FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: CAR WARS! Battle Of The Big Body Coupes! Cadillac Elmiraj vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Concept

In the world of what I like to call land yachts, there are a couple of automakers that really know how to do them right. Some would say Bentley, some would say Maserati. I, on the other hand, think that Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz "get it."

You don't have to look so far to see it, either.

At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show we saw Mercedes finally unveil the long awaited S-Class Coupe concept, which will likely be the next-gen CL-Class replacement. Of course its interior echoes the newly minted S-Class sedan and it is an elegant, yet aggressively designed vehicle that will surely whisk away its passengers in comfort.

This year's Monterey Weekend featured a surprise appearance from one of the domestic auto builders. Cadillac wowed a lot of folks with its all-new Elmiraj concept, which is the epitome of what Cadillac is known for. A big body that speaks to me much like the Eldorado. If you take a look at its design it's very clear Cadillac aimed to have a strong presence that leaves a lasting impression. To say the least, it worked. Though it reminds me of the AutoSpies-loved Ciel, it actually takes it up a notch in the design department.

While I know these are both concepts with the Mercedes-Benz moreso rooted in reality — what you see is what you get — and the Cadillac may be something that never makes a showroom floor, I have to ask: of the two big body coupes, WHICH do YOU prefer?

Would YOU rather have the Cadillac or Mercedes-Benz in your garage?

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2013 Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance

cidflekken - 9/12/2013 12:06:33 AM

+3 Boost

S-Class, no question. Elmiraj is nice, but I don't want to have everyone call my car the Batmobile.

MBCLS07 - 9/12/2013 12:50:31 AM

-1 Boost

Both are stunning. Can't fault the S-Class in any way, but the Elmiraj is on another level.

Jordo107 - 9/12/2013 1:16:14 AM

+1 Boost

Caddy if they make it and I really hope they do!

I had the CL550 for my "play car", which is as nice as it should be (except there is no excuse for those squeaky brakes).

Now my play car is a Caddy CTS V Coupe which is just a kick in the pants!

It sure feels good to buy American when you can!

MorePower - 9/12/2013 3:29:51 AM

+3 Boost

In design, you have to give it to the Cadillac.

When it comes down to execution, based on prior vehicles, you have to give the nod to MB.

Car4Life - 9/12/2013 7:18:43 AM

+4 Boost

Mercedes S Coupe will be timeless while the Caddy is flashy and will be dated within a few years. Think SL vs XLR, flashy burns out faster

pmrmd - 9/12/2013 9:09:18 AM

0 Boost

MB designs are anything BUT timeless lately.

xjug1987a - 9/12/2013 9:12:07 AM

-3 Boost

Car4Life: I disagree, the Caddy is classically gorgeous, its simple and elegant. The Benz looks like a space ship and as with most other full sized Benz Coupes in the last 20 years, they don't age well and are huge headaches to repair. Despite their massive size, old Caddy, if in great shape still look timeless, yes, for land barges I agree. But the CL Coupes from the W126 on look like crap. The current CL is Bentley-esque by design so it should age well. The Elmiraj is a car Cadillac needs to build and the Ciel (essentially a 4 door convertible version) is another car they need to make, albeit as a 4 door sedan. This design language will make Cadillac's gorgeous, passionate, emotional and objects of beauty and desire. EVERYONE is attracted to that. This Mercedes (and I've had 5 of them and just got an ATS) design language with its swoopy lines and sculpted sides look like computer generate robotic recreated automaton designed to bring in the new money. The Elmiraj is simply beautiful, like a woman you cannot stop looking at and drinking in the beauty. GM & Cadillac really needs this car and a properly done 4 door of this design to continue the Renaissance. It would really be a shame if they let these die. With the new ATS, the new CTS, the V Sport and V Series, its clear there is passion and life in Cadillac and they're not afraid to break new ground for the brand, they've got to keep the momentum going and absolutely cannot risk a dud!

cidflekken - 9/12/2013 12:41:40 PM

+3 Boost

Could not disagree more.

Cadillac was on the right track with the outgoing CTS sedan/coupe designs. The designs were cohesive and were a perfect example of modern design while maintaining connection with "traditional" Cadillac angularity. This Elmiraj, in keeping with the theme first presented with the ATS, is a step backwards, IMO. It's attempted mix of a curvaceous roofline with angular body, just proves incohesive and its attempt to present a modern interpretation of vintage styling cues just makes it look already-dated. In addition, I don't think it looks like an upper-tier car. When I first saw it, I thought it was the new CTS coupe concept not a car 1 or 2 tiers above the CTS.

scenicbyway12 - 9/12/2013 1:08:37 PM

+3 Boost

"EVERYONE is attracted to"

Not me, when I look at the Cadillac the first thing the comes to minds is, "hey didn't Lincoln have something like that in the 60"s.

Henanamani1 - 9/12/2013 10:05:36 AM

+2 Boost

S-CLASS COUPE IS FOR ME. THIS CAR WILL LOOK AWESOME IN BLACK ON BLACK WITH THE AMG SPORT.
The Elmiraj is nice but won't make it to production.

222max - 9/12/2013 12:41:23 PM

+1 Boost

Caddy all the way. If there's an utra-lux hotel somewhere in my future the Elmiraj is the car I want to drive up in.

cidflekken - 9/12/2013 6:35:18 PM

+1 Boost

Well, you'll have to wait as the valets scramble to drive and park the S-Class Coupes, 6 Series, and Continental GTs :-)

xjug1987a - 9/13/2013 1:46:21 PM

-1 Boost

We agree to disagree... Mercedes cars are not beautiful, at all. The new S Class is a tour de force, but its anything but beautiful. The Elmiraj is beautiful. The first CTS was drawn with a ruler, the 2nd was a softer and much better looking version, an evolution. The new CTS is a revolution compared to the outgoing model.

This new Ciel/Elmiraj design language is smooth, simple and sensuous. The Mercedes looks like a robot and is fussy... it won't age well at all.

vwowner1 - 9/20/2013 7:48:28 AM

+1 Boost

No pic of the Elmiraj's dashboard?