Decent mid-sized saloon

[rex7_vtec]

Hey folks, I know this sounds weird coming from me but would really appreciate everyone's suggestions and insights on this topic.

I'm in the market for a medium sized saloon. Mid-size as in the E-Class, 5 series, Lexus GS kinda range.

Ok so I have listed my priorities below according to the level of importance with the first being utmost criteria.

1.) Comfort
2.) Branding
3.) Performance
4.) Price

I called up Borneo today to check on the GS430, unfortunately was told that Singapore would not be allocated any... So therefore I'm kinda stuck with what kind of choices I have.

Anyway I just though I decided to seek some advise here... So what do you blokes think?

 

[eggz]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Since comfort is first and price last, I'll say Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Otherwise, a E60 550i, with all the gadgets

I think the E-class is due for a facelift in late 2006 or 2007, otherwise I'll say a E55 AMG since it has airmatic suspension, you can set for comfort, it'll definitely ride better than an M5

Also, consider a Audi A6 4.2 Quattro or S6

 

[eggz]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

On the other hand, forget the Audi A6, I heard the ride is sh*t

 

[rex7_vtec]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Since comfort is first and price last, I'll say Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Otherwise, a E60 550i, with all the gadgets

I think the E-class is due for a facelift in late 2006 or 2007, otherwise I'll say a E55 AMG since it has airmatic suspension, you can set for comfort, it'll definitely ride better than an M5

Also, consider a Audi A6 4.2 Quattro or S6

Bro, Bentley is under the "Tank" category leh.....

But seriously is there gonna be a 550i?

 

[eggz]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Bro, Bentley is under the "Tank" category leh.....

But seriously is there gonna be a 550i?

yeah, 550i is already selling in the US and Europe. You'll have to special indent, but I think PML will bring in. Remember to spec Dynamic Drive, but NOT sports suspension and swap out the runflats and you'll have a pretty comfortable ride

You can give my ride a try at the next meet up, it's not a 550i, but it has DD, and no sports suspension, but I do have those crappy runflats....er...maybe try totoseow's, he has PS2s, arrrggh, but he has sports suspension...siao liao!

 

[jaskin]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

I've set in Eggz car on the way back from Sepang. I must say it's really comfy and the interior has a really nice feel onto it.
Personally, I would go with 530i and above or the Merc E class. Any word on how much your budget is?

 

[Snail_Mobile]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Bro, can simply 4get abt the GS la. Shitty car. 5 series(530i/545i) wld be a better buy for comfort/power/handling.

 

[T6]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

U? Sedan? U? Sedan?

Ok, gotten over the shock. Now go buy Totoseow/Eggz's version of the 530i (non-valvetronic) and SC the bugger!

 

[eggz]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Hmmm, maybe forget the E55, anyone knows when that new 6.3l V8 is going into the E? It's currently only available in the new ML-class.

A E63 with airmatic suspension, and all the cool toys will be great! Can't ever fault a Merc's ride...

 

[kurqa]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

hi..i did some shopping around for a family member in this class of cars recently and i must agree with eggz that merc still has the ultimate superiority in comfort over all except perhaps lexus (LS though...GS not sure) since comfort is no.1 for you i guess merc is the way to go...much as i think highly of bmw the ride we took on the 5 is nowhere near the E class and thats the truth..honest..but don't even think of the A6 it's like going for 2nd best (no offence to any A6 owner)

in short, for comfort the 5 gets A- but the E scores an A+ so its really up to your priorities man...but if it's for yourself i still suggest you go back to bmw as you have already been "spoilt" in terms of handling...just for you info my relative decided on the 5 as i convinced her that she's going to be driving and not chauffered around..

 

[totoseow]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

when u talk comfort u already cut off quite a few brands...audi, even lexus.. the audi is rough, period. the lexus has not enough back room even though its quiet...n to me at least there is something i cudnt get quite right with the driving position.

branding...aint bmw number 1 now? ok i m biased...but seriously the E-class due for plastic soon...5-series aint pretty i admit...but at least it has more road presence.

performance...u know the rest aint gonna come close.

pricing...maybe state ur budget...but i feel..if u look at each class of the different brands below 300k...u gonna get the same story....

let me throw u something else....personally i hate it to hell...but u may not have thought of this yet. the CLS....ya that fugly abomination of a car that i think came about when ford taurus met snakehead fish.

 

[NTY]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

If comfort is your highest priority. MB is the way to go. Class to class comparison, IMO nothing beats MB when it comes to ride comfort. Even the outgoing W220 S-class is more comfy than the newer E65 7 series.

 

[rex7_vtec]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Thanks folks for all the very valuable input!
Yes I dunno wat got over me (looks at Andy) but somehow I just woke up wanting and needing to get a saloon for me to travel to work, meet clients, etc.

Personally my budget is hopefully nothing over the $300k region for base entry models like the mentioned 5 series or Merc E-Class. However I may consider extending my budget if we enter the territory of E55 or M5 kinda range.

As a matter of fact to be honest, I really do like the E55 alot. I'm just hoping to expand my horizons in the mid size saloon category... I am a newbie when it comes to this topic hehehe

Eggz, toto, will look for you guys at the coming meetup!

 

[sturtles]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Thanks folks for all the very valuable input!
Yes I dunno wat got over me (looks at Andy) but somehow I just woke up wanting and needing to get a saloon for me to travel to work, meet clients, etc.

Personally my budget is hopefully nothing over the $300k region for base entry models like the mentioned 5 series or Merc E-Class. However I may consider extending my budget if we enter the territory of E55 or M5 kinda range.

As a matter of fact to be honest, I really do like the E55 alot. I'm just hoping to expand my horizons in the mid size saloon category... I am a newbie when it comes to this topic hehehe

Eggz, toto, will look for you guys at the coming meetup!

Hihi.. The E55 AMG is available for test drive at cycle with an appointment.

Don't know how the ride compares to the 5, but heard its nose heavy

 

[DriveAllDay]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Hmmm.... perhaps a Jaguar?

Interesting that no one even considers this...

 

[eggz]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Hmmm.... perhaps a Jaguar?

Interesting that no one even considers this...

Because Jaguar's are crap, basically overpriced Fords

 

[totoseow]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

barry i did a lap on the E55 in sepang. acceleration is brutal..but believe me once it hits the bend...it still feels like a boat....u can feel chasis flex...seems like the engine is too powerful for the car....the driver for me was none other than bernd maylander the F1 safety car guy...even he admits that bmw produces a better chasis...personally he wud rather hv the smaller clk55 round the track

 

[yendor]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Barry,

I would like to offer another alternative. The new IS250 is coming out. Equipped with a 6 cyl engine. Is is based on the Mark X platform and looks kinda "new edge" and like a smaller GS. Not too sure about the drive though. But one thing is conformed, it is gonna save you major bucks.

Maybe you can also consider a Forester STI?

 

[T6]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

Barry,

I would like to offer another alternative. The new IS250 is coming out. Equipped with a 6 cyl engine. Is is based on the Mark X platform and looks kinda "new edge" and like a smaller GS. Not too sure about the drive though. But one thing is conformed, it is gonna save you major bucks.

Maybe you can also consider a Forester STI?

Wah lau, u DUNNO Barry. He said budget $300k and willing to go up higher somemore and here u are suggesting to him these rides? I think u need more drinks at Bala haha.

 

[totoseow]

Re: Decent mid-sized saloon

T6 yendor is right..buy the is250 + the forester sti