Benz CL550 Mini Review
#31
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What about the Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Track Coupe? The Hyundai name not panache enough? This car, granted, doesn't have the rich interior of some of the vehicles you named (Audi, Jaguar, Infiniti, Benz, etc...), or even as plush as the Genesis sedan, but it offers a superb drivetrain and what is, IMO, BMW-worthy steering feel, chassis engineering, and road manners at a far lower price.
For sheer looks alone, though, it's hard to beat the S5.....it is drop-dead gorgeous, and would, IMO, be even more so if not for that awkward, oversized grille. With an Audi, though, you run the risk of electronic and hardware problems....although that seems to be improving, according to Consumer Reports.
For sheer looks alone, though, it's hard to beat the S5.....it is drop-dead gorgeous, and would, IMO, be even more so if not for that awkward, oversized grille. With an Audi, though, you run the risk of electronic and hardware problems....although that seems to be improving, according to Consumer Reports.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-30-10 at 10:21 AM.
#33
#34
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I recently drove a last gen CL600, and as awesome as it may be, its no S class, not even close. Didn't feel anywhere near as solid. But the acceleration from the twin turbo V12 was insane, and there was no engine noise whatsoever.
I have no experience at all with the new CL, but I'm not a big fan of the styling. I think the old one was better. Also, I'd be concerned with long term reliability and depreciation.
I have no experience at all with the new CL, but I'm not a big fan of the styling. I think the old one was better. Also, I'd be concerned with long term reliability and depreciation.
#35
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Believe me, I will test drive all these babies before I buy. I made that mistake once and never again. 3 years ago I got a G35 without test driving it. I loved that VQ engine (I still swoon everytime I hear one) but the seat was absolutely horrible. I developed neck and back pain that still bothers me. My posture was ruined as well. That engine note....and the pull was better than I expected. I won every race except 2. But I suffered in pain. I had to get rid of it. I should have just changed the seat. I didn't even think of it.
#40
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The 2011 Mustangs have just hit the dealers. With the new 5.0 V8 it is faster than anything on your list but the GTR. For $40K loaded, you would still have lots of bucks to mod it and make it unique.
Steve
Steve
#41
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Believe me, I will test drive all these babies before I buy. I made that mistake once and never again. 3 years ago I got a G35 without test driving it. I loved that VQ engine (I still swoon everytime I hear one) but the seat was absolutely horrible. I developed neck and back pain that still bothers me. My posture was ruined as well. That engine note....and the pull was better than I expected. I won every race except 2. But I suffered in pain. I had to get rid of it. I should have just changed the seat. I didn't even think of it.
Test drive the S5 it's probably the best luxury coupe sub-$50K and I saw another on the road today and it's just drool worthy.
You could probably save a bit more coin and get a regular A5. The 2.0T engine I've heard can get over 300hp with a few mods
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#42
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My mom got a CL550 a few months back and man what a car. You can buy one that is a few years old for around 60-70K with like 30K miles. Only thing that would scare me is when the warranty runs out. I bet these things cost a fortune to fix. It really drives like no other though. My mom actually said she doesn't like driving the car because of how many people look at it.
#43
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Although I love the GT-R and it is a legend in it's own right!
My personal pick in this price point is EASILY the CL550!
Absolutely nothing can touch this car under $100k for "All around Presence" and sheer automotive genius.
But you know... It all comes down to "How you roll?"![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3365551139_d2f3c6a4b9_o.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3365661645_6348fcce26_o.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3366484074_8a958f7a64_o.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3365549777_9659499404_o.jpg)
Older Photo Shoot....
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3328920536_031aca7789_b.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3328913554_0a17af9a3c_b.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3328909718_bde579637f_b.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3328909218_97181cfa65_b.jpg)
My personal pick in this price point is EASILY the CL550!
Absolutely nothing can touch this car under $100k for "All around Presence" and sheer automotive genius.
But you know... It all comes down to "How you roll?"
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3365551139_d2f3c6a4b9_o.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3365661645_6348fcce26_o.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3366484074_8a958f7a64_o.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3365549777_9659499404_o.jpg)
Older Photo Shoot....
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3328920536_031aca7789_b.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3328913554_0a17af9a3c_b.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3328909718_bde579637f_b.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3328909218_97181cfa65_b.jpg)
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3328071867_a09c3e7c55_b.jpg)