Is handling really important in flagship luxury cars?

[adrian angelico]

Why do cars like the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class, and other flagship luxury cars have a "sport" mode and suspension systems that reduce body roll? Even the Lexus LS has a similar system. I thought the main purpose of these cars were rear passenger comfort?

This was from the Lexus LS press-release:
"More than ever before, luxury sedan drivers demand greater handling agility and performance feel, but without sacrificing comfort. It’s one of the most difficult balances to achieve in a vehicle, yet the new Lexus GA–L platform easily meets this challenge."

I wonder why they said this. Does this mean a lot of full size luxury car owners drive themselves? I really find this hard to believe because in my country, even a Mercedes C220 is driven by a chauffeur.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

@adrian angelico I guess it depends in which country you live. In the western part of Europe there are many selfdriving S, 7 and A8 owners. Historically speaking, the Mercedes-Benz S-klasse W116 for instance was developed with the long distance driver in mind.
As a selfdriving owner myself, the way these kind of cars drive, is very important. Being a long distance driver, comfort and safety are among is the main aspects. But handling is very important as well. It doesn’t need to drive/feel like a 911, but it does need to have a direct steering, rearwheel drive and some sort of cornering talent (when you get your crazy 5 minutes every now and then).

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

Next question: Is taste really important on an official dinner?
Of course handling is important

 

[martinbo]

It's actually a very interesting question if you scratch a bit deeper. I guess one has assess the various facets and degrees by which we judge the ride & handling balance of large luxury saloons. You know - it's about the meaning of the term "handling" which in itself is a very broad and sometimes loosely applied term.

Handling encompasses so many forms of appraisal ranging from subjective (the perception from behind the wheel by the driver) to objective (scientifically measured metrics) across a broad operating envelope. What aspect of handling are we talking about? Body control, lateral G, yaw rates, grip & traction, primary and secondary ride - there are a number considerations which all combined give a vehicle its handling "persona".

 

[adrian angelico]

@adrian angelico I guess it depends in which country you live. In the western part of Europe there are many selfdriving S, 7 and A8 owners. Historically speaking, the Mercedes-Benz S-klasse W116 for instance was developed with the long distance driver in mind.
As a selfdriving owner myself, the way these kind of cars drive, is very important. Being a long distance driver, comfort and safety are among is the main aspects. But handling is very important as well. It doesn’t need to drive/feel like a 911, but it does need to have a direct steering, rearwheel drive and some sort of cornering talent (when you get your crazy 5 minutes every now and then).

I didn't really think of the long distance driving aspect. Driving any distance is hell in countries with bad traffic.

Handling seems to be less important in Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars. Do Bentley/RR owners in Western Europe also drive their cars?

 

[adrian angelico]

It's actually a very interesting question if you scratch a bit deeper. I guess one has assess the various facets and degrees by which we judge the ride & handling balance of large luxury saloons. You know - it's about the meaning of the term "handling" which in itself is a very broad and sometimes loosely applied term.

Handling encompasses so many forms of appraisal ranging from subjective (the perception from behind the wheel by the driver) to objective (scientifically measured metrics) across a broad operating envelope. What aspect of handling are we talking about? Body control, lateral G, yaw rates, grip & traction, primary and secondary ride - there are a number considerations which all combined give a vehicle its handling "persona".

I guess we're talking about body control since active anti-roll bars fitted in these cars eliminate that. I think this is handling from an objective point of view since zero body roll, although impressive, is not really enough to make a car fun or exciting to drive.

I read an article a few years ago that the MB Active Body Control system completely eliminates body roll primarily for comfort, handling was a secondary reason. So is this the only reason? These big barges have clever suspension to eliminate uncomfortable body roll and amazing cornering ability is just a bonus?

Or do they still make an effort to please those owners who drive themselves?

 

[Centurion]

I think good handling no matter the car is relevant even in the largest of car. Even if you don't drive enthusiastically but a bit rushed every no and then, a car with direct steering and body composure gives a sense of control and safety.

 

[Monster]

I think it is still relevant in the buyer's mind, they want to buy a new car that is better than the previous car in every way, including things that doesn't really make a difference, in this case, better handling.

 

[Kowalski]

The only people who don't care about handling are Hilux owners.

 

[Centurion]

I think it is still relevant in the buyer's mind, they want to buy a new car that is better than the previous car in every way, including things that doesn't really make a difference, in this case, better handling.

Yeah, the keyword is potential. Discerning customers feel good know that a luxury car has the potential to be driven athletically or is capable of cruising at 180mph on autobahn even if such roads don't exist locally.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

To the OP, yes it's important. While I no longer see the appeal in a full-on AMG, RS or M in full-sized luxury car, I would like to wield something that feels confident if I need to make some evasive maneuver or am in the mood for some spirited driving. For the most part though, at this strata, I now want something comfortable but not 1980's Cadillac wallowing about.

 

[adrian angelico]

So we can all agree that handling is important. It's really annoying when car reviewers only focus on the tech and comfort when testing cars like this. Some of them keep saying that it's very unlikely for owners to drive.

 

[AndreB]

Handling is a big piece of comfort after NVH.
A luxury car should steer precise and with low body roll, otherwise champagne will spill on you

 

[wallstbear]

This might be an oversimplification:

Rich people are often busy people.

Rich people often have to get from point A to point B quickly.

Rich people may need the vehicle to be able to quickly cope with contingencies on the road such as getting stuck in a 18-wheeler fleet.

 

[KiwiRob]

This might be an oversimplification:

Rich people are often busy people.

Rich people often have to get from point A to point B quickly.

Rich people may need the vehicle to be able to quickly cope with contingencies on the road such as getting stuck in a 18-wheeler fleet.

Rich people in those situations should buy a helicopter.