My wife is looking for a new car. She is currently driving a 2010 C350 and hates it. The problem is she is all over the place with what she wants in a car. She wants something that is sporty to drive, luxurious and not too common and that looks good, 4 doors. We would like to spend <80k, open to pre-owned.
We test drove a Jag XF yesterday, nice interior, good power, but the handling is too soft.
Looked at a few Audis, test drove the S4, which I liked alot. She liked the look of the A7. She likes the A8 too (had one in the past). She loved the Allroad with the 2.7T she had several years ago.
Will test drive a Panamera this weekend.
I'm trying to convince her that since she doesn't need a big car, she will get better performance with something smaller. Given her driving habits (doesn't drive much, wants good acceleration on the highway), I think a supercharged or turbo 6 like in the S4 would be a better choice than a big V8.
Anything else we should be looking at? None of the current BMW's appeal to me and I just got out of a 335i that was in the shop way too much. I like the look of the CLS, but I think the MB is too soft.

 

cross shopping between an S4, an A8 and panamera is a little odd. I think you need to narrow down what type of vehicle you're looking for first. If you're looking at vehicles in the panamera-class, i'd advise watching this video:
[youtube]RmeeF9ZtkCA[/youtube]
i'm not as opposed to the looks of the porsche panamera as these clowns, but i'd still have to say in response to your 'anything else we should be looking at', take a look at the Maserati Quattroporte. If the CLS and Jag XF were too soft, the Quattroporte's sport suspension might be for you. Since you're open to pre-owned, they could be had for <80k.

 

A7, S7 is a nice alternative. the steering is a bit less responsive than the Panamera´s but overall a really great car with a stunning interior.

 

If you wants some guts then I would cross the v6 off your list- a used e63 may work or new e550 cab - how about a new 300SRT Chrysler?

 

Ask if she likes this:

 

On a more serious note, Consider a used S-6 is has the lambo 10 cyclinder engine. I've seen a few garage queens around at very reasonable prices.

 

A very logical choice

 

P-dealer here has an '08 M5 SMG for low 50's, may have to check that out too. Will test drive V6 and 4S Panny there. Wife will look at CLS when servicing her MB next week. Will look around for S6.
Concerned about long-term reliability and maintenance costs of Maser

 

Great video. So dramatic. Thx.

 

2012 BMW 550i with M sport package

 

Wife has been driving a V6 for about a year after trading out of a 2009 SL550. Took her about six months to embrace the car due to the very poor side and rear visibilty (we even have rear camera too). I put a wide angle small mirror on the passenger side, and now that there is no blind spot, she truly loves the car. She is constantly getting compliments about it. Loves the yachting blue metallic color and turbo II wheels.

I find it more than quick enough in sport mode as an everyday car. It's a very sporty luxury/family sedan but it's not a sports car. No quality issues on our car yet. I love taking the highway exit ramps at high speed in a 4 door car.

 

Anyone have any experience with the new Infiniti M models? They've gotten great reviews and I like their look, not very common either. May check them out this weekend.

 

there is no choice. the panny it is. the A7 MMI is insanely stupid to use and grahics look out of a blog or something. If i had to get a car for less than 80k, Panny, used S550 AMG pkg, s5 CNVERTIBLE or a m3 convertible. Those are my choice based on the budget.

 

agree.....

 

Man.. NEXT CAR! Probably would have gotten the 550 if I didn't get my Panny.