WTB -S63 or S600 or CLS63? opinions please
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From: Seattle
2105 S63 Full Carbon - 2018 GTR
WTB -S63 or S600 or CLS63? opinions please
hey fellas-
so I have concluded that I'm done with the E55 and need to upgrade into something more luxurious.
Drove the CLS sexy as hell 63. Exhaust note on the 09 CLS was AMAZING! fell in love with that and the handling but cant live with the interior room and gadgets (or lack there of).
Drove the S600- it is truly nuts how it gets to 130 mph and feels like ur going 60! it has all the bells and whistles that I'm into but the lack of road response, engine sound and the fact that my senses can not process how incredibly fast the car is bugs me.
Now then -that leaves the S63 which I have not driven yet but have researched a fair bit. There's not one available in the Seattle area for sale so here's where I need some feedback. I would think that it would be a fair balance between the CLS and the S600? am I on the right track?
The car would be a DD. I have 2 kids so the rear seats would be mostly used by them. I have the 911TT for the track or to get my jollies so dont necessarily need the DD for that.
Has anyone with 600 mod'd the exhaust? Anyone "AMG'd" their S600 here to get the best of all worlds without spending a grip on an S65? Thanks for the advice here felleas ... I appreciate it
so I have concluded that I'm done with the E55 and need to upgrade into something more luxurious.
Drove the CLS sexy as hell 63. Exhaust note on the 09 CLS was AMAZING! fell in love with that and the handling but cant live with the interior room and gadgets (or lack there of).
Drove the S600- it is truly nuts how it gets to 130 mph and feels like ur going 60! it has all the bells and whistles that I'm into but the lack of road response, engine sound and the fact that my senses can not process how incredibly fast the car is bugs me.
Now then -that leaves the S63 which I have not driven yet but have researched a fair bit. There's not one available in the Seattle area for sale so here's where I need some feedback. I would think that it would be a fair balance between the CLS and the S600? am I on the right track?
The car would be a DD. I have 2 kids so the rear seats would be mostly used by them. I have the 911TT for the track or to get my jollies so dont necessarily need the DD for that.
Has anyone with 600 mod'd the exhaust? Anyone "AMG'd" their S600 here to get the best of all worlds without spending a grip on an S65? Thanks for the advice here felleas ... I appreciate it
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From: Illinois
GL550, C55, 335i Coupe, vintage Mustang
I can understand your dilemma. The CLS isn't really a sedan, the back seat is more of a coupe's than that befitting a proper sedan. I personally would not consider a 63 if it is your daily driver. It gets the same, maybe worse gas mileage than the 600. As far as road feel and tactile sensation, I really don't feel those are a true attribute of an S class. The S class product line is built around luxury, technology, and safety. It is fitting for heads of state and executives alike. It is cabable of long roadtrips in complete comfort, with ventilated seats cooling your back side if the sun gets to be a little warm. The audio system is adequate for all but serious audiophiles, and can easily overpower most of the exhaust and engine sound heard in the car. If you are looking for a unique ride that can be driven daily, for the price range you are talking, I would ask that you look at a Maserati Quattroporte. The 07 and newer models have a ZF automatic trans that makes casual driving more comfortable, the Skyhook suspension is a phenomenol coil over set up for tactile sensation and handling. The exhaust note of the Ferrari built engine makes the 63 sound anemic. It might not be the fastest car on the planet, and coming from an E55, you will probably notice that quickly. But, you will enjoy the driving experience like you do in the 911. I respect all cars for what they do well, and have a particular love for the MB lineup but also have a hidden passion for the Italians too for some reason.
Nick
Nick
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German vehicles stink, will never buy again. Moved on to Toyota and BYD.
S600 seperates the men from the boys.
I wouldn't hesitate one bit. The engine is phenomenal, you don't have to drive it hard, plus you get used to the oogles of power and as long as you are an adept driver you will be able to handle it (just get a valentine one to keep reminding you to slow down). The 600 is the best of both worlds, you can drive it like a regular sedan or mash the pedal and give porsches and vettes a run for their money. I can't tell you how great of a car it is.
For me it's the car that has class, luxury, and comfort and is the general choice of succesful CEO's and presidents.
I wouldn't hesitate one bit. The engine is phenomenal, you don't have to drive it hard, plus you get used to the oogles of power and as long as you are an adept driver you will be able to handle it (just get a valentine one to keep reminding you to slow down). The 600 is the best of both worlds, you can drive it like a regular sedan or mash the pedal and give porsches and vettes a run for their money. I can't tell you how great of a car it is.
For me it's the car that has class, luxury, and comfort and is the general choice of succesful CEO's and presidents.
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From: Illinois
GL550, C55, 335i Coupe, vintage Mustang
Reckless is right too. As long as you understand that the S, no matter which variety you choose, will not handle like the Porsche. If you are looking at used cars, the 65s are about $100k now with the 63s and 600s below that for 07 models. Still not chump change, but definately better than $140-200k they were new. FYI, the QPs are about $65-85k for the same model years. Not to mention, your neighbor likely doesn't have a Maserati so you are guaranteed to garner more glances.
Nick
Nick
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From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
I personally found this to be a difficult decision because all are so different. I am not partial to coupes so I went with an SL600. I was very fortunate in that I was able to get both an S65 and an E63. They are very different cars. The S is a quiet luxury car that is truly fast, but not really "quick." The E63 is also fast but very nimble and responsive compared to the S. The E also has that V8 exhaust note not present in the TT V-12's. Beyond about 65 the S is noticeably faster, the 7 speed in the E really helps it at low speeds. In my opinion the S is best at longer drives and open road touring, the E is best at the LA basin commuting. The E63 has averaged about five MPG better than the S65 over about 20k miles on each if that matters.
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From: Illinois
GL550, C55, 335i Coupe, vintage Mustang
I guess I really don't have an opinion, I'm as torn as you are between some cars that I love. Need I go into the Lamborghini Estoque that I think looks pretty F'ing awesome too? What the hell, I really don't know what I want yet. Good thing I have a couple years to decide.
Nick
Nick
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Newbie
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C 200.
My dad use to have an S600, like Reckless said it really does separate the kids from the men, it has this stealthy presence of "watch the **** out" type of aura, out of experience the maseratii has the worst ****ing reliability out there plus you got to service check it out for every 10k WTF... Go for the S600 you wont regret it. its got the gadgets of NASA ship from rear view camera to split screen view to panorimic roof, it has every option on this planet.
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I think, Reckless nailed it down.
There is nothing better on the road (sans crazy exotics) than V12TT.
Light tap on the throttle and you have to watch not to ram anybody in front of you.
Extremely responsive (with Sprint Booster to boot).
Maserati? I don't know...
There is nothing better on the road (sans crazy exotics) than V12TT.
Light tap on the throttle and you have to watch not to ram anybody in front of you.
Extremely responsive (with Sprint Booster to boot).
Maserati? I don't know...
Last edited by Red Marko; Jun 21, 2009 at 09:52 AM.
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LS430
ECU'd S600 and call it a day, luxury, power, refinement and yet destruction with so much ease of use. Barely tap on it and everything is out of your sight. I'm a fan of the sleeper rocket ship that munches on pretty much anything...S600.
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From: East Bay Area, CA
2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
S600 all the way... I went from a E55 to S600. After the E55 I was not very impressed by the S63 which has none of the "kick in the back" acceleration that made the E55 such fun, but the S600 certainly has it in spades. However you are quite correct that your senses do not process how fast the S600 really is, so well insulated, superbly handling (courtesy ABC) and smooth riding it is. "Oh I am doing 110 mph..." The V12 can easily be tuned to higher power and has lots of capacity in reserve. Also the S600 is in a different class to the S63 in its all leather interior appointments and all options included. Passengers love it better also.
Frankly if you are coming from an E55 and love that experience the S600 is a no-brainer. What are you giving up? Only a more obvious exhaust note (record one on your iPod or open your windows!) and those AMG letters on the back. Having V12's on the side and dash is even better though!
The CLS 63 though a good car does not belong in this rarefied company.
Chris
Frankly if you are coming from an E55 and love that experience the S600 is a no-brainer. What are you giving up? Only a more obvious exhaust note (record one on your iPod or open your windows!) and those AMG letters on the back. Having V12's on the side and dash is even better though!
The CLS 63 though a good car does not belong in this rarefied company.
Chris
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From: Hermosa Beach, CA
21 G63, 21 GLS580, 16 GTS Ed. 1
S600 is the way. You want exhaust note? order some Remus exhausts. S600 only needs 3 things. 1. Remus exhausts 2. Sprint booster. 3. Ecu upgrade. with those 3 you will be glade you choose the S600 instead of the S63.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: OC, Socal
03 S600,05 E55,02 996TTx50,11 997 3.8GT3RS
My vote for S600 for sure, 1 of best DD!! I also have a 996tt & E55 like you currently similar tastes, but recently added a W220 S600 to carry newborn around. Like S600 so much that i've driven 5Kmi within last 2 months, my other cars not touched. E55 is somewhat cramped w/ just 1 carseat in the back. Turbo or SC w/ their TQ are the only way to go imo especially a street car. NA won't be fast or exciting enough for me in the long run..
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From: San Diego
E55
Not sure of the body style codes but. But if you are comparing the current S63 and the last gen S600. I would take the S63 hands down. That sedan is pure sex on wheels! Although more power is always better, this one is good enough.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
S600 all the way... I went from a E55 to S600. After the E55 I was not very impressed by the S63 which has none of the "kick in the back" acceleration that made the E55 such fun, but the S600 certainly has it in spades. However you are quite correct that your senses do not process how fast the S600 really is, so well insulated, superbly handling (courtesy ABC) and smooth riding it is. "Oh I am doing 110 mph..." The V12 can easily be tuned to higher power and has lots of capacity in reserve. Also the S600 is in a different class to the S63 in its all leather interior appointments and all options included. Passengers love it better also.
Frankly if you are coming from an E55 and love that experience the S600 is a no-brainer. What are you giving up? Only a more obvious exhaust note (record one on your iPod or open your windows!) and those AMG letters on the back. Having V12's on the side and dash is even better though!
The CLS 63 though a good car does not belong in this rarefied company.
Chris
Frankly if you are coming from an E55 and love that experience the S600 is a no-brainer. What are you giving up? Only a more obvious exhaust note (record one on your iPod or open your windows!) and those AMG letters on the back. Having V12's on the side and dash is even better though!
The CLS 63 though a good car does not belong in this rarefied company.
Chris
He is looking for a daily driver and loud (however great sounding) exhaust while impressive for the first few days will be tiring later on in daily traffic grind.
S600 is the best and an unbeatable compromise (if not having to deal with Chicago snow).
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N/A
My opinion....
either one you choose, you cannot lose.....but....I would wait until the 2010's are available.
Rather significant changes on the CLS63 (my personal favorite), and some nice updates on the S Class as well. I have experience with the S63 and see no reason it wouldn't work well as the DD. It for me for awhile.
Oh, and good luck with your "difficult" decision
Rather significant changes on the CLS63 (my personal favorite), and some nice updates on the S Class as well. I have experience with the S63 and see no reason it wouldn't work well as the DD. It for me for awhile.
Oh, and good luck with your "difficult" decision
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From: Atlanta, GA
2005 S600 (Silver w/ AMG package)
S600 for me. You can't go wrong with this. If You had to rate all aspects of a car (space, luxury, speed, thrust for fun, looks, status, versatility, ect.) there is no equal for the S600. I use mine as a daily driver. If You have to park outside, put 2 or more coats of Jetseal 109 from Chemical Guys on it, use Meg's Gold Class leather cleaner/conditioner with UV blockers on the interior (or something from CG - they are awesome) and use a sun shield in the front windshield. Bang, no such thing as a better daily driver. Room in the back seat for kids. Get a seat protector to go under the carseats to prevent seat wear and spills. The S600 is IMHO the best car on Earth for a person who uses it for a DD. Plus there are options to upgrade the exhaust, add the Sprint-Boost and tune it like Venom-AMG said above - that is the perfect summary of what to do. Just an opinion though; for what it's worth of course...
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Atlanta, GA
2005 S600 (Silver w/ AMG package)
S600 for me. You can't go wrong with this. If You had to rate all aspects of a car (space, luxury, speed, thrust for fun, looks, status, versatility, ect.) there is no equal for the S600. I use mine as a daily driver. If You have to park outside, put 2 or more coats of Jetseal 109 from Chemical Guys on it, use Meg's Gold Class leather cleaner/conditioner with UV blockers on the interior (or something from CG - they are awesome) and use a sun shield in the front windshield. Bang, no such thing as a better daily driver. Room in the back seat for kids. Get a seat protector to go under the carseats to prevent seat wear and spills. The S600 is IMHO the best car on Earth for a person who uses it for a DD. Plus there are options to upgrade the exhaust, add the Sprint-Boost and tune it like Venom-AMG said above - that is the perfect summary of what to do. Just an opinion though; for what it's worth of course...
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From: Shanghai & Toronto
2015 Porsche C2S, 2014 ML63 AMG, & 2012 Maserati Quattroporte S
I'm currently driving S63 AMG and my lease is over next year, and I'm planning to lease 2011 model of S63 AMG. This is a fabolous machinery and I'm really happy to say that this class has NO competitors at all. What a master piece! No one dear to challenge me on the highway, except of course Porsches, Ferraris, Maseratis, and fellow AMGs. Those 525 stallions is just music to my ears when I enter tunnels, and the massage seats - it just makes me want to enter that car more and more. This car is worth every penny I put down.
