the new Maserati Quattraporte? I'm looking for something unique and fast, but handles well for a 4-door sedan. I don't want a big S55, and probably not the E55 either, and the Maserati has such class and uniqueness. Anyone here driven one? Should I run away because of reliability issues?

 

If you want a 4 door that can actually handle, look into the RS6 or M5 (old or new). The E55 plows in tight corners. I have yet to really hear a thorough review of the Maseratti, so I cannot comment on that.

 

I was thinking of the RS6 very seriously (mind you, this is about a year away or so - no rush) but I have a problem with the dated look of the interior - looks too much like your run of the mill Passat. I'm sure the new A6 will be nice, like the new E-class, but they won't have an RS6 to offer. You can see by my sig that I'm well familiar with the interior of the Audi, and the MB, as I have both, and to spend that kind of cash on a car is tough when the interior seems less than spectacular, despite the great fit and finish. The new BMW 5-series is just butt-*** ugly, and the old one's interior was dated like the current RS6, IMO.

 

M5 hands down.... it goes 0-200 KMH faster than a Turbo

 

Agreed. I can only ad that as ugly as the standard 5er is, I really like the looks of the M version. Very agressive. Interior is very nice and i-drive is simple.

Lou

 

The M5 is going to have to be revolutionary to be any good - I had a 545i SMG for about 2 weeks - of which most of it the car spent in the shop due to engine failure issues. The only good things I could say about it are the active steering and suspension is very cool - the rest SUCKS!!! The SMG transmission in this car is different from the SMG in the M3 (which I like) - shifts worse than the original Porsche tiptronic - at its best - and don't dare put it in automatic mode - the shifts are painfully slow and awkward. Also has the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in a car, spent hours adjusting and could not get comfortable. Plus, the i-drive SUCKS!!!! who thought this was a good idea? morons! the dash looks empty - reminds me of a 1988 oldsmobile. Just venting but this car sux.....IMO

 

SMG in the 545 will be way different than the SMG in the M5

 

New RS6 is not that far away, rumors have it at less than 2 years, don't sleep on Audi, E55 sucks in corners, new M5 is just plain weird, my guess is that Audi will take advantage and come out with a great new RS6.

 

iirc they are in about 2 year with 550HP and a 6 speed to match.

 

Just read an article on a french mag.
Suposedly handles fine, but when you really push it, you can tell it's a heavy car.
Engine and transmission are awesome.
Quality is fine, but not Audi-like.

I'll have more when I get home tonight ...

 

I'm a big fan of the E55 personaly, but obviously the old M5's are insane.