New S-class Hit or miss?

[Howard]

Saw an S600 AMG in Twickenham yeaterday ....

Looked to be plain gloss black and was absolutely stunning, people were stopping to look at it ......

Incredible looking car ! :bannana:

 

[Brian WH]

The new Bentley grill looks like "Chicken Wire".

S for me, although it's too big to be practicable for my use.

 

[Robbo]

My local Dealer has one. Its a very, very nice car. I'm hoping the new W204 C class captures the essence of the S class in a smaller and more affordable package. the spy pics I have seen indicate that this may well be the case.

 

[Flash]

Saw an S600 AMG in Twickenham yeaterday ....

Do you mean a S600 with AMG bodykit/alloys?

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Voted S, but I love Bentley's too.

Torn for choice, as is my Dad. He's currently wondering what to do when he replaces his W220. He's not sure on the exterior of the W221 (likes the interior) but absolutley loves the Arnage, especially as they seem to look like good value:

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/dealerservices_photoad.asp?did=1485&pageid=2&id=200622237680461

Incidentally he loves the W140 shape and still misses his old one. When the W220 was first launched he vowed that he wouldn't buy one as he hated the styling! I think the W221 may grow on people, but the depreciation is the real killer on the S, or any large Exec. We're thinking the Bentley may be a better longer term bet.

 

[Howard]

Do you mean a S600 with AMG bodykit/alloys?

Don't know about the new models really , it had 'S600' on one side and 'AMG' on the other of the boot lid ...

V12 badges on the front wings behind the wheels, an AMG kit and wheels ....

 

[996jimbo]

Bently is never going to be a top selling anything and they would probably want it that way. No matter how good an Audi is it lacks the necessary cudos to be a top exec saloon so that leaves BMW and Mercedes. BMW is (by all accounts) a good car but Mercedes still just shades it with the name and the toys.

Mercedes therefore has my vote.

 

[glojo]

Had to vote Bentley since the LS430 was missing from the list.

The what?????

It can be voted as 'Other'

John

 

[wallingd]

There was a 140 S600 AMG.

 

[SilverSaloon]

well, i'm in 2 minds. i really like the new S class & certainly would consider one when i get rid of the 7 series.

i think the 7 series is probably more of a drivers-car than the S class.

If I had the choice tommorow whether to buy a new S or a 7 it would be a very tough decision. I would rule out Audi and Lexus as i believe MB and BMW are the top marques.

Apart from a couple of minor things, i dont think the S class has moved as much forward, spec and technology wise as i'd of hoped for.

There doesnt seem to be enough new options on the new S if i were to spec it as high as i could than i already have on my 2003 7 series. Sure there are a few things but the 2006 7 series has most of them too now (night vision for example).

Anyway, I voted for the 7 series as i have a feeling that no one else will and i think it wouldnt be the same exciting driving experience as the 7 series, athough I havnt driven a new S yet All i know is that with the sport setting set on the suspension on my 7 series, round the bends it feels more of a sporty ride than my CLK did even with its huge dimensions, but with the comfort setting on it drives my family around in supreme comfort i have the feeling the S class would waft along without that sporty feeling when i want it (ie on the way home from work without family in the car!)

I think Bentley is a different car entirely; and would be one step up from the S class, 7 series, A8 etc etc.

 

[glojo]

Well said SilverSaloon,
someone has to love the ugly duckling I respect your decision and your experiences with the car of choice.

Clarkson certainly threw the S-class around when he put the thing in Sports mode, but to me that is not what an S-class is all about?

I totally accept you can buy an AMG S-class (can you buy an M7?? )

I was surprised that you thought the gadgetry on the 7 series is comparable to the new S-class? Thanks for that as I had no idea.

John

 

[SilverSaloon]

Well said SilverSaloon,
someone has to love the ugly duckling I respect your decision and your experiences with the car of choice.

Clarkson certainly threw the S-class around when he put the thing in Sports mode, but to me that is not what an S-class is all about?

I totally accept you can buy an AMG S-class (can you buy an M7?? )

I was surprised that you thought the gadgetry on the 7 series is comparable to the new S-class? Thanks for that as I had no idea.

John

Thats what i like about the 7 series - its the best of both worlds... really comfortable and smooth, then u can drive it enthusiasticaly when u want - u need to spec the Electronic Daming Control and Dynamic Drive though, which mine has both

you cant get an M7 but u can get an Alpina B7 which would definatly give the AMG a run for its money, or even the 760; 6 litre V12.

I've looked at the S class options and there isnt anything u cant get on a 7 series really. Its things like the hard drive satnav, more things controlled by the "I-DRIVE/COMAND" such as the seat settings are shown on the comand unit (but still controlled using the switches on the door) but on the 7 u dont get any display of the seats (except for heat temperature).

 

[glojo]

you cant get an M7 but u can get an Alpina B7 which would definatly give the AMG a run for its money, or even the 760; 6 litre V12.

Thanks very much for the update.

I will have to go surfing to read about the Alpina B7.

Wife is just about to set me up in the garden. The weather is beautiful and I'm off to read a book.

Regards,
John the lucky sun bather

 

[SilverSaloon]

http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2004-BMW-Alpina-B7.htm

and

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/10704/2006-bmw-alpina-b7.html

i wish replica kits were made for the E65 7 series; i would probably fit one to mine!! unfortuantly i dont want to spend £5000 on a bodykit!!

 

[sportyreptile]

Been in London for a few days where I spotted 2 S600's, one in Black the other was a medium Blue colour - both looked awesome esp the black one.

 

[Rust]

The new S Class is very nice indeed but the wheel arch probably can be done less prominetly...may be. Seen a few on the road but a black S Class is definitely a great looker...

 

[scumbag]

i think the s class is a decent looking car. it certainly isn ugly anyhow.

i saw a debadged black 1 in southend in april and a badged balck one came round st james square a few times while we were on the supercar tour.

maybe its my preference for black, but the latest generation of Mercs look better in black than silver.


PS. saw a new M5 on the A650 last wednedsay. it had broken down and was blocking the road.

 

[glojo]

PS. saw a new M5 on the A650 last wednedsay. it had broken down and was blocking the road.

Now that is what I call a reliability issue

John

 

[219]

I voted 'other' as there was no mention of cost in the question , and if cost were no object , then it would be a MAYBACH for me .

 

[glojo]

I voted 'other' as there was no mention of cost in the question , and if cost were no object , then it would be a MAYBACH for me .

Stupid boy

Obviously it is meant as a like for like posting. I like the Maybach, but it is not really a car for the owner to drive?

Giving it some serious thought, a LWB S-class ticks all the boxes for me as opposed to a LWB Maybach. (I just cannot see the sense in having the smaller version) I wonder if the S-class will effect sales of the Maybach.

On a seperate off topic point, around here the top of the range prestige Rolls Royce type vehicles have gone completely out of fashion. My remarks perhaps only apply down here.

Regards,
John

John