With my budget for a Daily Driver, I can either get a V6 now or wait for approx. 6 months and get a CPO V8, what would you suggest ???

By the way, I just went from one Benz into a new one last December. So I am driving 2011 CLS 550 with all the toys. Not crazy about it, but for $5k down and $645 a month (39 months / 15k miles a year) it was hard to pass up. Went in for service and drove out with her.

Once I make up my mind, I will place the car on Leasetrader and most likely get rid of her with hours. So back to my question, and again . . . . it does not suck to drive a brand new car for another 6 or 8 months.

 

Hi Robert, IMO I'd definitely wait and go for the S or 4S, especially coming out of a CLS 550. You will definitely miss the MB power throughout the rpm range with the 6cyl. I went with the S and regret that I didn't go for the TT. The extra bucks didn't seem worth it at the time but, in hindsight, it would have been the right decision for me. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

 

I forgot to mention that before the CLS550 I had the below daily drivers and power was not an issue. I have a car that I play with on the track, i really just need a car to get out of its way when trying to enter the highway - ha ha ha BUT I will admit, the CLS is one of the fastest daily drivers I have had. I always like the styling and wanted one forever. Then I had my chance to finally get one; and I got it.

They were blowing them out in December because of the new body in June. Its MSRP was 81+ and for . . . . . anyway that is another thread. But I think I am over the car and really wanted someting different. I had my heart set on a Maserati QP 2008 = gts. BUT have heard NOTHING but horrible stories about them from friends that have had them.

I drove a 2010 Panni s v8 and it was nice, but for south florida, we really have straight roads and you have a little fun on the off and on ramps onto the highways.

current to prior (mercedes)
- cls550 (2011)
- e350 (2008 with amg styling package)
- e500 (2003 sport)

wife's cars
- s500 (2007) - my weekend car with the kids and wifey
- r350 (2008)
- bmw x5

still confused

 

I think the V6 is very swift for a 300 hp 300 torque car...its about 100 KG heavier than my 335i which explains why. I also think its great value as you get a Panamera, and if you don't equip it heavy the price is reasonable.

obviously if you have the money go for the V8.

However you seem to have a thing for power...although I feel 300 HP is more than plenty in a light sedan to get you into illegal speeds (Panny v6 hits 200 kmph no problemo, its swift, does not struggle) -- it overtakes fine...perhaps you will like the added torque of V8 in the higher rev range.

I personally don't care that much for power with a pseudo-automatic transmission car. But yea, if you have the money obviously the V8 is the leg up! But I really feel the V6 is the best value...all depends on your budget.

Go test drive one, you will be surprised at how swift it is. The larger difference in perception of speed will be with the Turbo v. V8 because the down low torque. The Panamera Turbo probably feels like a V-10 or V-12 engine with its down low torque, its huge and comes in low...and because you don't really rev it high, it gives you the perception of driving a V-12. The V8 and V6 will feel the most different in the higher rev ranges!

 

Robert,

You have already answered your question.

You are looking for a comfortable daily driver that can offer some handling and performance. The Panamera V6 fits your criteria perfectly.

Yes, the V8 and turbo is faster. But for your use, V6 is fine.

Just don't get carry away on the option list, it is quite long.

 

By the time you're ready, the '12's will be out and you could look for a pre-owned Turbo for new S money.

 

+1...wait and get a Turbo...your in FL you can't go from a CLS to a V6

 

just curious, what does that mean?

 

380+hp VS 300hp disparity...having driven both cars and gone head to head w/ my brother-in-law who has the AMG version the OP would be better served in a V8.

 

+++++++ on everything above. Went from a supercharged CLS55 AMG to the Panny S and immdiately missed the power of the AMG, and regretted not getting the PTT. Here in Florida all we have is the short straights between lights - no winding roads, no curves. What you want here is brute force!!! Wait and get the V8 or better yet, the PTT. Just my $0.02

 

no, i meant the youre in florida part, why was that relevant. i think the next poster answered