I was reading some old articles and
96 E Import car of the Year
97 5 Import Car of the Year
98 GS Import Car of the Year

Honestly, they all have their negatives but overall, interiors, exterior looks, build quality (as in like tanks), aftermarket support, image and prestige, safety, performance, braking

These 3 cars re-created this segment.

Kudos to the engineers and their struggle to bring these cars to the market. I could own and drive any of these 3.

I would say the Audi A6 is near these 3 in execution but not quite up to the bar they set.

 

personally i really like the gs and the e39, they are two huge bombers

 

Yeah overall, I love / loved all three, but today I think the GS and e39 have weather the test of time a little better, whereas the w210 looks a bit more dated. Dont get me wrong though the w210 is a classic.

 

Same here

 

Great observation regarding the great mid size luxury cars of our generation. All 3 were great despite their minor flaws especially compared to their predecessors. Between the 3 the BMW 5 series was obviously the most different with their classic twin kidney and headlight treatment. Their '00 or '01 update with the now famous angel eyes was anobvious standout. The GS and E class had the now famous Bubble Eye front end treatment which closely resemble each other. Additionally those 2 had arguably the best interiors (nods to A6 also) of the 3.

Man, looking back all three were great, as I looked at at each of them long and hard before purchasing my Range. Maybe I can get my wife to pick up a 2nd gen GS as her car sometime later this year. Wonderful cars which set the bar for what's out now. All three were classics which changed the industry and how we look at mid size cars. In my opinion all 3 hold up pretty well as far as design. The MB looks the most dated, The BMW is still sexy with the angel eyes esp in darker hues and the GS looks the best due to its curvy lines and more "futuristic" design imo. I would take any one of them RIGHT NOW!!!

 

E39 5 series > 2GS >> W210 E Class

The former 2 are the best in it's class (for different reasons)

 

They are all great cars, but too subjective of a poll for me.

 

hahaa, a poll is really about subjective opinions anyway

 

They each have such strengths.

The E320 was an incredible looking car that set the new trend for good looking MBs.
The GS400 put Lexus on the map as a serious sports lux car.
The E39 was an incredible car - possibly the best midsize sports lux car out there - if a bit understated. Damn I miss my old one (but not the cupholders).

 

if only the e39 was put together buy lexus... more quality less problems

 

and also detuned suspenion?

 

So true, my beloved RX300 should be up in the poll.

 

well cant let lexus touch it that much hahaha

 

I still feel this way! These cars really cemented themselves from 96-05 or so.

 

I think the W208 was a better car than the W210, but still gave the poll the nod because I understand it is not a 4 dr.