tired of the size and really didn't use the rear that often. While the M3 has the same straight line performance as the 600, in the twisities this might be one of the funnest cars I have owned. It is solid, has the biggest fun factor you can get for an everyday in the straight or twisties, sounds excellent, and offers hard top convertible. My kids love the convertible too.

emilner

Gotcha, Thanks!

cjf_moraga

There is only one alternative... another S-Class.. but how about a cheaper 07/08 S600 or 08 S63 to give you a different flavor of how good this car is?

Chris

simothysingh

I agree with above post
Although an S, its a little different from s550, http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/1554233776.html

If my s was near sold and was getting a decent figure for it, i would upgrade to this in a heart beat. I paid more than this for my 550

s65 for $85k with 12k miles is unbelievable!

usctrojans1

A Bentley Flying Spur Speed. Has the V12 I crave.

WSH

If MB didn't exist and needed a ~$100K sedan (or station wagon/minivan I suppose), would drive a VW PanameraS

Thankfully, MB does exist; so, if lim to ~$100K would much rather drive a new, '10 S550 (w/ABC, not the Airmatic POS) or '10 E63

Recently test-drove PanamTT in mtns/fast fwys vs '10 E63 (not back-to-back but a few wks apart)....and was far more impressed with steering/brakes/chassis/lack of turbo lag/safety/ergonomics/exhaust music/ride comfort of the humble $100K E63 vs the ~$180K VW hatchback

Test drives are a cheap way to confirm why so many jaded guys w/unlim budgets are MB/AMG addicts, but not VW or Fiat addicts, despite having owned/driven those, too...

Jan AMG

Range Rover is equiv. to S and very comfortable

vonbeeler

AND you can use it for everything other than just floating down the pavement

geneatlts

The 600 is far more amazing than the 550. You can "feel" it. The s63 with a designo package gets close. Much different cars than a 550 sport.

My 09 Range Rover Autobiography is a lot of fun and great with the family but I wouldn't trade my 600 for it or anything else.

mkaresh

$180k? Must have been loaded with every overpriced frill that Porsche offers.

I haven't driven either car myself, but am surprised to hear that the Mercedes steered and handled better.

mkaresh

By "rough drive," do you mean the transmission? They started offering a conventional automatic that shifts much more smoothly a few years ago. Early cars were automated manual only.

On the A8--I don't care for the styling of the new one at all. Much prefer the current A8.

jprescott

I drove an F1 and the new auto. Auto is better but I still found the overall drive to be hard. An S class, A8 or 7 series give a luxury drive. The Maserati is loud, bumpy and hard. Beautiful in and out but a totally different experience than a luxury car. I see it as a second car.

bigben320e

Have you considered a a CLS?

transferred

No offense but M3 'vert is way heavy, 400lbs more than the hardtop coupe or sedan. No way is it as fast as your 07 S600 on the highway and while it'll handle better in the twisties it's no h/t...totally with you on the sound but for driving thrills a fixed h/t is the only choice.

My vote is the V10 M5 to replace the S, much rougher ride and shifting but far quicker, far better handling and braking plus you keep the passenger space and trunk....

If you want something other than a sedan then the Range Rover is a great pick with the 500bhp 5.0 supercharged and it rides smoothly (but slow for corners!)

new 7 is nice but 760 is the choice and maybe the regular sport....the "m" sport has a gross amount of chrome, like my F450

simothysingh

heres something no one has yet mentioned: i drove the xf (jaguar) a few days ago, and although not comparable to the s, it definitely felt good. smooth drive, push button start, nice interior (complimented the exterior well), SURPRISINGLY ROOMY. The ride was smooth, and power when needed, but not like the S. However, it does provide a different profile, elegant yet sporty. plus i must mention that my buddy bought his 09 in nov of 09 for ~54 out the door with service included in warranty!