INPUT PLEASE - Mercedes CLS53 Vs BMW 840i Gran Coupe

[Mr. Mercedes]

So a bit left field, but I saw the Cayenne Coupe yesterday and drove a Cayenne S as it's a comparable price point to the CLS53 and 840i GC.

It handles far better than any SUV ought too and was genuinely more fun to drive than my X3M40i and the X5M50i I test drove, however I think I've concluded the driving position of an SUV is not for me daily.

The Porsche infotainment system is aslo clearly off the pace now.

Interesting note, but the air-conditioning vents were extremely loud as the car worked hard to cool the interior down in our 35 degree heat.

I also checked out the A7 just for the hell of it. This generation is such a styling miss. It looks bulky and the roofline is off. The front already looks dated as do the sagging rear lights.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

So a bit left field, but I saw the Cayenne Coupe yesterday and drove a Cayenne S as it's a comparable price point to the CLS53 and 840i GC.

It handles far better than any SUV ought too and was genuinely more fun to drive than my X3M40i and the X5M50i I test drove, however I think I've concluded the driving position of an SUV is not for me daily.

T...

LOL, the first gen A7's exterior was one of my favorite non-R8 Audis of that generation, though the interior left more to be desired, IMO. The current A7 is the opposite as that "purity of design" is lost but the interior has a better sense of occasion. My negativity towards Audis are somewhat well established on this forum, so I won't go full-negative, but the only Audis that personally appeal to me are the R8, the A6, and the TT-RS. The latter because the 5cyl is a unique and intriguing proposition.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

S560 coupe or 850iGC? These particular examples.

Both are on the cards, but keeping the S350d is still at play too.

The BMW
+ Is a bullet
- Is more expensive
- Steering lacks weight and feel
+ Planted with great handling
+ Beautifully finished interior
+ 4 door practicality with larger rear seats
+ Foldable rear seats
- Average digital display
- latest idrive is a step backwards
+ Brand New model with a long lifecycle ahead
- Beautiful colour but a maintenance hassle.

The Mercedes
+ Stunning interior which is like a work of art and beutifuly finished.
+ Undeniable prestige.
+ Magic body control is unbelievable
- Beautiful as it is, it's at the end of it's lifecycle. It may not be replaced.
+ Could be dated by the new S or is this design truly timeless.
+ Even though it's not MBUX, I find the steering wheel touchpads very intuitive.
+ Top shelf refinement
- Tighter rear seats with access a problem for older passengers
- Lack of foldable rear seats.
+ Iridium silver shows off the lines.
- Its not nearly as sporty as the 8.

My dad favours the S. I adore the S as its a dream machine, but I favour the BMW for it's practicalllity and thoroughly enjoyable drive.

 

[Yaz]

S coupe all day, everyday.

 

[donkeykong]

I'd go with the S coupe myself.

 

[sako97]

S560 coupe or 850iGC? These particular examples.

Both are on the cards, but keeping the S350d is still at play too.

The BMW
+ Is a bullet
- Is more expensive
- Steering lacks weight and feel
+ Planted with great handling
+ Beautifully finished interior
+ 4 door practicality with larger rear seats
+ Foldable rear seats
- Average digital display
- latest idrive is a step backwards
+ Brand New model with a long lifecycle ahead
- Beautiful colour but a maintenance hassle.

The Mercedes
+ Stunning interior which is like a work of art and beutifuly finished.
+ Undeniable prestige.
+ Magic body control is unbelievable
- Beautiful as it is, it's at the end of it's lifecycle. It may not be replaced.
+ Could be dated by the new S or is this design truly timeless.
+ Even though it's not MBUX, I find the steering wheel touchpads very intuitive.
+ Top shelf refinement
- Tighter rear seats with access a problem for older passengers
- Lack of foldable rear seats.
+ Iridium silver shows off the lines.
- Its not nearly as sporty as the 8.

My dad favours the S. I adore the S as its a dream machine, but I favour the BMW for it's practicalllity and thoroughly enjoyable drive.

The 8er is very appealing as it’s strong in tech, looks, and practically. Could possibly be the best overall package in it class for non all-out M/AMG/RS’ version.

S coupe all day, everyday.

Agreed, but these cars appeal to very different audiences.

@Mr. Mercedes AMG is the answer for the sportiness question for the S, though the price point is significantly higher. The S63 coupé is the best all-round car I’ve owned.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The 8er is very appealing as it’s strong in tech, looks, and practically. Could possibly be the best overall package in it class for non all-out M/AMG/RS’ version.




Agreed, but these cars appeal to very different audiences.

@Mr. Mercedes AMG is the answer for the sportiness question for the S, though the price point is significan...

You've hit the nail on the head Sako. The S63 would be the ultimate choice, but unfortunately there is only one in stock Australia wide leaving little room for negotiation. And even so it's beyond the price point we want to look it. It appears S coupes will for the rest of this life-cycle now be 'to order only' for the Australian market.

Out of the two above, which would you ultimately chose? You have great experience with high end BMW's and Benzes.

 

[sako97]

You've hit the nail on the head Sako. The S63 would be the ultimate choice, but unfortunately there is only one in stock Australia wide leaving little room for negotiation. And even so it's beyond the price point we want to look it. It appears S coupes will for the rest of this life-cycle now be 'to order only' for the Australian market.

Out of the two above, which would you ultimately chose? You have great experience with high end BMW's and Benzes.

Ultimately between the 2, I’d select an 840i lease in a close call. It’s the most unique exterior/interior package and subsequently has a higher sense of occasion. Quality is also a bit better.

The CLS53 is a terrific car, but it can look a bit staid in certain color/wheel combos. It’s also very expensive when fully equipped.

The 53 engine is the star of the car and has significantly more power on paper, but keep in mind you can ECU tune the 40i engines to 450+hp easily.

The interior of the CLS/E is cool looking, but I have my concerns that the W223 will date it upon release.

 

[Rolf]

S560 coupe or 850iGC? These particular examples.

Both are on the cards, but keeping the S350d is still at play too.

The BMW
+ Is a bullet
- Is more expensive
- Steering lacks weight and feel
+ Planted with...

Very difficult choice!! That 850iGC looks great in that colour, probably one of the nicer versions you could get. The S560 is a beautiful car but it is starting to look a little dated and with the new S-class saloon just around the corner this could make the S coupe look old tech.

 

[Merc1]

This thread is killing me. These are some of the same cars I’d choose from. Just not impressed by the 8 GC.

M

 

[fortuner]

S coupe anyday anytime ...this S COUPE will become a special car you buy this car you will be having a future classic in my opinion.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

This thread is killing me. These are some of the same cars I’d choose from. Just not impressed by the 8 GC.

M

So you'd go S coupe?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Very difficult choice!! That 850iGC looks great in that colour, probably one of the nicer versions you could get. The S560 is a beautiful car but it is starting to look a little dated and with the new S-class saloon just around the corner this could make the S coupe look old tech.

That worries me too. I suspect the the W223 will herald the new era of MB design, particularly in terms of interior.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Ultimately between the 2, I’d select an 840i lease in a close call. It’s the most unique exterior/interior package and subsequently has a higher sense of occasion. Quality is also a bit better.

The CLS53 is a terrific car, but it can look a bit staid in certain color/wheel combos. It’s also very expensive when fully equipped.

The 53 engine is...

The Engine really is the star of the 53. I'd drive that car all day everyday if I could forgive the interior quality.

I'm sure the 840i is great. But I've got the online 6 in the X3 and the opportunity for a V8 is just so appealing.

You would rule out the S560?

 

[sako97]

The Engine really is the star of the 53. I'd drive that car all day everyday if I could forgive the interior quality.

I'm sure the 840i is great. But I've got the online 6 in the X3 and the opportunity for a V8 is just so appealing.

You would rule out the S560?

My choice was between the original subject matters. I would take the S560 over the 840i for sure.

The N63 B44T3 is a fantastic powerplant (super brawny and responsive), but the N63 has been infamous for it's mechanical issues over the past 11 years when the engine starts to age.

If you can find a M850i lease and if consumption is not an issue, then that'd be my choice over the CLS53 without question.

 

[trader1]

Echoing others here it’s an awesome first world problem to have. I’ve had a nicely equipped cls 53 for at least 8 months now and it’s the perfect daily driver for me. On all counts it’s a winner imo, the engine coming in at number 1 followed by exterior design and interior comfort/quality. I have no complaints about fit and finish and everything feels tight and well put together. Super elegant to boot with the designo trim. My brothers s560 sedan does not feel much better imo. You’re getting the latest exterior design language as well which is a huge plus.
I agree that the s coupe has been iconic but the dropping line and old motif just wouldn’t cut it for me if I was spending the bucks. Car has been out too long imo.
So long story short I’d go with a 850i gc. The v8 alone would make it worthwhile. I had a 2012 650i and yearn for that feel again. Exhaust is boss. Interior is superb I agree and u get 4 doors which seems imp to you. It’s also the latest design from bmw in a great color(tanzanite blue?)
If you find yourself yearning for an mb the 53 is a no brainer but the 850 takes the cake.
Hope it helps.

 

[Merc1]

So you'd go S coupe?

Or Cabriolet. I just feel an urgency about these cars since they may be the last of their kind. I can't believe they might not do another S Coupe, as it's always been a part of the lineup, but things are changing rapidly now.

M

 

[TheNewBATMAN]

I much agree that the S Coupe would be a future classic, but I'm not sure the maintenance cost during the 20-30 years it takes to be a classic is worth it, lol. It could pay for the price of the car several times over

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I much agree that the S Coupe would be a future classic, but I'm not sure the maintenance cost during the 20-30 years it takes to be a classic is worth it, lol. It could pay for the price of the car several times over

The thought of owning the car beyond a warranty period is truly scary. That suspension technology is insanely expensive should anything go wrong.

I've almost secured a deal on the S560 coupe as that is the car my dad prefers, though I am somewhat hoping it falls over. Ultimately there are two reasons I am favouring the BMW:
* Practicality - The 4 doors means it is nowhere near as compromised, and the rear seating is very generous for 4 adults.
* Driving enjoyment - As I said previously, the S560 is truly surreal to drive in terms of NVH and ride, but the whole point of this exercise was to get something more fun than the S sedan, as I drive the majority of the time. I think the BMW better ticks that box. The S560 coupe sort of defeats that purpose, but my dad is smitten with it.

 

[Centurion]

- latest idrive is a step backwards

I have read this a few times. Can you elaborate?

The S560 is a beautiful car but it is starting to look a little dated and with the newS-class saloon just around the corner this could make the S coupe look old tech.

100% agree. The current S-Coupe is superb but will be dated next year and depreciate at even a steeper rate.