Luxury Lounge

1104105107109110428

Comments

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    The only one in this category that I have driven in recent days was the RDX. I agree with you, it was terrible. I also looked at the new 2008 Highlander. I did not drive it but on looks alone I would immediately disqualify it from any kind of consideration. Let's just say that I liked the old one better and I hated it. :D

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I have to admit that this car sounds veeerrrryyyyy interesting!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    You may laugh, but I felt a lot of pressure my second time out.

    Imagine if I had to post that I still couldn't find the diesel pumps? Good thing I have long term care insurance! :surprise:

    My only valid excuse would have been if Hess posted:

    Regular: $2.75

    Intermediate: $2.85

    Premium: $2.95

    Imaginary Diesel: $3.10 ;)
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Total problems that cropped up during our 330i's stay with us: zero. Total maintenance costs: zero (remember, BMW remains the only automaker to pay for routine maintenance under warranty; in our car's 20,000-mile tenure that consisted of a simple injection of fresh synthetic oil). Zero dollars seems an awfully small price to pay for upkeep on a sedan that so bountifully delivers such behind-the-wheel bliss.

    In contrast, I think it was C&D's long term Acura RL tester that had eight unscheduled service visits in less than a year, and suffered from constant electrical problems. Germany seems to be improving rapidly on the reliability front, while the Japanese are either treading water, or in Acura's case, badly slipping. The idea of a majority of models from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes getting the thumbs up from CR should be giving the guys at Acura and Lexus nightmares.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Thanks LG. I think this makes the decision to keep the GS much easier...
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    With BMW going twin turbo everything, I wonder if they are heading for a major drop in engine reliability in a few years from now.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    With BMW going twin turbo everything, I wonder if they are heading for a major drop in engine reliability in a few years from now

    That doesn't seem likely. Some automakers like Saab and VW have had trouble with turbos in the past, but there are plenty of old Volvo turbos around that are just fine.
  • topspin628topspin628 Member Posts: 373
    I recall that the LS430 had a reported 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and I'm seeing reports of 6.3 for the new LS 460.
    Is it true that the new car with the smaller engine is actually slower?
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    5.6 seconds. Your results may vary. ;)

    DrFill
  • sysweisyswei Member Posts: 1,804
    Doesn't sound to me like we'll be able to buy one anytime soon. Impressive results using only a 1.8-liter engine, yet I don't think the enthusiasts here are going to like performance that equals an S350.

    article
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I hate to say it but that thing looks a Nissan concept. Ugly in my opinion.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    As typical with concept cars, the lines are definately exaggerated. Expect the production car to use the "good", and get rid of the "bad and ugly".

    The technology associated with the car is very impressive, however, and expect it to also be up to snuff by the time it makes its way to a real production powertrain.

    TagMan
  • sysweisyswei Member Posts: 1,804
    If merc1 were still around, I bet he'd call it beautiful.

    Unless it sported a Lexus badge, in which case it would be "butt ugly".
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    The 3.0 I6 Bi-turbo will be standard when it debuts.

    Personally I don't see a point of this, BMW is getting too SAV-happy. I would much rather see an X7 or X8 ultra luxury SUV that goes head to head with the Ranger Rover, LX570 and the GL550. I'll take the X5 in a blink of an eye over this... this... thing.

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    So this thing will go from 0 to 60 in like what? 10 seconds? I would hate to drop 200 big ones (which is what I think this will cost) on a car and get passed by every single STOCK Civic on the highway.

    I am no hardcore enthusiast but I want my acceleration.

    Sorry, MB, this is just not my cup of tea. An S350 Hybrid that accelerates from 0 to 60 in the high 6's and gets around 30 mpg combine will definitely get my vote though.
  • sysweisyswei Member Posts: 1,804
    Today, Mercedes-Benz said it will have diesel hybrids on the road within three years. The German automaker, and many of its competitors, are working on engines that combine the best of diesels (fuel efficiency) with gasoline engines (low emissions) -- again with an eye toward a launch early next decade.

    Here’s the best part: Mercedes says that a new four-cylinder engine (which it inexplicably calls the DiesOtto) will be powerful enough to power an S-class sedan and get 44 mpg. An S-class hybrid, due in 2009, will be rated at 299 hp.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    So this thing will go from 0 to 60 in like what? 10 seconds? I would hate to drop 200 big ones (which is what I think this will cost) on a car and get passed by every single STOCK Civic on the highway.

    200 big ones? What source suggested anything even close to that? Unless that's a reliable source, I highly doubt it.

    TagMan
  • sysweisyswei Member Posts: 1,804


    Mercedes-Benz plans to roll out a wide range of diesel- and hybrid-powertrain models over the next three years to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and plans to put a B-class wagon powered by a fuel cell into production in 2010.

    Mercedes-Benz plans to have Bluetec diesel-hybrid models in its lineup, beginning in 2010, as it seeks to produce and sell the world’s cleanest sedans.

    The German automaker laid out its “Road to the Future” today at the Frankfurt motor show.

    Among its plans:

    A diesel engine for the United States in 2008 that will meet emissions regulations in all 50 states. The engine will be offered in the R-class wagon, and ML- and GL-class SUVs.

    A hybrid version of the ML-class SUV in 2009. The powertrain mates a 4.6-liter V-6 engine with the Two Mode rear-drive hybrid system that DaimlerChrysler has developed in conjunction with BMW and General Motors.

    A hybrid version of the S-class sedan will also be introduced in 2009. This S 400 hybrid will mate a V-6 gasoline engine with an integrated starter-generator. The starter-generator provides stop-start function, and can power the car on only electricity for short distances. It also adds an electric boost to the gasoline engine under heavy loads.

    Mercedes says the hybrid powertrain is rated at 299 hp, can accelerate the large sedan from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds, yet burns only 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (20.9 miles per gallon).

    A fuel cell version of the B-class small wagon will go into limited production in 2010. Mercedes said the car will be powered by a new generation of its fuel cell stack that is smaller, yet puts out more power.

    Versions of the E-class and S-class sedans powered by Bluetec diesel hybrid powertrains are due in 2010. The powertrains will include a four-cylinder diesel engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. The E-class hybrid will burn 5.1 liters (1.3 gallons) of fuel per 100 kilometers, or about 47.6 miles per gallon.

    A version of the C class with the Bluetec diesel hybrid is due after 2010, Mercedes said.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Personally, I don't see the beauty in the X6. It looks distorted to me.

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Interesting how Mercedes is playing out both the diesels and hybrids.

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    200 big ones? What source suggested anything even close to that? Unless that's a reliable source, I highly doubt it.

    It's called louiswei guesstimation.

    Did you see the inside of that car? It looks bigger and more upscale than your regular Maybach. Now tell me, how much does a regular Maybach cost?
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    It's called louiswei guesstimation.

    LOL.

    But, like you said, the performance description sucks.

    so... I must maintain then that I believe the car will be better in performance and style than the concept... both more in line with its price... whatever that might be. :)

    TagMan
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    The technology associated with the car is very impressive, however, and expect it to also be up to snuff by the time it makes its way to a real production powertrain.

    Absolutely right!

    The F700 styling cues may never ever be seen on any Benz. The F700 is nothing more than a pie in the sky concept.

    What's there to like about the F700?

    Everything in terms of potential technology!

    Imagine a Diesotto gasoline C, E and S Class that will have the fuel efficiencies of a diesel. What's there not to like about its preSCAN suspension?

    What about a E Class Diesotto Hybrid? One person made a Honda Civic comparison to the F700 but I think this comparison will be highly relevant in terms of Diesotto hybrid S Class gas mileage being higher than the mileage of a Honda Civic.

    This is made possible by a forward-looking drive concept, the heart of which is the “DIESOTTO” technology – an advancement of the internal combustion engine thought up by Mercedes-Benz. With its novel controlled auto ignition (CAI), direct fuel injection and turbocharging, it combines the high power of the spark-ignition engine with the exemplary torque and great fuel economy of a diesel. The drive system in the F 700, as four-cylinder featuring two-stage charging, attains the performance level of a current S-Class car with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine or the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel.

    “Our goal is to make the gasoline-powered car just as economical in consumption as the diesel. The new DIESOTTO concept is a major step in that direction, combining the best properties of the spark-ignition engine and the diesel engine,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, Board member of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for Group Research & Mercedes Car Group Development.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    THis X6 Beast will become a Beauty overnight if this large so called "Sports Activity Coupe" does drive like a performance coupe.

    Only time will tell.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    If merc1 were still around, I bet he'd call it beautiful.
    Unless it sported a Lexus badge, in which case it would be "butt ugly".


    That is certainly not the Merc1 I knew in these forums. He had negative views about quite a few MB models (RL , GL and B Class ) and he praised the styling of the current LS model.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    BMW may really be bringing sexy back!

    BMW is always sexy. Nothing new with that. BMWs are like a Marilyn Monroe pinup and their curves will remain beautiful for the rest of eternity.

    The 1954 BMW 504

    image
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Something to compete with the even more ugly Infiniti FX.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    THis X6 Beast will become a Beauty overnight if this large so called "Sports Activity Coupe" does drive like a performance coupe.

    Gosh, for a single manufacturer, I'd have to give BMW a ton of credit for so many styling success stories, and even credit for trend setting... but that said, I can see the potential for the X6 to catch on, but I personally think the rear could have received some better styling.

    If it drives great, which is a reasonably good bet, sure it would be better received.

    I guess it's true that great performance can sometimes take priority over styling... but more often, I'd say that a gorgeous car with only fair performance would still sell due to its great looks.

    But regarding the X6, just like you correctly said... Only time will tell.

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Something to compete with the even more ugly Infiniti FX.

    Personally, I have never liked the styling of the Infiniti FX, or its Nissan counterpart.

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    There is an old saying in the air force community...

    "If it looks right then it should fly right"

    One of the many reasons why Boeing lost to Lockheed for the JSF contract.

    Anyway, for me, if a car doesn't look right then I'll have a hard time to convince myself that it drives right. I know the look has nothing to do with the performance but it's all psychological.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I may just be unimaginative but I can't figure out who the X6 would appeal to. Maybe the niche 6-series type but it is neither mid-size nor full-size. To me that means that if I have smaller cargo/ passenger needs, it's too much. If I have a bigger cargo/ passenger needs, it's too little.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    While the F 700 is certainly not my cup of tea looks wise, it does promise some excellent technology. I hope they can make it happen. It would send all those oil sheiks running for cover.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Maybe the niche 6-series type but it is neither mid-size nor full-size. To me that means that if I have smaller cargo/ passenger needs, it's too much. If I have a bigger cargo/ passenger needs, it's too little.

    Too little or too much...or it could be just right.

    Depends on the buyer...but there are quite a few claustophobic types who yearn to drive a coupe but will not do so due to a lack of space.

    I myself would not drive a X6 since I am currently not afflicted with claustophobia. ;)
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I don't think that X6 looks too bad at all. It needs a diesel.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Personally, I have never liked the styling of the Infiniti FX, or its Nissan counterpart.

    Same here.

    However, if I have to choose the lesser evil I'd go with the Nissan Murano. Had a chance to test drive the Murano and I came away dissapointed. At the end of the drive my conversation with the sales rep looks something like this:

    Nissan sales rep: So how does it feel?

    Me: So so, it felt big.

    Nissan sales rep: Does it feel like you were driving a car because Nissan specifically designed the Murano to be driven like a car.

    Me: Not really, my dad has a 4Runner and I couldn't tell the difference.

    Nissan sales rep: @%@$#%#$%@$^...
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I don't think that X6 looks too bad at all. It needs a diesel.

    Or a BMW version of a gas powered Diesotto (renamed ofcourse due to MB trademark issues) ;)
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Wow! How nice!

    I also think X6 is good-looking.

    Jose
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Can anyone explain to me what is a Diesotto?

    Is it a gasoline engine or a diesel?

    If it's a gasoline engine then what's the difference between the Diesotto and a direct-inject engine?
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    While the F 700 is certainly not my cup of tea looks wise, it does promise some excellent technology. I hope they can make it happen. It would send all those oil sheiks running for cover.

    IMO, Mercedes is truly about to pull the rabbit out of the hat... it feels great just thinking about it... knowing that it's really just a matter of a little time.

    TagMan
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Here's the best description I have of a gasoline powered Diesotto:

    A Diesottoi is a combination of a novel controlled auto ignition (CAI), direct fuel injection and turbocharging, it combines the high power of the spark-ignition engine with the exemplary torque and great fuel economy of a diesel.
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Isn`t that a great photo of a great looking car thanks Tony
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Wow! How nice!
    I also think X6 is good-looking.


    I guess its either you love it or hate it. Kind of like every single car with Bangle stying cues.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I guess my next question will be:

    What is a controlled auto ignition (CAI). Tried google it, the only explanation I am getting is: a combustion process similar to that of a diesel.

    I think the only new thing (if it's a new thing) about he Diesotto is the CAI. Very interesting.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    On a side note... My 2008 (German) GTI is now powered by an FSI direct-injection high-compression turbocharged engine. THis engine technology delivers remarkable power and torque at a very efficient level. High torque that starts as low as 1800 rpm, coupled with the 200 HP delivers a remarkable amount of response and all the while delivers between 23 and 29 mpg. Add to that the DSG that utilizes computer-controlled twin clutches that shift at a rate of 2/10ths of a second, when in manual mode. Very cool indeed.

    Engine technology is really in gear. Not just from Japan, with their advances in hybrid technology... but also from Germany, where the idea of using the existing gasoline infrastructure to power an engine that can be designed to deliver diesel-like efficiency, but with gasoline performance.

    All I can say is... WOW... bring it all on!

    TagMan
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Hi Hpowders alis Mr H

    If you think about it, an awful lot of our past purchases had some gimmik involved, with some false promise....Just think the hybred should save you some money, but no they say it is for extra hp..both should be right but they then charge a good premium for you to find out..I`m going to stick purely with the drive and the interior quality layout...Rarely do I use the mapping system, yet I bet I`v paid for ten thousand dollars worth of mapping..at least...The diesel should be for a suv or any model where economy is wanted, but the product is going to have some short comings--mark my words...After being fully informed the decision is going to boil down to what you will sacrifice for what....I`m just re-inforcing what you positively know, and I can support..The bmw 5 drives better than the 7 and the a8, unless you want a more heavy luxurious drive, then the heavier car imo wins....Try pouring some of the cheaper rum in with a beef stew ..New Englanders sometime do this, and it imparts a wonderful sweet--special--taste to it...Tony
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    My 3.5L 306HP V6 constantly delivers 21 mpg city and on my last trip to Vegas (from LA) I averaged 28 mpg. Keep in mind that this engine puts out substantially more power than the GTI engine and was mated to a much heavier car. Oh, by the way, this thing ain't hybrid, just another regular Toyota gasoline engine.

    ;)
  • drfilldrfill Member Posts: 2,484
    Hate to disagree, but the X6 will join the 5 as the only Bimmers I'd give a second glance.

    DrFill
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Hate to disagree, but the X6 will join the 5 as the only Bimmers I'd give a second glance.

    But, Doc, would you pwesonally ever really consider buying one?... and THAT's the final criteria here.

    I'm curious... just who on this forum thinks it will sell very well?

    TagMan
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I'm saying the X6 will not sell in the same numbers as the Range Rover Sport, which is the only similar vehicle type I can think of (highly capable, incredibly pricey, no clear use other than to look interesting, this is not to say that I wouldn't love an RR Sport if I had the money!).
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.