r_liebo

My dad is debating between the two, trying to justify the heavy cash outlay for the E55. How is handling and ride compared to an E500 with sport package? I know the accel. is worlds apart, but what about the handling and braking? How much harsher is the ride?

ThemisN

I unfortunately dont have experience with both cars, but honeslty..if you are debating the cost being worth it, chances are the E55 is not hte car you are looking for. Only bc, you dont seem to be the type that goes after performance cars and will pay the price that goes along with it. It sounds to me the performance of an E500 is sufficient for you, so I would think that is your best bet. Myslef on the other hand, The E500 was never a consideration. I would rather buy a leftover or slightly used E39 M5 than that.

amg55

I had a deposit down on my E55 even before the E500 was released. Naturally I was curious to get an E55 preview when the E500 came out. I took an E500 for a test drive at my dealer and I tell you I was so disappointed I considered cancelling my order. The acceleration and ride made me feel like I was driving a Camry.

I'm glad I held out because the E500 and E55 are worlds apart.
Not everyone values the same things in a car, but for me, the extra $20K for an E55 is unquestionably worth it. Because without the AMG additions, I wouldn't even be driving an E.

BTW, if your father has experience driving great handling cars (Porsches, BMW 3 or 5, etc) he'll likely be underwhelmed with the E55's handling characteristics. They're the car's weakest point IMO.

r_liebo

He's currently in a Boxster S, BMW 540 before that. Concern is the E500 feeling too soft and sluggish from a handling perspective, but right now the Boxster S ride is too harsh for him. He's driven the E500, and seems OK with the power, but not the brakes.
Does the E55 ride more like a 540 or M3?

amg55

The E55 has 3 suspension settings, and there's a very obvious difference in ride quality from the sportiest to softest. In the lowest setting (least air) the ride is a lot like a 540i, perhaps slightly more firm (I had a 540i around 1997-9). The softest setting is not quite Lexus LS430-soft, but it's far from being harsh or firm.

EX-BEEMER

When I was shopping I had the same question. I came from a BMW 530i, a very light and nible car. After driving an E500 I was less than impressed with the power and handling. I was lucky enough to be able to take a short test drive in an E55 and it amde all the difference in the world.

To save money, many guys talk about aftermarket tuning an E500 to E55 level, but when you consider the potential disasters and the voiding of the factory warranty by going that route, I can't see why anyone would take that chance.

As far as ride goes it's definatly not like a washboard M3. Similar to the 540. Some may disagree with me but in my short experience I think with the proper settings it handles as well as the 540. But with seemingly ENDLESS TORQUE!

Tell your dad to spend the extra money, he won't regret it.

krispykrme

coming from 530i, M5, M3.

I can tell you, at lowest setting the E55 is just slight less firm than my 530i sports (2001). E55 is not in the same ride/handling class as the M.

However, if you dad thinks boxter S is too rough. Than E55 would be a choice for him.

Regarding the brakes, your dad will be even more disappointed with the brakes. It's not the brakes are bad, the response is just so poor. I have never driven a car with such an unlinear brake pedal response.

ajoe

We own both. Acceleration aside the most significant difference is that the E55 "feels" and drives much lighter than the E500 even though it is heavier. IMO the E55 is well worth the premium over the E500 because the acceleration alone provides constant excitement. The E500 is an excellent car with very good acceleration, but you really don't get the feel of it because the car rides "heavy". None of these cars including M5 and RS6 give great handling because of weight and wheelbase, but the RS6 will give you the perception of great handling while only marginally better than the E55.