MB S550 vs Maserati Quattroporte

I thought this would be a better place to ask rather than specific car forums of each manufacturer as I don't want to listen to fanboys.

I've been doing quite a bit of research on both online, but haven't gone to test drive yet. I am going to be replacing a last generation S500.

I like the styling of both. I'm now sure the Quattroporte is "luxurious" enough and may handle a bit too rough. I've looked at the performance charts and they are about equal. For the extra money you spend on the Maserati (not to mention the Ferrari motor and the legacy of a sports car), you would think it would far outpace a MB S550, but it doesn't. That's what has me held up on what to do. A MB S550 that I'd want would run about 105k, so the price between that and the Quattroporte is negligible (though to be honest I haven't looked into how much the upgrades are as I have to go to a dealership for that).

Does anybody have an opinion on either of these cars? If you've driven one, I'd love to hear your reactions. I know the S550 is loaded with features, but to be honest, I probably wouldn't use most. But the infrared does sound like a great idea..

N.B. I'll be purchasing (probably financing through the dealership), not leasing.

If driving something fairly ubiquitous is important to you, than I would purchase the S550. Otherwise, I find the Maserati far more unique.

It's strange what with Maserati's Ferrari pedigree but IMO the Maserati is probably a better value. I don't know about the new S-series, but the mid- to late-90s ones were a lot more reliable/required less repairs than anything out of the Ferrari factory.

Oh to have your dilemas..

If it were me I think I would go for the Maserati every time, simply because it has more penache..

Like the others I feel the Quattroporte v S550 is an individual versus member of the pack choice. They are both fine cars but to all but a MB aficionado the 550 is identical to any base S class. I have heard that the auto Maserati is a much more relaxing drive than the paddle shift but that may not be what you want.

Do you need 4 doors? I have seen the new Maserati GT and it is a beauty.

I question the intentions of all those who purchase large-engined luxury sedans. The far majority of owners are people who would never find any use for a 5.5 litered automobile, much less a large sedan, especially in the U.S.

Originally Posted by culverwood

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Like the others I feel the Quattroporte v S550 is an individual versus member of the pack choice. They are both fine cars but to all but a MB aficionado the 550 is identical to any base S class. I have heard that the auto Maserati is a much more relaxing drive than the paddle shift but that may not be what you want.

Do you need 4 doors? I have seen the new Maserati GT and it is a beauty.
Whats odd about the new GT coupe, while it's easily one of the best looking GT's on the road....sans Aston, it has been said by many, that the performance has somewhat diminished compared to the previous uglier generation. Performance aside, I would easily take the new coupe...if given the opportunity.

Originally Posted by raphael

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It's strange what with Maserati's Ferrari pedigree but IMO the Maserati is probably a better value. I don't know about the new S-series, but the mid- to late-90s ones were a lot more reliable/required less repairs than anything out of the Ferrari factory.
The same might hold true today.

The Maserati may actually depreciate quicker than the MB, for some odd reason, they don't hold value well (even though it's a far more exclusive auto).

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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I question the intentions of all those who purchase large-engined luxury sedans. The far majority of owners are people who would never find any use for a 5.5 litered automobile, much less a large sedan, especially in the U.S.

Well, we could all be driving Kia's. I bought my 2005 S500 because I liked the way it drove, I'm a big guy so I fit well in it, and some of the features appealed to me.

That said, if I was able to buy the E320 Bluetech, I would, but I can't.

Originally Posted by culverwood

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Like the others I feel the Quattroporte v S550 is an individual versus member of the pack choice. They are both fine cars but to all but a MB aficionado the 550 is identical to any base S class. I have heard that the auto Maserati is a much more relaxing drive than the paddle shift but that may not be what you want.

Do you need 4 doors? I have seen the new Maserati GT and it is a beauty.

I don't need 4 doors, but I'm not at a midlife crisis point where I want a coupe. As I said, I'm a rather large guy (1.95 meter) so having a comfortable fit is important to me.

Originally Posted by savvyibd

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I don't need 4 doors, but I'm not at a midlife crisis point where I want a coupe. As I said, I'm a rather large guy (1.95 meter) so having a comfortable fit is important to me.
The S will provide much more comfort due to larger seats and more head and leg room. Although the coupe is very nice and looks better than a sedan, there is a compromise in comfort.

Well, having sat in and driven both, I can tell you this: the S-class is going to be by far the larger and more comfortable choice. Whereas the Maser is going to look far better (not to say that the S-class is a bad looking car, not at all), and is going to give you a far sportier feel. As well, IMHO the Maser has a better made interior.

If you get the Maser, get the Automatic, the semi-auto is just a pain ********** on "˜auto' mode.

Jon.

Can't give you driving impressions of your choices, but I always thought the W220 was one of the prettier luxury cars produced. The W221, otoh, just looks like an over-designed, inelegant mess. My vote would be the QP for exterior looks alone.

Originally Posted by bcate3

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The W221, otoh, just looks like an over-designed, inelegant mess.

+1. It looks like a wannabe Maybach. That's like aspiring to be ugly and bland.

Personally, I'd look at an Audi A8 if I were in the market for that kind of car.

--Andre

Originally Posted by Andre Yew

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+1. It looks like a wannabe Maybach. That's like aspiring to be ugly and bland.

Personally, I'd look at an Audi A8 if I were in the market for that kind of car.

--Andre

While they are comparable in some ways, they are vastly different in others. I think the 7-Series is more analogous to the S-Class, than the A8. I am speaking to the engine layout, transmission type, interior design / features, etc...

Jon.