[zer0cool]

So I currently have an idea of my ideal car. However I just don't know if such a car even exists... Since you guys on the board are generally very knowledgeable and have experience with many cars, I want to hear your opinions...

So here are the important characteristics (I ll comment on most of them with cars I have driven or know about as to provide some concrete examples):
1. Generally looks good outside (I think the 5 series looks great for example, so it would satisfy this requirement, really most BMW, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes E, CLS, S, or the new C that are >40k meet this requirement)
2. Generally nice inside (I think Lexus GS Fsport, 5 seires with Nappa leather, are nice enough, 3 series is not good enough, any Dakota leather is not good enough)
3. Transports 4 adults comfortably (I want a sedan or 4 door coupe, must have 4 doors)
4. Somewhat quick (<5s 0-60 would be satisfactory), the earlier torque the better (really would like to feel good acceleration under normal driving conditions, which I define as not going above 5k rpm)
5. Ride quality is good (Lexus GS, 5 series, 7 series, Mercedes E, 3 series, all have really good to acceptable ride quality)
6. Fairly quiet while cruising (5 series, Lexus GS are both OK, 2014 335i M sport is just OK, just on the threshold, obviously the quieter the better, idealy quieter than the Lexus GS)
7. Good exhaust sound when accelerating (335i Msport is good enough)
8. Good interrior space (5 series good, 3 series maybe a little too small)
9. Good audio (Harmon Kardon is good)
10. Good steering and handling (335i Msport is good, 5 series or Lexus GS not OK)

Importan consideration is cost... M5 for example is out of range, so is 650i GC. Let's say below 80k.

So what do you guys think? Does such a car exist? I wonder if the new M3 would ride well enough or would be at least as quiet as the 335i... Has anyone driven the Audi S6? Does it steer/handle better than the 550i? Does it compare in terms of steering/handling with the 335i?

Really my only issue with the 550i is that it feels heavy and just doesn't steer/handle that well... Like I have more fun drivingg a 335i M sport but the 335 is not nice enough inside, and a little small, and maybe just a tid bit not fast enough...

Looking forward to your opinions, thank you!

[Red Bread]

Yes to the S6. Much more enjoyable than a 550i, great overall car. I haven't driven the CTS V-Sport, but it would be a strong consideration against the S6 for me. I do not care for the dynamics of the F10.

[son_of_siggy]

You mentioned cost is a big consideration, but didn't specify a range (that I saw). I guess we have the upper threshold being an M5, but is that fully equipped? Base?

The looks can be polarizing to some, but ever consider a Gen 2 CTS-V Sedan? May not fully tick your interior tickles, but doesn't scream "economy" either.

[zer0cool]

Added range to say <80k.

About the prev gen CTS-V, I don't like its look (sorry I know you have a CTS-V, looks are totally subjective, so just my personal taste). The current gen CTS-Vsport is interesting. People seem to say it's ligher than the 5 series. May need to give it a try but I am not sure how it leases (I don't want to buy a Cadillac) and there's a big brand perception issue...

So the S6 drives/handles much better than the 550i?

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by zer0cool

Added range to say <80k.

About the prev gen CTS-V, I don't like its look (sorry I know you have a CTS-V, looks are totally subjective, so just my personal taste). The current gen CTS-Vsport is interesting. People seem to say it's ligher than the 5 series. May need to give it a try but I am not sure how it leases (I don't want to buy a Cadillac) and there's a big brand perception issue...

So the S6 drives/handles much better than the 550i?

Who gives a shit about brand perception... You should buy a car because you like it, not because you want a strangers approval of your choice of car. Your friends may jeer you for a little bit( which is immature of them), but as soon as they sit in the car they will shut up. The CTS V-Sport should definitely be on the list for consideration. And if you find it to be the best car out of the list with the only drawback being perception, suck it up and get it.

The CTS V-Sport is 300 lb. lighter than the 550i.

[ShocknAwe]

To throw an oddball at you..

Have you considered a used Maserati Quattoporte? 2011-2013 year models can be found for ~65-85k, right smack where you are looking at spending.



It's gorgeous, 4 doors, 0-60 ~4.8s, S model has TTv6 engine, fantastic interior... Checks all your boxes (well, interior and exterior styling is highly individual).

Don't know if you'd want the depreciation, but pending you got a good one for ~65/70k, I dunno how much you'd lose during your period of ownership considering they start out around 122k new.

You could also go for a used Porsche Panamera, but I think that one looks rather like Sarah Jessica Parkers nose, AND they're slow. To get a good and properly fast one you'll have to sell your kids, and your kidneys, and a leg. Couple of downsides there, really.

Happy hunting!

[zer0cool]

No Maserati... Quality too poor, maintenance too expensive, and too much depreciation. Gota use the car as daily driver. The old quattroporte was known for its poor quality.

Maserati forum is filled with negative posts about even the new Ghibli as well. Most reviews appear to say it's not as good as the German cars (in almost every aspect). Really just spending money to buy a badge... I don't have the money to do that.

[Desert_Fox]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

To throw an oddball at you..

Have you considered a used Maserati Quattoporte? 2011-2013 year models can be found for ~65-85k, right smack where you are looking at spending.



It's gorgeous, 4 doors, 0-60 ~4.8s, S model has TTv6 engine, fantastic interior... Checks all your boxes (well, interior and exterior styling is highly individual).

Don't know if you'd want the depreciation, but pending you got a good one for ~65/70k, I dunno how much you'd lose during your period of ownership considering they start out around 122k new.

You could also go for a used Porsche Panamera, but I think that one looks rather like Sarah Jessica Parkers nose.
Happy hunting!

The Maserati Quattroporte is a beautiful and fun car, but unless OP has a sizable maintenance budget he might reconsider that choice. I knew a family that had one and everything you could think of went wrong with it. Since it's a baby Ferrari, prices and labor were *NOT* cheap. I put in a vote for the Audi S6.

[ShocknAwe]

OK here's another one for you. Just to try to provide other options:

Merc AMG E63



Found a certified used one (2012) for sub $80k.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...61319930&Log=0

[son_of_siggy]

Originally Posted by zer0cool

Added range to say <80k.

About the prev gen CTS-V, I don't like its look (sorry I know you have a CTS-V, looks are totally subjective, so just my personal taste). The current gen CTS-Vsport is interesting. People seem to say it's ligher than the 5 series. May need to give it a try but I am not sure how it leases (I don't want to buy a Cadillac) and there's a big brand perception issue...

So the S6 drives/handles much better than the 550i?

Did the stop making the Gen II CTS-V? I thought it WAS the current gen. I had at Gen I, which I loved. Don't have it anymore, just lazy in updating my profile.

Agreed with people that say who gives a shit about brand perception. Unless part of your criteria is how much you can impress other people with the car you buy, in which case you have to determine what crowd it is you're pandering to.

[Meeni]

A gently used Panamera ?

[cloakster]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Yes to the S6. Much more enjoyable than a 550i, great overall car. I haven't driven the CTS V-Sport, but it would be a strong consideration against the S6 for me. I do not care for the dynamics of the F10.

+1 to all of this.

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by son_of_siggy

Did the stop making the Gen II CTS-V? I thought it WAS the current gen. I had at Gen I, which I loved. Don't have it anymore, just lazy in updating my profile.

Agreed with people that say who gives a shit about brand perception. Unless part of your criteria is how much you can impress other people with the car you buy, in which case you have to determine what crowd it is you're pandering to.

Sedan is dead for 2015. The CTS-V Coupe will live on for a bit longer. Judging by the changes for 2015, it will basically remain in production until GM runs out of parts.

[Raja Ventureshield]

550i and run a tune to make it feel fast.

[b0bab0i]

Tesla Model S 60 kWh. Only part that it doesn't meet in your criteria is good exhaust sound.

[3point0]

Originally Posted by b0bab0i

Tesla Model S 60 kWh. Only part that it doesn't meet in your criteria is good exhaust sound.

I was just thinking about the model S when I was reading the list. Also the Jag XF 5.0 supercharged

[M3_WC]

The Audi S6 meets all those requirements. If I didn't do track days, that is what I would drive.

[secretsquirrel]

Left lane just did a review of the CTS Vsport. They gave it high praise (especially for its drive).

[Black Gold]

S6 would be my pick for you. I think an m3 is too hard edged for you and the extra performance would be wasted

runner up would be 2011-2013 merc e63 amg

[nissan]

+1 on an E63, 2012+ (biturbo). I was looking for similar features and it came down to the CTS-V and E63 for me. I ended up going with an E63 (albeit, the NA version due to budget), but those two options were what stuck with me after looking at the landscape. Plus, the tuning options on the biturbo are amazing...not as cheap as 335's but, great potential. Both have a great ride and nice interiors.

[mlifxs]

mod a 328i touring or an X1 / X3

okay, "good looking" is pretty subjective

[Nkc]

Not sure if this fits your budget in the states but sure as hell meets everything else you stated.