New car time for motor1: S-Class, LS, 7 Series or A8?

I haven't written an article for some time, but, recently I've been wanting to get a new car. I currently have a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S500, that I really love, but much like the car I had before, an 00' BMW 530i, it has come time to sadly upgrade. I have a large family, my wife, and my three children (2, 6 and 11). My wife has 2008 Volvo XC90.

I am looking at a few cars and have been to a few dealerships. Obviously, seeing as I currently have an S500, I went to my local Mercedes-Benz dealership and was immediately treated with courtesy and was shown to the few S-Class' they had in stock for a test drive. I agreed that I would most likely get an S500 again and probably would lease it. I actually found a very nice 2008 S500 that was kitted out with night vision, rear entertainment system, AMG sports pack that was $229,000AUD drive away and had done 11,000km, compared to a base S500 here for excess of $260,000. The previous owner was actually the managing director of the dealership.

I then continued onto BMW where I tested out the new 750i, in black. I was impressed and the cabin was better than the S-Class, though I still like the overall design of the S-Class more than the 7 Series. I could drive away in a black 09' 750i that had rear entertainment pack, lane departure warning system, and the optional alloys, but for $260,000 and still with about 10,000km.

I headed over to Lexus and found a 2009 LS460, that was brand new, with the self park system and all, for under $200,000 drive away.

I headed over to Audi(Solitaire Automotive) and I found that whenever I asked about any additional extras that could be thrown in for the A8 I was greeted with "no", which I found strange, considering Mercedes was going to add an extra warranty and the first service for free and BMW the same. I don't like the design of the A8 at all as it is aging compared to the 7, S and LS, and seeing as it is going to replaced soon, that just added onto the negatives for the purchase. However, if I was going to purchase, I found a black 2009 A8L for $230,000 drive away with 5,000km.

I have no idea which one to choose. I also am not hesitant to have a look at Range Rover as I've always wanted to have a Range Rover. My final decisions would come down to:
2008 S500, $230,000AUD drive away, 11,000km, AMG pack, night vision, rear entertainment
2009 750i, $260,000AUD drive away, 10,000km, 20" alloys, rear entertainment
2009 LS460, $199,000AUD drive away, new
2009 Audi A8 D3 4.2V8 L, $230,000 drive away
2010 Land Rover Range Rover TDV8

Thanks for your time(I've actually included in the picture the real pictures of the cars I'm talking out and that I tested out). Comments from people who have one or more of the cars I've talked about would be greatly appreciated.

theoptimisticpessimist - 2/6/2010 8:31:36 PM

-9 Boost

My vote the Land Rover it's just one of the coolest vehicle on the planet.

BondMI6 - 2/6/2010 9:24:07 PM

-8 Boost

I would also vote for the Rangie. It is truly a world class car with unmatched style and elegance. Just remember it is a tad top-heavy....

enthusiastx11 - 2/6/2010 9:39:30 PM

+9 Boost

it you love to drive...the 750i hands down. that's what i'd buy. however, the S-class is the leader in the segment in terms of being an all-around wonderful car--and its design is truly elegant.

DaHarder - 2/6/2010 10:17:02 PM

+6 Boost

Personally...

I'd hold out to see what the new Jaguar XJ brings to the table, because at this point it's looking quite impressive.

XYZZ - 2/7/2010 2:29:29 AM

+1 Boost

just saw a review this morning on the new S400 Hybrid. it is nearly identical in performance with the S500/S550, but gets considerably better mileage.
it also has an interesting split-screen which allows the front passenger to watch tv, without the screen distracting the driver who gets a navi map.
however, don't know when that mite become available Down Under, and likely will not be discounted, being a new model.

as a brand new model NO ONE's owned before, and a most attractive price, the Lexus 460 seems the best buy of the choices you present.

Willis - 2/7/2010 10:48:13 AM

+5 Boost

The S400 Hybrid is nowhere near the S550 in performance. What are you talking about?

M35MT - 2/7/2010 12:26:55 PM

+1 Boost

"...willis"

sorry, couldnt help myself

XYZZ - 2/8/2010 2:47:34 AM

+1 Boost

from the motorweek review, it was fully comparable to the s500 in 0-60. beyond that, the v8 would of course prevail.

but who goes RACING with luxury sedans? 0-60 is a good BASIC guideline for about town agility.

in FUEL EFFICIENCY 'performance' the S400 trounces its competitors. including the LS600h. (but that is a v8 hybrid, vs. v6)

M53R - 2/7/2010 2:42:48 AM

+3 Boost

If you want best bang for the buck, go with the Lexus LS. It's a great car and the price is almost unresistable. But if you're willing to pay more, I'd say go with the 750Li. I currently own an S63 and a 750Li, and I love the BMW more. It doesn't lack anything in comfort like the model it replaces, and also drives better. I thought it was pretty expensive at 1st especially compared to the competition, but the materials used, perfect mixture between driving enjoyment ( or road feel... It's really a feeling you can't describe in words lol. magic feel?! ), comfort, and technology. You'd also love the smooth V8 turbo engine more than anything else in this class. Don't get me wrong, the S class is a great all-rounder, but the BMW is better.

M53R - 2/7/2010 2:49:03 AM

+10 Boost

Don't get the A8 unless you're willing to wait for the new one... and the Range Rover is great but their reliability isn't and I didn't like it when i took it for a long road trip because the seats felt uncomfortable.
Why don't you consider the facelifted X5?

rxh8me9000 - 2/7/2010 2:44:21 AM

+4 Boost

S-class FTW!

528i - 2/7/2010 2:58:01 AM

-5 Boost

I would take the Lexus 460, but again they all the same.

xj13 - 2/7/2010 7:23:24 AM

+6 Boost

S Class
Bimmer
and the Range Rover.

JUGNU - 2/7/2010 8:58:19 AM

+5 Boost

I assume you stick to roads mostly(as you short-listed 4 luxury sedans), so i would recommend delete Range Rover from your short list, it is not bad on road but the other four luxury sedans are just better for roads, they are more comfortable, handle better, less weight, more fuel efficient...etc.
The SUVs which are closer to these sedans are ML, X5, Cayenne, Q7...etc.

In short my recommendation would be, Best Allrounder but most expensive---S class, Good allrounder and sporty---7 Series, Best value, Comfort and reliability---LS460.
Don't go for A8 unless you get some great deal as the new one will be in showrooms soon and current A8 will loose even more value than.

JUGNU

M35MT - 2/7/2010 12:26:00 PM

+3 Boost

Agree

I love the Range but if you do not intend to take it off road then you are not respecting what that vehicle is capable of! It's like buying an M3 and never breaking the speed limit.

I'm not in the market for a large uber sized lux sedan so it's a tough call but I think you know what you're getting into. The XJ looks interesting and I like it's unique-ness which the others don't have, also, check out the Maserati Quattroporte - it has an exhaust note that will make your jaw drop to the ground.

Agent00R - 2/7/2010 12:29:53 PM

+3 Boost

Jugnu hit the nail RIGHT on the head.

EL34 - 2/7/2010 12:41:40 PM

+1 Boost

You don't really need a poll to determine what car you're gonna get, do you?

Do want us to choose your interior and exterior colors too?

Dr550 - 2/7/2010 1:51:40 PM

+3 Boost

Also had a BMW 530i(2003) which was a great car. If you liked your 2000 530i, go with new BMW 750i. Have owned three BMW's with no mechanical/electrical issues.

bmwdrvr - 2/7/2010 4:43:24 PM

+1 Boost

I would say either the LS or 7 the 7 will be the better driver and if you liked your old 5 and want a bigger car that would be a great way to go, the LS simply because from listening to friends it is very low maintenance luxury vehicle and durable this may be a good way to go for a family.

kpaxx - 2/7/2010 7:08:11 PM

-3 Boost

The current generation LS is not reliable! Just go to any lexus forum and find out! The major complaint about the LS is how noisy it is! So I would strike it of the list because it in terms of driving dynamics it is abysmal.

The best ride here is the S-Class, the best in driving dynamics is the 7-er, and somewhere in there is the A8.

bmwdrvr - 2/7/2010 9:18:16 PM

+4 Boost

wrong, the LS is very reliable it always has been its not a car i personally would want one but everything else pales by comparison. The A8 is a reliability disaster and if you confuse the camry and LS I fail to see how you dont confuse the A4 and the A8, and the new one looks exactly like a big a4 hmmm and same platform as an entry vehicle really...., The S class has the best compromise between the 7s performance bias, and the LS comfort bias so its the most well rounded but my money would go to the new 7

XYZZ - 2/8/2010 2:59:31 AM

+2 Boost

due to the complexity and number of accessories, ALL luxury cars have at least SOME problems. mostly minor, trifling items, altho' major problems occur too. go to the bmw, mb, and audi sites, and i'm sure you will find accounts of problems.

along that line (complexity vs. simpler machines), even the lexus LS has more problems than a toyota corolla. and it also has less than ANY OTHER luxury brand. most lexus problems have to do with its high end audio system.
all the other lux brands also have complaints in that area, to an even higher rate. and, they also tend to have troubles with power eqpt. accessories.

CR has reported: "The Lexus LS tops our survey, year in and year out. The 1998 LS400 had fewer problems than the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500."

kpaxx - 2/8/2010 10:06:21 AM

-1 Boost

In light of all the problems toyota is having lately it is very hard to give them or Consumer Reports any credibility!

kpaxx - 2/7/2010 7:12:27 PM

-4 Boost

From afar I still have a hard time telling the difference between a camry and the LS!

and yes I have had my eyes checked recently!

bmwdrvr - 2/7/2010 9:15:08 PM

+5 Boost

Im not a lexus fan but thats just a stupid comment there is no way you confuse the two

motor1 - 2/8/2010 1:31:55 AM

+4 Boost

Hi guys,
Thank you for your positive responses. Basically it looks like it's now between the 750 and the S500. I think there are more people who would talk the 7 over the S, so I'm heading to both dealerships tomorrow morning to have an even more serious talk to the salesmen and get back to you with the results.

Thanks
motor1

rumnyc - 2/8/2010 1:33:10 AM

+1 Boost

750 all the way

XYZZ - 2/8/2010 3:14:42 AM

+2 Boost

since the new LS offered the most bang for the buck, have you by chance also looked at the LS460L?

if one of the motivations is more space for your growing family, they mite REALLY enjoy the extra space in the long wheelbase sedan, whose price mite still be competitive with your other choices.

LACMAN - 2/8/2010 3:28:07 AM

0 Boost

You say you went from a BMW to a Benz. So I highly doubt you want the Lexus as your next vehicle.

I'd consider the A8 if you were referring to the new model but since you arent, I would go with the BMW or Mercedes.

You are lucky, btw! You are in the market to purchase a car and these are your choices. I cant wait for the day. I will be there in 10 years or less!

pennfootball - 2/8/2010 10:17:09 AM

0 Boost

Well at that level no matter what you do you will be happy since you only keep your cars 4-5 years. So I would go with a Maserati quattroporte. you will liek the style more and the fact you as a driver drive it instead of a robot. Plus it corners better then the others and has has snob appeal the others can't match. A used one is about the same money, but will have more miles, maybe 20,000km and be a 2008. The engines have been very reliable and you don't have to worry about anything accept the recalcitrant Sat-Nav is useless.

vonbeeler - 2/8/2010 1:34:11 PM

0 Boost

I think I found the ultimate solution and this could work for you. I had an 07 S600 as I beleive the S to be the best. However I got a little tired a borrowing the wifes truck for any utility use i.e surfing etc. I decided to pick up a low mi 3 year old Ranage Rover. The depreciation here in the states is pretty steep so I picked up very cheap. I was so impressed with the Range Rover that I sold my S class.
I had enough money left over to buy an M3. So I now have an as new Rangie AND an M3 for the price of a new S.

lexusrox123 - 2/8/2010 6:41:15 PM

+1 Boost

LS

LuxuryFan - 2/8/2010 6:53:58 PM

+1 Boost

I would say go with the LS, but I would also take a look at the Cadillac XTS.

LuxuryFan - 2/9/2010 4:49:42 PM

+3 Boost

I like how the more crass, mouthbreathing followers of European luxury saloons are deboosting comments that favor flagships that don't hail from that continent.

M35MT - 2/10/2010 12:15:52 PM

+2 Boost

you must be new here