mhh

I had my first drive in an E55 today. Drove it in the city, freeway and winding hills roads for 40 minutes.

Loved the huge power, but after my C32 I thought the steering was disappointing - light and vague. Also, the ride is rougher than I expected, even with the suspension at the softest setting. When I drove the C32 for the first time, I was instantly at ease going fast but the E55 didn't inspire the same confidence. Whatever else it is, it sure isn't a bigger, faster C32 which I guess I must have been expecting.

I think I'll wait to see the new M5 after all. I want a driver's car and I'm not sure the E55 is one.

Roseylv

OK, first off how were you able to drive the 55 for 40 minutes? Not on a test drive was it? You are creditable coming from a C32 w/ work done, but you didn’t enjoy the drive enough to say, “I’ll take it”? Interesting, the reason I say that is because I was a passenger in the new E55 and I was stunned. My driver took a few turns aggressively, a lot more straight line demo, although I was still impressed.

Though I have yet to drive one myself…

mhh

Yes, it was a test drive with the local dealer. The salesman drove it first, and then I took over. I told the salesman what I thought, that the acceleration was brilliant, but that it rode harder than I hoped and that it didn't steer as nicely as my C32.

One interesting aspect is that the Australian spec C32 doesn't have the Parameter (speed sensing) steering as standard as some markets do. It is beautifully firm and meaty at low speed and has great feel at all speed. The E55 I drove was like a Honda to steer at low speed for lightness - very different from the C32. But I guess you get used to it...

Vic

Just goes to show that everyone has a different opinion.

Having regularly driven a 996 cabriolet before getting the Beast, my impression of the E55 ride is that it is too soft, even in the firmest setting.

While I'm surprised that you prefer the C32 (because I consider it inferior to the E55 in nearly every objective and subjective manner), you're certainly entitled to your opinion. On this point, however, like Roseylv said, nearly everyone that has ridden in my car has been utterly impressed with the vehicle's overall performance.

E55 KEV

Contradiction - The E55's ride is too hard for you, but you want an M5! The next M5 like all M5's have an more harsher ride than AMG.

absent

I had totally opposite impression when switched from C32.
I could not wait to get rid of it,had a lot of power (Renntech mods)but the seats were terrible and the sound of the engine at higher revs drove me nuts.
E55 was like coming home at last,solid, stable,fast and comfy ,all at the same time.
To each it's own..........

norb

Hey that's cool, the E55 isn't for everyone, that's why we have choice. Good luck with the M5.

mhh

Maybe I should try another car too before I write the E55 off. I don't know what pressure the Contis where at. The car is an MB Australia vehicle being used to support an AMG owners run from Melbourne to Adelaide for the Classic Adelaide Rally, and may have been running high tyre pressures for track demonstrations, for all I know.



Classic Adelaide Rally

hllatif

Having driven my E55 for 10,000 km, I'm also disappointed in the traction, steering, and handling areas. Not offering a limited slip differential by AMG as standard item in such a powerful car is inexcusable.

eclou

The E55 may not have the intuitive "driver's car feel," but it is 99.9% driver's car capable. It is also very easy to drive in traffic. To me, it is a relaxing break from my hyper-tite 97 M3 track/street car and 996 cab.

jkrutch

We don't have a ltd slip rear end?????? Say it isn't so!

AMGB

I have had my E55 for about 2.5 weeks now (1500 miles) and I love the suspension. I think it is a perfect balance between luxury and sport. I drive in comfort mode 90% of the time and its perfect. When I want to take some turns I put it in sport 2. But for the everyday drive and drive with passengers, I think the suspension is just right.

Now, that doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice to have a sport 3 or sport 4 mode too.

WishforE55

what state are you from mhh and what dealer was it may i ask?

mhh

I'm in SA, but car was Vic registered. My dealer is BEA Motors. As the car is over in Adelaide anyway, the dealer is keeping it for a week to show interested customers.