So I had thought about upgrading my current 2013 MB S63 at some point in the next year or 2. I like having a large car to shuffle friends and things around in so it's down to the 2017 BMW B7 vs the 2017 MB S63.

I know many of you prefer smaller cars but I enjoy the large car so that is that. I've had M5's and other smaller cars - they're great. I'm just at a point in my life where having the larger car is nice to have (and yes, I'm single, but I still like large cars). I guess I'd slightly consider, the MB E63S or the BMW M5 (2017 or 2018) but for the point of this discussion, those aren't really on the table here.

The car I get would have to be about 3 years old for me to afford it so I wouldn't get it for another 2 years, but I was just wondering, in advance, your thoughts on these cars? And yes, I have an ability to choose this on my own, but since you guys are car heads too, which do you prefer from a looks standpoint since both cars are very fast. I was wondering what your impressions are...

It doesn't matter that one car may be 1 second faster than another. They're both stupid fast, that's good enough. 0-60 in 3.8 secs vs. 0-60 in 4.4 secs for instance is the exact same thing to me. I'm not the speediest or best or raciest driver so it matters not one bit to me other than bragging rights, which in and of itself is kind of a big deal now that I think of it.

Here's 2 examples:

the BMW Alpina B7

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...de1=ALPINAB7XD

and

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...de1=ALPINAB7XD

OR………… the Mercedes

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=S63AMG

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=S63AMG

THIS:










VS.







I would get a car with 5 seating option, not 4 like this pic but you get the general idea of the back seat space.



Which is better (hotter) looking?

 

MB has an edge over the BMW as far as looks and interior/comfort are concerned.

TBH I’d go for a Panamera

 

Nice rides. I am a BMW guy personally. I've owned and driven a bunch of Mercs and they just don't do it for me. The last my, an E350 rental from Avis was a disappointment. I have way more fun in my last Budget Cadillac AVS.

And for something completely different I've been snooping around for a 2001ish M5. Very cool car, MT, and now very reasonably priced. The other car I like are the Audi RS4.

So I would chose the BMW as I suspect it may drive better.

Have fun on your hunt!

 

I don't think anything can beat that S63. One of the best luxury daily's

 

At the price point of a used S63, I would also consider a perhaps 1 year older 4 door Bentley. Very personal choice, but just me. Perhaps even a Rolls?

 

Given that you currently own an S63, there really isn't much we can tell you about that car. For me, it would be the S63 because I prefer the exterior styling, the overall interior package and its total curb appeal. I had an S550 and the ride was sublime. I doubt you could wrong with either.

 

S63, I just find it to be a more luxurious car than even the B7.

 

My 2 cents.
I would say, besides my own toys, my daily is my 2011 535xdrive, 2016 M5 Manual and 997.1 turbo MT.

I have 2 long day trip cars, my 2012 s550 4matic and 2016 Range rover Turbo Diesel(TD6). Both of these would give me 27 mpg HWY.

As comparison, I think the s550 would be similar to your choices.

I used too DD my s550 as I drive 40 miles each way but I relegated it to long trips as its so big. Its still sporty, love the low end torque, smooth, silent , direct steering but it gets boring.
You by yourself driving it you will feel lonely in it.

Consider an M5. It can seat 3 kids in the back and can haul you guys anywhere. Its an event to drive.

Nothing will beat my Sclass for long trips, not even a full SUV can match it.

If I am lazy I drive the 535ix which is more than enough for the interstate.

 

I am too a BMW guy. I have a very low miles 03 M5 for a very special carguy day out. A very capable car even for todays standards.

 

Bamn. That's my guy. Dig it. What colour is that?

 

I really appreciate the feedback. I can't get a manual M5 as I need an automatic. Bad knees, I have no interest in shifting anymore after 35 years of it already. Been there, done that.

So it looks like the consensus chooses the looks of the S63 over the Alpina B7. Good to know. I wasn't really sure.

As for the newer M5 automatic. Hmmmm, that is actually becoming more interesting to me. I found the back seat to be WAY small compared to the S63, but I'll re-look at it again as I haven't driven a new one yet. I just wanted my rear seat passengers on long trips to have a comfortable experience. If the back seat of the M5 is as tight as I remember, that car would be out. Or maybe not. It depends on what I see when I check out the car. With the S Class MB, the rear seat room is so sumptuous.

I had a 91 M5 and it had issues. (and a 74 2002, 87 535is, 91 850i, 95 540i, 95 740i, 2001 740 Sport, another 2001 740i Sport, etc).

I'm a BMW guy and read the Roundel cover to cover each month but am not too enthused with their newer 7 series after 2001. That's why I chose the 2008 S63 and then this 2012 S63.

I guess I should drive a 2016 or 2017 M5 to see how they feel in comparison.

Steve

 

I'm not a BMW guy or a MB guy so I have no personal bias. I'd pick the MB all day. It is a much better looking car with a better engine. Personally, I find the BMW extremely plain looking and too conservative. The Alpina version of the car makes a car that is already too conservatively setup even more conservative (suspension, etc). Additionally, MB has some seriously legit racing cred where BMW does little these days. New tech is designed and perfected in racing and eventually bits of it flow down to the road cars. I've owned cars from both manufacturers in the past. IMO BMW had their best days behind them and MB is on the upswing.

 

I'm not an MB or BMW guy - I've owned both but MB is too soft for my taste and just flat out dislike BMW interiors. I'm a big Audi fan (great compromise between both and their interiors are quite frankly IMO still the best). I drive an S6 for my daily, great car for stop/go traffic, long drives and carrying kids. If you're looking at some of the bigger cars, I would include the Audi S8 in your search. Extremely impressive car.

 

.I'm thinking of going with an S6/S7 for my daily as well. I agree about the interior and the ride quality for a DD. And, for me, living in a snow region I appreciate the AWD. Selling 2 of my cars next spring and looking for one of these Audis. Well, that's my flavor of the month anyway.

 

Yeah - the S6 is a great overall size, twin turbo V8, probably some of the last of the breed, I've got a 2014 and since I can't leave car modding alone, I upgraded the turbos to RS7 turbos, downpipe, exhaust. Those are the basic differences between the S and RS models. Plus I like the dual clutch manual transmissions better. It can run a 10.8 quarter mile - not bad for a mid size luxury sedan.