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  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I'm curious... just who on this forum thinks it will sell very well?

    I don't think it'll be a blockbuster but at the same time it won't be a failure either. After all, it does carry the BMW badge last I checked.

    So will this thing be priced above or below the X5? If it is less pricey than the X5 then it might affect X3's sale in some degree. On the other hand I just can't imagine this thing to be much more expensive than the X5 due to its size and powertrain.
  • 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.

    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.


    OK, I know I replied to this before, but the more I read about the F 700, the more I am realizing that the 0-62 time is more like a respectable and spirited 7.5 seconds, and all the while achieving a remarkable 44 mpg!!!!!!!!!

    No THAT's what I call a WINNER!

    Although there are no F 700 production plans, as I posted earlier, it's all about the technology that can be utilized in more conventional models in the future.

    TagMan
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Hey Tony.

    I am and always have been a 3 Series guy. Ever since I leased the 545i, I have missed the oneness that I felt with both of my 3 Series. The 5 is a great car but the 3 is better because the 5 Series is simply too big.

    Hey, my wife frequently makes beef stew-at least she tells me it's beef: "Hey, anyone seen the dog?" :surprise:
    I will try adding some rum next time.
    Thanks for the tip Mr.T! :)

    Yes that is the rule Tony: the big heavy boats may have luxurious interiors, but they are too bulky for any fun.

    I always rent the smallest vehicles at the airport. They may be cheap, but they can run rings around any of the expensive luxo barges.

    I can't wait to be driving a 3 Series again next summer:
    either a 335i or 335d. Only time will tell. ;)
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    the 0-60 time is more like a respectable and spirited 7.2 seconds

    How did you come up with that?

    Tagman guesstimation?

    First of all, do you know how much does this thing weigh? I would say by size it's close to a Maybach, now please tell me how much does a Maybach weigh? This F 700 has the same HP as a V6 Accord and last I checked a V6 Accord with an auto tranny accelerates from 0 to 60 in high 6s. With all the extra weight you are telling me this thing will only be about half second slower than the V6 Accord? Give me a break...

    I love new technologies as much as anybody and welcome them all whether it's hybrid or diesel. But let's not get too carry away here before any solid stats are being released. By the way, not to be Debbie Downer here, The 44 mpg FE figure is released by MB and was NOT EPA certified.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    How did you come up with that?

    Before you go on and on with your ranting and raving ;) ... I got the information from an extensive article about the car on the Motor Trend website. I realize it's not gospel, but it's likely better than Louiswei or Tagman guesstimation in this case. ;)

    Here... read it all for yourself and make up your own mind... BTW, there are LOTS of pics, and more on the second page as well.

    link title

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Okay, since the number is published by MB then I'll believe it. However I am still skeptical about it...
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Okay, since the number is published by MB then I'll believe it. However I am still skeptical about it...

    That's OK... both of us being left coasters, it's our nature to be a little skeptical at times. After all, it's too often a little difficult to know when things are real out here. ;) ... 'Nuff said?

    But, back to the car and its technology... I know we share the enthusiasm for its potential and it will be darned interesting to see what becomes of it, and how MB applies it to future models.

    TagMan
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    I`m in full agreement with the sportiness of the smaller cars, but in my situation where most of the time and miles get `put on` I need a little bit heavier spacious car and the five bmw does the trick--now that isn`t to say I know how the three would actualy work on the long drives, only that my experience with the five fills the bill.. I find it hard to remember to put the rum in the stew as I am so ready to eat it (after smelling it for hours) but if you remember once you won`t forget the experience Your Friend Tony
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Agree.

    You know what Tag, this 1.8L Diesotto engine will be great if mated to an entry level luxury performance sedan like the 3-series, C-class or IS. Just the thought of a car that'll go from 0 to 60 in high 5's and getting around 45mpg is exciting. If this becomes reality then who needs sex!! :surprise:

    On a second thought, I wouldn't mind to own a 5-series or GS if comes with this engine...

    Lexus (or Toyota), are you listening? :P

    PS. I am a recently converted left coaster, I guess I am catching up fast huh? Spent most of my previous years in Atlanta and a year in Florida. The weather here is just great however sometimes I still miss how "green" Atlanta is.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I am a recently converted left coaster, I guess I am catching up fast huh? Spent most of my previous years in Atlanta and a year in Florida. The weather here is just great however sometimes I still miss how "green" Atlanta is.

    You will love California. I'm in the Bay Area for a very long time, except for three years I lived in Maui, Hawaii. Still miss that, of course. But in January through April, it is as green as Ireland here... just beautiful. And yes, the California weather is hard to beat... statistically we have more clear days than almost anywhere... and not too many bugs either. Our air is a bunch cleaner than yours, though.

    However, I may be going to your part of the state soon. Just recently we got a shocking letter from a Hollywood agent that is interested in my 8-year old son after he did an audition up here, so he's now just finished putting together a video the agent requested. If they like it... life may change in a very big way... but we'll see. We have no expectations... we're just going with the flow, if you know what I mean.

    My wife is from the South, and when we visit, to be honest, I can't wait to get home again to California. Whether it's the giant redwoods, Yosemite, the incredible beaches or the fabulous skiing... there is so much here that can't even be done in a lifetime... particularly the good food... fresh produce from the valley, and fresh seafood right from the coast. Not to mention that we can drive a convertible most of the year!!

    I guess you can tell that I really do love California, and I sincerely hope life works out here for you as it has for me. :D

    TagMan
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Sure. The 5 Series is more practical if you require a good amount of space.

    I don't go on long car trips anymore. For me the 335i or 335d should be the perfect vehicle. Keep in mind the 3 Series has been creeping up in size. It's not really that small anymore.

    The wife made some delicious banana pancakes and flan this evening and the entire house has a rather intoxicating butterscotch-like aroma from it-my reward for taking her to see "3:10 To Yuma" with the enigmatic Russell Crowe this afternoon. A pleasure to go when the kids are in school and the theaters are practically empty.

    My wife is from the North and every time I go up there, I am just itching to get back to Florida with its fresh fruits, vegetables, local fish, cool-looking birds, beautiful beaches and sheriffs that look the other way as I drive by on the interstate.

    I don't know what it is-perhaps the crystal clear beauty of the gulf, the abundant sunshine, the lack of hills and valleys and the inevitable accompanying fog that spoils some otherwise beautiful west coast states.

    Where I can also drive with the BMW sunroof open practically all year long. :shades:

    Later, Tony. ;)

    Mr. H
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    LOL. hpowders, obviously, you are mocking my post. Let me assure you I didn't intend to make it sound like California is the best place on the planet if that's what you think my intentions were... I just was sharing that I love it an awful lot, and that louiswei, who is a recent transplant, will hopefully find happiness here too.

    I have visited your state of Florida many times, and parts of it are absolutely gorgeous, and my family and I have had as much fun there as anywhere. Some of your beaches are supreme and cannot be beat.

    Sorry, if I came off in a way that compelled you to mock my post. But, you certainly rose to the occassion, showed your true colors, and did a great job of it... ;)

    TagMan
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Mocking? Certainly not. That was a rather nice post.

    Actually I didn't think anyone else would read my post except for Tony.

    Getting back to more serious matters, Roundel's latest issue is all about the new V8 M3. Reading about it has my head spinning.

    I guess one can say 335:M3 = 535:550.

    Who really needs M3 power when the 335i already exists?
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Ha H, you are in good form, and you did forget to mention we have no income tax to go along with all the great food but rather expensive prices....The sun roof is another thing I rarely use but sure have paid alot of money for over the years Tony
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I'll take the X5 in a blink of an eye over this... this... thing.

    It reminds me of some type of Mad Max, post apocalyptic tank car. It should have machine guns instead of headlights, and rocket launchers attached to the roof.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Exactly. No state income tax, although Florida does seem to have found other ways to nickel and dime us.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    On Lexus Global:

    I am surprised that Lexus has been able to catch BMW and Mercedes so quickly in Japan. It seems all the Japanese customers were waiting for was the new LS. I don't blame them, its hard to get excited about a "new" brand whose flagship has been across the street at the Toyota dealership since 2001. Going from 9,000 to 16,000 sales when the RX isn't even being counted is a huge feat, considering the RX is usually the best selling Lexus in the US.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Personally, I have never liked the styling of the Infiniti FX, or its Nissan counterpart.

    Er, technically the FX has no Nissan counterpart. The FX and the Murano are completely unrelated.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I have visited your state of Florida many times, and parts of it are absolutely gorgeous

    Unfortunately most of Florida is absolutely awful. I'm sorry but in the California v Florida debate, its not even close.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Er, technically the FX has no Nissan counterpart. The FX and the Murano are completely unrelated.

    The key word is "technically" here, LG. So you are correct, but only "technically". ;)

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Unfortunately most of Florida is absolutely awful. I'm sorry but in the California v Florida debate, its not even close.

    I was trying to be nice. Afterall, our dear friend, Mr. H lives there... even though he has suggested several times that he would like to leave his wonderful state of Florida and move to NY. :surprise:

    Perhaps he would like it here in California. :P
    Afterall, it is a LOT closer to the occassional Hawaii getaway, which he and I both know is a slice of heaven on earth. :)

    TagMan
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Regarding NY:

    That was before RE prices started heading South. Not a prudent decision to make an exchange at this time.

    I do envy your closeness to Hawaii. I'm sure I would like living in California. I have been there many times and will be there next month.

    All I know is megabuck guys like Tiger Woods and George Steinbrenner have their principal residences in Florida. Not New Jersey. So they have trouble recognizing "awful"?

    By the way, the most expensive real estate at this time is found in Jupiter Beach, Florida. Some folks will pay dearly for their "awful" surroundings. LOL!!!
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Read my posts, and let's be clear. I never used the word "awful" to describe Florida. I actually said parts of it are "gorgeous", and I still maintain that to be true... in fact, many parts are exquisite, IMO. I seriously considered living there after Hawaii, but my business connections really had me checkmated to California... which I have absolutely no regrets.

    And besides, Mr.H., I would never have any intentions of posting something that might be hurtful to you in any way whatsoever...
    I like you too much to do that. :)

    TagMan
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Read my posts, and let's be clear. I never used the word "awful" to describe Florida

    No that one was mine, and I have to stand by it. I certainly don't mean to offend any Florida residents. Florida is certainly better than Jersey, and Texas, and a few others. I'm not a fan of LA, but San Fran is easily my favorite city in the US, and it ranks up there with Vancouver, London, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna on my list of favorites in the world. Miami on the other hand, thanks, but no.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Monday's Fifth Gear had a very interesting test - which car would do better in a 40mph head on crash, a big and heavy but older Volvo 940 wagon, or a newer but ultra compact Renault Modus?

    The results were rather surprising. The occupants of the Volvo would either have been killed in the crash or would be severely injured, while the occupants of the Honda Fit sized Renault would've been able to walk away. Definitely shows how far auto safety has improved in the last 15 years that one of the safest cars of its day would lose a fight with an ultra compact from 2002.
  • 01ml430owner01ml430owner Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a 2001 Mercedes Benz ML 430 and I love it. I have had 3 American made automobiles and I don't think that I will ever buy another american made vehicle. My ML has 88,000 miles and is in pristine condition I am so suprised about the response the handling and overall ride of the vehicle. Give me all the info you can and some problems that you have run into. Thanks
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I know you didn't, Tagman. My post was misdirected. It must have been someone else. Not worth my time to go back and see who. Trivial nonsense, IMO.

    I appreciate your kind words.

    Thanks! :)

    Now, it's back to reading about BMW's great new 414hp V8 E92 M3. :shades:
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Florida is certainly better than Jersey, and Texas, and a few others

    Hey, that's not right! This is sticky ground to blast an entire state (especially one that is the size of France) as better or worse! The Texas hill-country is beautiful and the Big Bend area is on par with any of the dramatic landscapes in the country- it's just that not many people make it there.
    I would certainly take North California or South California but Central Cali and anywhere off the coast from Oakland down you can keep.

    Don't know much about Florida, never been, won't comment.
    All I know of New Jersey is the 3rd world city-state that is 'Newark airport'. That is as close to hell as I want to come.... ;)
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    There is a farmer somewhere out in the middle of my state, Kansas, who has collected twine over the years and boasts the largest ball of twine in the world. :shades:

    At one time this ball of twine was our #1 tourist attraction, then for a few years it fell into second place behind some sort of huge steam shovel called "Big Brutus". There was quite a competition going on there.

    In the past few years they actually built something called a "shopping center" nearby. Now, of course, this shopping center claims the title.

    These notable achievements are probably why LG would never dare besmirch or trifle with Kansas.

    We are simple folk. :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Each state has its good and bad part so I don't think it's fair to put down judgment without seeing the whole picture. I have lived in 3 states so far so here are my thoughts:

    Georgia - I wouldn't want to live anywhere in Georgia except Atlanta. Atlanta is really the crown jewel of this state, without it Georgia will be worse than Alabama or Mississippi. Also, Atlanta is my home town so I do have a special sentimental feeling towards it.

    Florida - I lived in Melbourne for about a year and really am not a fan of it. Orlando is a nice place to visit once a while but I wouldn't want to live there, same thing goes for Miami. West Palm Beach/Palm Beach is okay but unless one is super rich I'll stay off it as well. Never been to the Gulf side of the state but from what I heard, Tampa Bay is pretty nice. The worst part of Florida is the semi-annual lovebugs invasion and the humidity. The paint on my hood is totally destroyed thanks to those lovebugs so if I have a choice or unless somebody solved the problem I can't see myself living in Florida ever again.

    California - So far so good, like the Tagman said, can't beat the weather. However, it doesn't come free, hence the sunshine tax. The traffic in LA is just down right HORRIBLE, all highway are packed for most time of the day except probably from midnight to 4 in the morning. Ethnic foods are amazing here (especially Asian foods given my Asian heritage), I felt like I died and gone to heaven. I think food alone will give me enough reason to stay here for a long time...

    Go Jackets!!
    Go Braves!!
    Go Falcons!!

    PS. for the record, I hate Michael Vick now.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... I don't think it'll be a blockbuster but at the same time it won't be a failure either. After all, it does carry the BMW badge last I checked.

    So will this thing be priced above or below the X5? If it is less pricey than the X5 then it might affect X3's sale in some degree. On the other hand I just can't imagine this thing to be much more expensive than the X5 due to its size and powertrain.


    Exactly right on the sales thing. It'll sell well for absolutely no other reason than it simply being a BMW. It'll be to the X5 what the 6-series is to the 5-series; a less practical, more expensive niche vehicle that really [doesn't] perform any better, if at all.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I am wondering if the X6 will actually attract many new customers, or if it will more likely on ocassion re-direct buyers from what would have been another BMW model to the X6 instead.

    TagMan
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    I honestly can't see it taking sales from any other BMW, except, maybe, a wagon version of the 5-series. We don't even get those anymore, do we? I would venture that the X6 sales will be comprised mostly of conquest sales from the even more ugly Infiniti FX. There's a particular/peculiar breed of folks that would even want these types of vehicles.

    Then there's always the possibility of snatching up snooty CUV buyers that previously had no choice but to buy downmarket or settle for the offensive Infiniti FX.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Isn't the X6 supposed to be larger than the X5?

    If not why did BMW make it a '6' instead of a '4'. If it is larger than the 5 then I do not see the customer base.

    If snooty CUV buyers want upscale, don't they just get the X3?
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Nope, don't think the X6 is larger than the X5. The current X5 has 3-row seating but don't think the X6 is having one. The relationship between the X5 and X6 is suppose to be like the 5-series and 6-series. So the X6 will be a niche product IMO.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    So the X6 will be a niche product IMO.

    I agree with that statement.

    TagMan
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Again for me, I don't see what the niche is.

    Does anyone really want coupe-like interior space with SUV (SAV?) like handling? Just seems like an odd pair of concepts to roll into one package.

    However as someone mentioned, people do buy the FX 35/45. On that note is it correct that Infiniti has done nothing with that model for about 5 years?
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I don't see what the niche is.

    Maybe we're saying the same thing here. I mean the X6 really isn't going to appeal to any typical buyer, and it certainly doesn't boast any kind of typical design... so I think we're all talking a niche situation here.

    TagMan
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    ... If snooty CUV buyers want upscale, don't they just get the X3?

    No, that's the people that would've previously had to settle for a RAV4, CRV, et. al. This X6 is for folks that would've had to settle for the Edge, Murano, et. al. (And dare I say Pacifica, if it's a bigger vehicle?)
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    This X6 is for folks that would've had to settle for the Edge, Murano, et. al. (And dare I say Pacifica, if it's a bigger vehicle?)

    If I am one of those folks I'll just go with the X5. Better looking and offers more utility.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    This X6 is for folks that would've had to settle for the Edge, Murano, et. al. (And dare I say Pacifica, if it's a bigger vehicle?)

    I'm not so sure. I can't imagine the Edge buyer and the X6 buyer being one in the same. And going from the Murano to the X6 seems like too big a leap, although it is conceivable.

    What would the X6 buyer have purchased before the X6 comes along? The Infiniti FX, IMO. Other possibilities could be an Audi wagon, or maybe even the X5 without the third row seat option, or even possibly a Mercedes ML. It's difficult to say, and that's what makes the X6 questionable and likely a niche vehicle.

    TagMan
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    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.

    In terms of technology your car is more advanced than many Audis and most luxury cars especially with respect to its transmission. DSG is the only non-manual transmission I would consider.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    am and always have been a 3 Series guy. Ever since I leased the 545i, I have missed the oneness that I felt with both of my 3 Series.

    Exactly my opinion!

    When I bought the BMW 530xi Touring during winter 06 the car was suppose to be mine since my wife still loved her MB300D. After awhile I felt strange drivig such a large boat like a 530xi wagon and my wife started getting attached to three decades of new auto innovations that was not evident in her MB300D.

    SOLUTION: I bought a BMW 335i while my wife now drives the 530xi touring. Our emission spewing MB300D is used mainly during Green Environmental demonstration rallies (I love being a contrarian and so far I haven't been attacked by any Prius drivers). ;)
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Isn`t that a great photo of a great looking car thanks

    I always admired your taste in fine cars Tony.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Thanks, Dewey -

    Here's an interesting update on our latest SUV quest. My wife drove the GL550 today. Guess what? She wasn't impressed. Why? It delivered a rough ride, even when the ride preference control was set to "comfort". To be sure of this, I sat in the second row seat, and I can tell you that I thought I was going to be car sick. Partly from the way she drives :) ... but honestly the vehicle's ride quality felt sort of clumsy, even though it was extremely quiet and clearly powerful, and adorned with almost every conceivable option.

    Now, we don't know WHAT we're going to do. Probably keep the MDX for now, as it has suddenly gained a lot of our respect for all that it does so well.

    She then said, "If I keep the MDX, maybe I should get a sports car of my own, since you have one."

    Any of you here could guess how THAT made me feel inside. But I asked her, "What car would that be?" She said, "I don't really know... I'll have to think about it."

    I'm wondering if I'm going to be in a little trouble here, or if I should be glad she passed on the $82,000 GL550!!!

    BTW, she has to drop my daughter off tonight a few blocks from the BMW dealership. I suggested she go check out the BMW 335i. (Now you KNOW darned well that I'm hoping that if she likes it, and we buy it, that she won't mind if I drive it once in a while!!)

    Strange day. I'll keep you posted.

    TagMan
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    San Fran is easily my favorite city in the US, and it ranks up there with Vancouver, London, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna

    I had visited all those cities and Vienna, Berlin, Vancouver and San Francisco on that list of yours are my favorite towns.

    My other favorite towns I had visited are Barcelona (Jlbl are you listening?) and Hangzhou (a huge beautiful academic town within a hilly serene park-- I do agree with Chairman Mao and many ancient philosphers who claimed this place is Heaven on Earth)

    Manhattan, Tokyo, Paris and London? Too damned pricey and far too touristy to my liking--I hate towns where my wallet gets thinned out so fast.

    Best towns to live in? Toronto and Vancouver (pardon my biases)
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    My suggestion:

    Keep the MDX for utility and space and let her test drive that BMW 335i or keep the MDX until the new X6 is available (pardon my biases). ;)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    My suggestion:

    Keep the MDX for utility and space and let her test drive that BMW 335i (pardon my biases).


    That's what I'm hoping for! I guess I'm sharing the same bias... but it really needs to be up to her. I'm counting on the car to be seductive enough to make her want it! :)

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Maybe you should wait for the LX570. :P
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