S560, A8 60 (V8), or 750i
from everything i've read of yours on here, you've already made up your mind. this is a bit like mmarshall 'deciding' between a buick and anything else when we already know what's going to happen. 
i don't think the a8 front overhang is much bigger than the s-class.
fwiw, i'd get the a8 because there's so many s-class on the road. the a8 is special and amazing imo. not that the s-class is bad at all, it's awesome too. my neighbor has an s550 (v similar to what you're looking at) and i was surprised it's no quieter than my g90 and my g90 has a bigger back seat).
yeah he could get a g90 and save enough for one of his kid's first year in college
the new one? LOL
presence = people know i'm a baller when i pull up.
i'd bet you're not keeping the LS
my neighbor's 3-4 yr old s550 now has over 100k mi. on it (he's a commercial realtor!) and no issues at all. he LOVES that car.
QED
i don't think the a8 front overhang is much bigger than the s-class.
fwiw, i'd get the a8 because there's so many s-class on the road. the a8 is special and amazing imo. not that the s-class is bad at all, it's awesome too. my neighbor has an s550 (v similar to what you're looking at) and i was surprised it's no quieter than my g90 and my g90 has a bigger back seat).
yeah he could get a g90 and save enough for one of his kid's first year in college
the new one? LOL
The S Class has a presence about it that is a lot classier than my LS, as much as I love my LS and feel its an extremely classy car.
I haven't 100% decided to do this yet, but I am at a crossroads where I need to decide whether to keep the LS or not. 45k miles, if I'm going to keep it I need to get a warranty before 50k and then obviously buy it out. Have to see how the repair turns out too.
And I don't know if thats really true about reliability. I know several people with older S Classes, both W222 like this one and W212 cars, and all of them have been fine.
I've always wanted a Mercedes
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,543
Likes: 275
From: Illinois
I'm in the minority and prefer the Audi's exterior vs. the S Class.. To me it's got a buttoned down understated look that is stylish and eye catching at the same time. When I was shopping for our 5 Series I considered buying another, new gen, A6 which had the new all digital dash which I wasn't too sure about. Like any new tech I'm sure there's a learning curve.
The MB is a no brainer. It's an S Class...
The new gen 7 Series V8 with the right color and wheels is compelling to
IMO you can't go wrong with any of them. But it's not my money.
The MB is a no brainer. It's an S Class...
The new gen 7 Series V8 with the right color and wheels is compelling to
IMO you can't go wrong with any of them. But it's not my money.
I'm on Team Audi here. Current MBs don't do anything for me. That said, you have been very positive on the S for a while now with the only hang up being the price. If the price is right, definitely go with the S
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,432
Likes: 249
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
this is a bit like mmarshall 'deciding' between a buick and anything else when we already know what's going to happen.
fwiw, i'd get the a8 because there's so many s-class on the road. the a8 is special and amazing imo. not that the s-class is bad at all, it's awesome too. my neighbor has an s550 (v similar to what you're looking at) and i was surprised it's no quieter than my g90 and my g90 has a bigger back seat).
yeah he could get a g90 and save enough for one of his kid's first year in college
yeah he could get a g90 and save enough for one of his kid's first year in college
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,652
Likes: 4,048
From: Maryland
S class. I've been on CL for a handful of years and you've always posted favorably about the S class. I believe the main thing keeping you in an LS instead of S has just been a slight concern about the impression it may give people given your line of work.
I think you'd enjoy the A8, but I think in the back of your mind you'd regret not getting the S class. I don't think you'd give the A8 much more thought after buying the S class.
Edit: The only other vehicle I remember hearing you describe as favorably as the S class over the years is a Range Rover - would you ever consider that as a potential LS replacement? Since you lease, it may be a great option as one of the only downsides to a RR is potential reliability issues down the road. Hard to find something with more sophistication and presence at that price point than a Range Rover, IMO.
I think you'd enjoy the A8, but I think in the back of your mind you'd regret not getting the S class. I don't think you'd give the A8 much more thought after buying the S class.
Edit: The only other vehicle I remember hearing you describe as favorably as the S class over the years is a Range Rover - would you ever consider that as a potential LS replacement? Since you lease, it may be a great option as one of the only downsides to a RR is potential reliability issues down the road. Hard to find something with more sophistication and presence at that price point than a Range Rover, IMO.
I do have a strong connection to Lexus, I've had a Lexus the better part of my driving years so its a big change. Theres a lot that goes into it...I truly may stay with my LS.
If you can live with the new S-Class right around the corner and having a brand new "old S-Class," get the S-Class. That would be my own personal reservation. It's still one of the most advanced (and beautiful) vehicles to ever hit the road, new S-Class around the corner or not.
It sounds like the A8 strikes your logical side (this one makes more sense to get) whereas the S-Class strikes your emotional side (but this is the one I really want).
It sounds like the A8 strikes your logical side (this one makes more sense to get) whereas the S-Class strikes your emotional side (but this is the one I really want).
Get the S class, you have always wanted one or at least liked them and now is a good time. As for the tires, I ditched the run flats in my BMW and set them aside for when I turn the car back in so that is what I would do.
As for your accident, that sucks. Same thing happened to me a couple weeks ago at a stop sign, a young girl hit me and I had to get a new bumper. Nothing big and not as bad as yours but certainly annoying.
As for your accident, that sucks. Same thing happened to me a couple weeks ago at a stop sign, a young girl hit me and I had to get a new bumper. Nothing big and not as bad as yours but certainly annoying.
Yeah its such a hassle.
i don't think the a8 front overhang is much bigger than the s-class.
fwiw, i'd get the a8 because there's so many s-class on the road. the a8 is special and amazing imo. not that the s-class is bad at all, it's awesome too. my neighbor has an s550 (v similar to what you're looking at) and i was surprised it's no quieter than my g90 and my g90 has a bigger back seat).
yeah he could get a g90 and save enough for one of his kid's first year in college
presence = people know i'm a baller when i pull up.
i'd bet you're not keeping the LS
my neighbor's 3-4 yr old s550 now has over 100k mi. on it (he's a commercial realtor!) and no issues at all. he LOVES that car.
No lol. She got me to get another Pacifica, I'm getting what I want.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 76
From: Tx
Get both
Get both
BOTH
Do both
GET BOTH
I personally am a fan of the new A8 V8 and think it is almost-as-good as the S-class (if the numbers are significantly lower, do the A8). But you can't go wrong with the S560 either way.
Get both
BOTH
Do both
GET BOTH
I personally am a fan of the new A8 V8 and think it is almost-as-good as the S-class (if the numbers are significantly lower, do the A8). But you can't go wrong with the S560 either way.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,260
Likes: 1,884
From: WA
I think your LS repair will come out well.
Between the A8 and S Class, I vastly prefer the exterior of the A8 (despite FWD proportions), but the interior of the S560. But when you do decide to go for it, I think you should get the S Class. First of all, it's the car you've long aspired to acquire, and second, if you get an A8, but when that lease is over you want to go to an S Class, this version of S560 that you like won't be available, and you'll either have to go in a new direction or go with the incoming S Class that it seems that you don't care for. You will have lost your opportunity to lease a new version of this S Class.
Between the A8 and S Class, I vastly prefer the exterior of the A8 (despite FWD proportions), but the interior of the S560. But when you do decide to go for it, I think you should get the S Class. First of all, it's the car you've long aspired to acquire, and second, if you get an A8, but when that lease is over you want to go to an S Class, this version of S560 that you like won't be available, and you'll either have to go in a new direction or go with the incoming S Class that it seems that you don't care for. You will have lost your opportunity to lease a new version of this S Class.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,543
Likes: 275
From: Illinois
I recently saw this episode of Motorweek on Motor Trend TV. You may have seen it already but it's from their Drivers Choice Awards for 2020. I agree, the front overhang is a bit distracting vs. other cars in the segment.
"Audi A6
Everyone may have a different definition of luxury; and that’s what makes the Audi A6 so spectacular, and our choice for Best Luxury Sedan. It doesn’t matter what expectations you have for a car, the A6 fulfills them. Classy without being over the top, sporty without feeling like a pure sports car, powerful without being a handful, extremely comfortable without putting you to sleep, and tech-savvy without requiring an I.T. department to figure everything out."
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 693
Likes: 78
From: Illinois
My bigger concern would be the image I'm projecting when meeting customers/clients. Will pulling up in an S-class cause you to potentially lose some listings? People are quite funny sometimes. For example, as a contractor, you can pull up in an $80K dually F350 and not cause any reaction, but god forbid you pull up in a 15 year old MB S-class...
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,549
Likes: 230
From: San Francisco, CA
I dont know how it is in other states, but in California, all realtors drive fancy cars. I dont think anybody who sees the S class is going to bat an eye, but I guess it depends on your clientele and the listings you have.
I also remember Steve has always wanted an S class for the longest time, so its clearly the one he should get. If you end up getting the A8, I feel like you will always wonder and regret about the S, so just fulfill this dream of yours.
I also remember Steve has always wanted an S class for the longest time, so its clearly the one he should get. If you end up getting the A8, I feel like you will always wonder and regret about the S, so just fulfill this dream of yours.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
If I'm being completely honest, the average layman would have a very difficult time telling the difference between an A4 and A8 and a C-Class with an S-Class unless they had them side-by-side. They'll judge the car by the badge first and foremost, and neither the Audi nor Mercedes badge would give them a different impression of perceived wealth.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,652
Likes: 4,048
From: Maryland
I think your LS repair will come out well.
Between the A8 and S Class, I vastly prefer the exterior of the A8 (despite FWD proportions), but the interior of the S560. But when you do decide to go for it, I think you should get the S Class. First of all, it's the car you've long aspired to acquire, and second, if you get an A8, but when that lease is over you want to go to an S Class, this version of S560 that you like won't be available, and you'll either have to go in a new direction or go with the incoming S Class that it seems that you don't care for. You will have lost your opportunity to lease a new version of this S Class.
Between the A8 and S Class, I vastly prefer the exterior of the A8 (despite FWD proportions), but the interior of the S560. But when you do decide to go for it, I think you should get the S Class. First of all, it's the car you've long aspired to acquire, and second, if you get an A8, but when that lease is over you want to go to an S Class, this version of S560 that you like won't be available, and you'll either have to go in a new direction or go with the incoming S Class that it seems that you don't care for. You will have lost your opportunity to lease a new version of this S Class.
I'm sure I will come around to the new S Class too.
My bigger concern would be the image I'm projecting when meeting customers/clients. Will pulling up in an S-class cause you to potentially lose some listings? People are quite funny sometimes. For example, as a contractor, you can pull up in an $80K dually F350 and not cause any reaction, but god forbid you pull up in a 15 year old MB S-class...
I dont know how it is in other states, but in California, all realtors drive fancy cars. I dont think anybody who sees the S class is going to bat an eye, but I guess it depends on your clientele and the listings you have.
I also remember Steve has always wanted an S class for the longest time, so its clearly the one he should get. If you end up getting the A8, I feel like you will always wonder and regret about the S, so just fulfill this dream of yours.
I also remember Steve has always wanted an S class for the longest time, so its clearly the one he should get. If you end up getting the A8, I feel like you will always wonder and regret about the S, so just fulfill this dream of yours.
If I'm being completely honest, the average layman would have a very difficult time telling the difference between an A4 and A8 and a C-Class with an S-Class unless they had them side-by-side. They'll judge the car by the badge first and foremost, and neither the Audi nor Mercedes badge would give them a different impression of perceived wealth.