LENELSA

Looking for new sedan for wifey which I might drive once in a while.

Any thoughts ????

V-Vo/t

I was close to purchasing the new 5 series a few years ago. Deposit made, order placed and then canceled. Between the BMW order and the delivery I drove the Panamera and never looked back. In my mind the BMW didn't come close to the Panamera. Panamera felt more solid, more sporty and wasn't just another 5 series on the street. If you can live with just 4 seats I'd consider it instead.

We have had a few Mercs as well. Well built, classy and reliable. Can't really go wrong with Mercedes, but the E350 isn't that much fun to drive. All depends on what your wife wants in a car. My wife definitely chooses the Panamera.

JW911

I considered them both, and bought an Audi A6. It blew them both away. Much faster, better handling, much better technology. No contest.

ELUSIVE

New A6 is far better than both in my opinion.

krysFly

I have to disagree about the A6, I had nothing but problems with mine. Spend more time at the dealer then in my garage. Personally I will never buy an Audi again. I went with a 5 series xdrive wagon.
Zero issues. Just my experience.

neanicu

2013 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon with the power pkg. Twin Turbo V8 550 HP,torque beyond imagination.
This car is rarer than the SLS 63 AMG! It's the rarest Mercedes Benz produced today,at least for the US market.
It's very comfortable,has plenty of space,it acts like a family sedan and nobody pays attention to it,because they don't know what it is...Until you press the gas and it becomes a Monster!

http://www.autoweek.com/storyimage/C...-AMG-wagon.jpg

rodsky

Agreed

Ecloebl

Lexus GS350 F-Sport. I have had mine for three months, and I love it!

Poshaman

Between E350 and 5 series, I will choose 5 series in a heart beat. Had both in the past and 5 series was ten times more fun to drive.

kosmo

i have an 09 e350 sedan. Its nice, comfy, quiet. Doesnt handle worth...
my ranking for $50-60k Sedans:

1. Lexus GS
2. BMW 5
3. Audi A6
4. MB E

and maybe even a Hyundai Genesis R spec V8 for about $45k.

Zeus993

We've got a 528i and I am under-whelmed. Maybe it's the engine, i don't know. But it's very boring to drive. Will be driving the Panamera soon. Tx for the heads up.

P0rsch3F113

+1 Audi really needs to work on the reliability issues. Get the extended warranty if you buy it.

Jaan

If you opt for the Merc, the V6 is NOT the way to go. It's a sectioned M273 and a V6 with a 30 degree splay performance-wise (including operation and smoothness) leaves a lot to be desired. Keep in mind, the 350 is no slouch to performance for the purpose it is designed for.

If it is within your means to go with the 550, you have a proper vehicle with a proper engine with a load of torque to match. Gasoline consumption between the 6 and 8 is a mile for every gallon used up.

Truth: the 212 model line-up or nothing. Any dissatisfaction or regrets within your MB-ownership, it wouldn't be anywhere as bad as if you owned a 211. This is not a personal opinion. So far, the w212's are holding up.

You cannot go wrong with the quintessence of how MB's are engineered (factoring in comfort with performance integrated). Steering feedback might not impress you.

Except you are a BMW die-hard, I don't see a long-term use for such products. Interior falling apart and some exterior panels made of plastic. Those vehicles are not keepers.

Audie's reliability is just sick. The money is not the issue -- it is the wasted time.

daddyscar

+1 and it's the best looking too. I really don't like the odd looking rear wheel arch hip Mercedes have been forcing onto every model. The current BMW designs are still an evolutionary step from the Bangle era, move on already. Seems like top auto makers get cursed with bad design philosophies . . . MB, BMW, Honda. Audi and Kia are making great looking cars.

boolala

On my fifth, and probably last, MB. Very boring cars. I've had the whole series C, E, S, SL. No AMG models. Next time I'll downsize form the S class into either an A6 or BMW 5 series.

Unless someone talks me out of it.