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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by Wolfman
That's news to me. The BMW configurator shows $3900 for the 50 model. Also 19" wheels are not an option anymore when that package is selected. The 60 is defaulted to the M-Sport with 20" wheels and priced that way. So I guess they let you downgrade both for free.
Not quite the same thing though
So nice to hear from you Wolf. I’m sure you are right, but I have not been paying attention to the I7 eDrive50 as of late, as I am intrigued with the Autobahn Pkg., which is only available on the xDrive60 model. On the 60 model, you can have the Luxury or M-Sport Package and 19” or 20” wheels with either package, at no additional charge. Seems like the right way to do it.
A few years back, I believe on the W213 E Class sedans, the charge for the AMG Line was something like $400.00. On that car, the package included upgraded brakes, so the option cost seemed to make sense. For many years now, the AMG Line option on the S Class sedans was only cosmetic, such as different body panels, etc., but was over $4K. I realize that this is all marketing, but on the S Class, it has always seemed like a money grab to me.
So nice to hear from you Wolf. I’m sure you are right, but I have not been paying attention to the I7 eDrive50 as of late, as I am intrigued with the Autobahn Pkg., which is only available on the xDrive60 model. On the 60 model, you can have the Luxury or M-Sport Package and 19” or 20” wheels with either package, at no additional charge. Seems like the right way to do it.
A few years back, I believe on the W213 E Class sedans, the charge for the AMG Line was something like $400.00. On that car, the package included upgraded brakes, so the option cost seemed to make sense. For many years now, the AMG Line option on the S Class sedans was only cosmetic, such as different body panels, etc., but was over $4K. I realize that this is all marketing, but on the S Class, it has always seemed like a money grab to me.
Same here! I hope all is well and you are enjoying your cars!
I agree that the Autobahn package is worth getting but after your W223 E-ABC debacle, suggest to thoroughly test drive cars that feature the desired options. If there isn't a car near you, it is worth taking a trip like you did with the SL65.
As for money grabs, virtually all options are. With the exception of CCB brakes, options are high margin products but in the scheme of things irrelevant to the cost of the car vs enjoyment/desirability. You see value on the options you appreciate. I for one would only pick the S-Class with a Sport/AMG package.
Yes, it has grown on me too. Sat in one a few weeks ago and I might just go kick some tires on one tomorrow and test drive one.
They drive great, the interior is super high quality and the seats are some of the most comfortable seats I've ever experienced. A W223 afterwards really feels like a step down
I didn't perceive it that way: In terms of appearance, I didn't get the step-down feeling; seemed a give an take to me with no clear winner. On the other hand when touching surfaces, and that sort of thing, the BMW feels higher quality; almost everything feels sturdier. Better screwed together, if you will.
I didn't perceive it that way: In terms of appearance, I didn't get the step-down feeling; seemed a give an take to me with no clear winner. On the other hand when touching surfaces, and that sort of thing, the BMW feels higher quality; almost everything feels sturdier. Better screwed together, if you will.
Not talking about styling, thats subjective, I'm talking about material and build quality, the 7 is way better in that department like you also felt.
I also finally drove a new Range Rover today, and man that interior also blows the S Class away, talk about quality everywhere, and I drove a base model at $116k. MB needs to step it up.
But, the RR had a lot of wind noise that set in at 70-75 MPH, would be a big turnoff for me.
Not talking about styling, thats subjective, I'm talking about material and build quality, the 7 is way better in that department like you also felt.
I also finally drove a new Range Rover today, and man that interior also blows the S Class away, talk about quality everywhere, and I drove a base model at $116k. MB needs to step it up.
But, the RR had a lot of wind noise that set in at 70-75 MPH, would be a big turnoff for me.
Hmmm, can it be optioned acoustic glass or something?
Just picked up an i7 60 equipped with both autobahn package and climate comfort double pane laminated glass and pretty much everything else.
Oxide Grey, on Smoke White/ Grey Merino Leather & Cashmere interior. Feel free to ask me anything.
initial impressions are extremely quiet at speed and the suspension cohesively competent at eliminating bump disturbance from the cabin, keeping the vehicle level with no head toss, and being done with any imperfection with one rebound.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by CSLA
Just picked up an i7 60 equipped with both autobahn package and climate comfort double pane laminated glass and pretty much everything else.
Oxide Grey, on Smoke White/ Grey Merino Leather & Cashmere interior. Feel free to ask me anything.
initial impressions are extremely quiet at speed and the suspension cohesively competent at eliminating bump disturbance from the cabin, keeping the vehicle level with no head toss, and being done with any imperfection with one rebound.
What a great car! Congratulations! What part of the country are you in? Did you special order? Please give us updates as you drive the car more. What car are you coming out of?
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by chassis
What's the tl;dr on this? New car yet @Streamliner ?
I believe the only way for me to experience the Autobahn Pkg. is to order the car, so that’s what I’m going to do, most likely this week. I can always turn it down when it comes in, but I believe I will probably like it.
After 17 brand new MB’s, including my last 8 new cars, it would appear that my next new ride will be a BMW, an I7 eDrive50 to be exact. I placed an order today and they are telling me 3 to 4 months. I am not thrilled with the exterior looks of this car or some of the interior trim items and would have much preferred to stay with MB but quite frankly, I believe that I did not leave MB, MB left me. With the unhappy experience I had with MB unwilling to fix the harsh shifting transmission in my 2020 S560 and then my absolute meltdown experience with my 2022 S580–both of which were repurchased by MBUSA—yes, that’s two in a row!—I felt that I needed a change. Swearing that my next new car would have amazing ride quality and comfort over all else, led me to my ugly duckling decision. The car drives like a dream.
The BMW dealer is about three blocks from my office and should I need to bug them about anything, it should be relatively simple. The fact that I usually drive between about 10 to 16 miles a day and can charge the car both at my home and office, coupled with living in idiotic California, where gas prices are currently around $5.20 a gallon, makes the idea of an electric car that much more appealing. We will still have two MB ICE cars in the household, should the need arise.
So, barring me finding my dream S560 (still searching for it!) while I wait for my new car to be delivered, I look forward to going BMW—and electric—this summer. Stay tuned!
Just saw this thread. You made a wise choice as BMW is my next move someday.
Congratulations! I do love how the new 7 looks in the proper trim. Here is one with the dual paint which I am not a fan of but I love the shape and the rims.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I received this from BMW yesterday:
Thank you for contacting the BMW i Team. I appreciate your inquiry about the Autobahn Package for the BMW i7 eDrive60.
Autobahn Package combines the best optional performance features for superior vehicle dynamics. Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview and Integral Active Steering provide stability, handling and overall performance improvements for the road ahead.
An active suspension control system designed to reduce body roll while cornering by twisting the front and rear anti-roll bars. This increases steering response and improves handling through better suspension geometry, providing greater stability, agility and overall driving comfort.
Active Comfort Drive's electromechanically operated stabilization system allows your vehicle to handle corners with comfort and precision, while Road Preview's interior camera enables the Dynamic Damper Control system to react pro-actively to road irregularities. Together, Active Comfort Drive and Road Preview impart an unrivaled combination of sporty handling and luxurious riding comfort that must be experienced to be believed.
Thanks @Streamliner. I sort of ended up in the same situation you were in with your S580 where I settled for a car with $27k of individual interior and rear executive lounge seating in order to find the only car equipped with autobahn package and the the climate comfort double pane glass in my region.
It was located in central CA and I’m in LA. Flew up and drove it back today.
I7 is replacing a 2022 Tesla Model X, which replaced another individual special order autobahn package and climate glass equipped G12 740i. We decided electric was definitely for us, but couldn’t put up with the Tesla’s lack of refinement any further.
Also have a pinnacle package EQS450 sedan, which is going to be replaced with a EQS580 SUV at the end of the month.
Very interesting to have both sedans back to back currently. They could not be more different!
I believe the only way for me to experience the Autobahn Pkg. is to order the car, so that’s what I’m going to do, most likely this week. I can always turn it down when it comes in, but I believe I will probably like it.
My dealer has one coming in with the package, I am going to drive it. Will let you know my thoughts.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by Bubba1
Stream, what’s the update on the 7 series or have you decided to go with something else?
I have been stymied by the “availability” of the Autobahn Pkg. on the BMW I7 xDrive60. It’s available to order, yet there is only ONE car with the option, between California & Colorado and that car is in Denver. I think I want the option, but I really need to experience it. I’ve read everything I can find on it—which is almost nothing—but I need a test drive. I had decided on just ordering the car with it, but thought better about it and am now actually going back to my original plan and that is to go with the I7 eDrive50 model, which has one motor and RWD. I don’t drive like a madman so I don’t need the extra power. I never drive in the snow and rarely in the rain, so I don’t need AWD. The Autobahn Pkg. is not available on the eDrive50 model, so that sort of settles that and I read one review that touted the more nimble handling of the RWD model. WHATEVER I do, I’m placing an order this week! I’m done procrastinating.
Makes sense. I was at the BMW dealership the other day. The 7 is definitely growing on me.
I was checking out the X7 and X5 (would love to get Crabs initial thoughts on his X5M…it’s too “sporty” for my needs).
What I don’t understand, and I also visited the Porsche dealer to see the new Cayenne is why the seat bottoms have such firm side bolsters (even the “comfort” seats in the Cayenne). These apparently are not adjustable and are for me a hindrance in getting in and out not to mention they would drive Mrs. Bubba crazy!!
Apparently Audi and Lamborghini Urus have adjustability, so you can flatten the bolsters so they don’t stick up your butt during ingress and egress!!
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by Bubba1
Makes sense. I was at the BMW dealership the other day. The 7 is definitely growing on me………….
Yes, on me as well. I am seeing a lot of them around town.
I always make it difficult on myself, as I pretty much never want what most everyone else wants. I don’t want the M-Sport body, but probably 90% of the cars out there have it. I want the Full Marino leather and almost nobody orders it. Same for the 19” wheels. Oh well. Either today or tomorrow, I’m going to again test drive the eDrive50 and the xDrive60 back to back, make up my mind and place the order.
I don’t think you can go wrong either way. You are fortunate to live in a place where rear wheel drive is fine. Something to be said about having your front wheels solely for steering the car.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
