I think the high end luxury cars are engaging in an interesting battle over the next few years:
1) BMW - The new Bangle designs are controversial, to say the least. I used to love the old 7-series, but the new version just doesn't look right to me. Additionally, they are having lots of issues with electronics, computer systems, etc. My father in law was driving between our houses, a 90 minute drive, and watched the computer reboot, he told me, at least 5 or 6 times. He was driving it because his X5 4.4i was new, and was in process of being returned due to lemon laws. I still see the 7 series around, just not as many as I used to see.
2) Mercedes - The modern S class is not the old S class. The old S class was built to a standard, not to a price. Overengineered? Yes. Built like a tank? Yes. Last forever? Yes. The newer S classes have had a documented history of quality issues. For me the telling issue was when I read, I believe in the Wall Street Journal, that taxi drivers in Germany, were not buying the new Benzes, but were driving up the price of older body style S classes, because they had lower repair cost and they held up better in the real world. I long for the old over the top S class, and I may just buy one of the old ones to remind me of those days. I look forward to seeing how the new S class does.
3) Audi - The new A8 is a great car. They also seem to have some issues with quality, but the A8 seems to be doing well with the analysts. However, they depreciate like a rock, and the dealer service is spotty. I have an older model, great car, bad tranny design, and lots of little things constantly breaking. However, it has never stranded me and drives great. From a looks standpoint, this is my favorite.
4) Lexus - Seems to be sticking to their battle plan of constantly evolving their product, but basing everything, including their customer experience, from the stand point of luxury. I actually think that a conservative exterior design is a good thing in a top of the line luxury car, although never cared for the old LS. I believe their touch screen systems are easier to use than i-drive, or Audi's mmi interface. After driving some of the new cars, I think the new Lexus is a big improvement dynamically over the old. If you haven't driven a new V8 powered GS, then you should do so before slamming Lexus as a "Granny Car".
5) Infiniti - They need to do something with the Q. I just don't get it, especially when the M, the FX, and the G35 have been big winners for them.
6) Cadillac - Can't really say much, as I don't really care for their design, either interior or exterior, although I think the new STS looks okay. At least they are pushing the envelope, just not pushing it in my direction.
7) Jaguar - I drove in a buddy's XJ8, nice car, certainly very traditional. To my eyes, time for a freshening of the design, but I am sure that the traditional Jag buyer love the look and you won't see much deviation. Seemed pretty tight on the inside for such a big car.
With normal family cars like Accords, Passats, and Fusions performing at levels that used to be reserved for sports cars, we are living in very good times. It's a great time to be a car guy.
Sam
). Having had one in college, it works as a time machine too.