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Comments
I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.....
(e)
No, say it isn't so. I don't get it. They give Audi a unique face and then turn around start giving something very similar to VWs. All they really did with the Audi is remove more of the center section of the grille/bumper area because Audis have had double grilles (upper/lower) for years now, but they weren't "connected" in the way they are now. Now VW does almost the same thing with the new Jetta and Passat. :confuse:
The VW Phaeton is an exercise in classic-conservative good looks and shouldn't be tampered with. It isn't going to make the car sell any better either.
M
(e)
I have been thinking - probably it is not unusual for a car company to have a handful of models carrying the line.
Yes, the CLS is hot. It is the most distinctive Benz in many years. IMO.
I'll have to refrain from the 07 S class until I see it in person. But from photos, it's not looking too good.
I hope MB will increase CLS production. It is one of my favorite sedans of the last 25-30 years.
You can send me a CLS if you want. I have a space for it in my 'favorite sedan garage' along with a Jaguar XJ Super and a Cadillac DTS.
(E)
Another friend has an E55. The interior of that seems very comparable to the CLS55. Neither one is bad (far from it), but they are both (IMHO) inferior to the S, the Audi and VW.
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M
I guess it works for the person who really wants a 2 door sports car, but has small kids who he or she needs carry in the back.
Well that could be one person that would buy a CLS, but the main draw for the CLS is the styling, interior and performance, with all that practical jazz coming second. It really isn't much different from buyers who purchase a SC430 or 911 and try to use their backseats. Which are useless compared to the CLS. Not that the 911, CLS and SC430 are competitors, just that they are similarly compromised from a practical point of view. I think the 2007 CLS550 with the 5.5L V8 (382hp) will be a relative bargain within the Mercedes lineup.
M
I think the point, though, is that MB made the CLS with 4 doors.... Other cars like the SC430 and 911 you mentioned only have 2 doors, which lends to more sporty styling.
Yeah in the case of the 911 sure, but not in the case of the ladybug wearing manhole covers for wheels SC430. Nothing sporty about its styling in the least to me.
M
The CLS isn't a "logic" car it is a stylish add on to the otherwise practical Mercedes sedan lineup. It is the emotional choice, not a rational one.
It is for people who want something different and a lot of people do if its sales are anything to go buy. With a car like the CLS some people will get it and other won't thats the whole appeal of such a car to some.
M
I think you hit the nail on the head. My friend who has the CLS55 has it as his "good weather" car. His other vehicle is a Phaeton. The combination of the two make sense (well, actually DOLLARS would be a better term, but that is not relevant to this discussion). My objections to the CLS revolve around the lack of practicality for my individual situation. Taken in combination with a "luxury only" vehicle that does not masquerade as a sports car, it works fine.
I was all ready to reply to merc1's post to thank him for his explanation and to say I now got it. :shades: Then I read your post and it totally confused me again. :confuse: If I had a Phaeton as my "people mover", for my second car I would still get a real coupe or roadster, not a CLS.
I guess I'll stick with merc1's explanation, and leave you to deal with your friend - he must be an interesting fellow.
Go figure.....
Of course the Phaeton's heft, V8 (or does he have a W12?) and awd I would imagine make it unstoppable in bad weather.
That said I'd add a 911 Carrera S Cabrio or SL55 AMG to the mix. I suspect he'd like the SL55 AMG better.
M
Needs updaiting... Wheels, grill area redo, eliminate side chrome strip, more aggressive fenderline.
As you know I have the A8L on order and am happy with that, but I would not have gone wrong at all with the VW. It is certainly a classy, luxurious and comfortable vehicle.
All the nay-sayers have n0ot driven the car. If they did, they would be believers.
It is in an elite class and belongs there!
(E)
(e)
BTW, the switchs for the seat fans heats the seat if you go +1, +2 or +3 and cools the seat if you go - 1,-2 or -3.
M
'German publication Automobilwoche reported BMW global sales have overtaken Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes managers ...destroyed their bullet-proof reputation for quality and prestige overnight'
http://www.autoextremist.com/page6.shtml
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IMO Mercedes reputation was sterling in the eyes of the general public until the last 5-6 years.
Well actually in the eyes of the "general public" their reputation is still sterling. Only the people who keep up with cars and visit internet mesg boards know about all this behind the scenes stuff, well them and any previous Mercedes owner that got burned. If the image was shot as much as some would like you to believe here they wouldn't be increasing in sales worldwide.
M
It happened gradually...
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(e)
Please elaborate.....
...BTW, I drove a Phaeton last weekend from NYC to Baltimore and *loved* it.
..can't wait for my A8L to arrive!!!!!!!!
(e)
Phaeton discontinued in US/Canada
M
EF
M
news
Any comments?
Now reportedly they're working on a regular automatic version and a V12 version also with a regular 6-speed automatic. Adding a regular automatic should open up the car to a wider group of buyers. They've already worked on the ride for 2006 and they've added both a sportier version and a more luxury biased version too, but that SMG style tranny will never equal the smoothness of a regular automatic. Too bad the partnership with Audi fell apart because Audi's DSG box would be perfect for a car like the Quattroporte.
For the past two Chicago Autoshows I got a special invite from Maserati to see the cars from the good side of the barriers. They are special cars for sure. Very unique and they really do make Mercedes and BMWs feel like "mass made" cars when it comes to interior treatments and the endless combinations of leathers/woods you can specify.
M
A Bentley on the other hand is just that, not utilitarian enough. Too much car to drive to the office for the working rich. Bentleys are for the rich leisure crowd.
It would be interesting to ask the Maser owners in the Quattroporte thread what other cars they have or what they traded for their Quattroporte.
M
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M