nate579

iTrader: (4)

Hey peeps. Just getting back from Lexus: Taste of Luxury Promontional here in the DC area at the FEDEX Field Stadium. I guess the stadium was a good choice since the Redskins is just wasting space there. Anyway I had the opportunity to drive the M-B E500 and the BMW 545i. Just wanted to see what's the big deal about these 2 vehicles. Well here is my impression of the 2. First: The Mercedes is a beautiful car. Love the comfort and the driving experience in my opinion was on par with the GS 430. What I didn't like was all the buttons, buttons was everywhere. And I am a gadget guru, but I was not feeling it at all. Anyway, the engine is magnificant. I would say on par with the GS430. But from what i gathered there was nothing on the car that warrant a 10-15,000 dollar increase in price. Now the BMW 545, Arrrghhhh! The only this car had going for it was it's controversal styling and the sweet and I do mean sweet engine. I love the torque of the V8. And the Variable Timing System reminds me of my ole Acura TL Type S. It's hits like a turbo, but like a turbo, instead of steady smooth power delivery you get almost a punch in a back once you hit that magic rpm number. Anyway. the interior leaves much to be desired. I mean the big silver **** on the tunnel cover looked out of place.. I think it's called I-Drive or something. I mean geez, I guess this was made for people with a doctorate in computer science or electronic engineering or something. Us high school graduates don't stand a chance in figuring out how to operate this thing. Just kidding. But I think just a touch screen would have be more efficient like on the GS. But I feel vindicated in getting the GS 430. I feel that I have made the right choice, because when i think about it, I have the best of both cars and none of the bad attributes i found in any of them. But if push came to shove and had to make a second choice the M-B would have been it. Because the BMW seats was hard and the suspension was on the little to sporty for a sedan firm for me. Well that's it. I am going to return there tomorrow and test drive the LS 430 and BMW 745i. You know looking at my retirement vehicles. P.S.: And the gourmet cooking was excellent.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I agree with your comments totally, having been to the Atlanta Taste of Luxury event! Can't wait to hear your comments on the 745. If you think the 545 interior is hard to figure out, good luck with the 745 - I could fly a 767 easier than figure that car out. The LS430? INCREDIBLE execution of the interior - just amazing.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah the 7 is horrible, they had a guy there just to teach you how to put the car to drive.... so stupid

the 5 is a lot easier to drive already, at least you can put it in d easy. and after that, enjoy the power

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I should say the 545 was fun to drive once I sort of figured out the seat with more buttons than my TV's remote control and other controls. Memory buttons on the SIDE OF THE SEAT where you can't see them?

When I got the 7 series the radio was on tuned to no station (so just a 'shhhhh') but I never figured out how to turn down the volume but I was able to tune it to a station at least. Someone else eventually pointed out the tiny black volume **** on a black background. Truly the worst 'luxury' interior I've ever seen.

CareyPJ

What did you guys think of the Cadillac XLR? It certainly had the power over the SC430.
This week's AutoWeek confirmed the same.

Yes, I think we'll all agree the GS430 is a better mix of speed & luxury compared to the 545. I think the steering on the MBE500 is a little strange.

I'm glad to hear that you have the same troubles with the 745. It took several rounds with the wipers before I could get the car back into Park.

And finally, the LS430 was spectacular. What a ride!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

for the ls430, did you guys try the panic braking and feel the seat belt just tighten up on you electronically? i find that feature so freaking cool!

SC300Es

XLR was definitely more sportier than the SC430

I had to ask the guy for help in putting the 745 in gear. I said, "No wonder nobody likes this I-drive" He just smiled and told me it takes some time getting used to it. There were a lot of ppl putting on the windshield wipers trying to put that thing in Drive.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

XLR is WAY faster than an SC430 and sounds GREAT. I was disappointed in the handling - don't know if the magento-resistive dampers are stock or an option but that should make the car handle like it's on rails but the one I drove certainly didn't. Not bad handling but not great. The 545 felt more composed. And an SL500 I drove a few weeks ago? Freakin' amazing with it's active suspension.