550isport

I know the 550i got stellar reviews in R&T and later in C&D, but I would like to see it pitted against some real competition which would make the 550i's performance that much more impressive....Example, Audi's S6 with its 420 hp V-10 clocks a 5.2+ to 60. And does anyone doubt that the 550i sport can't out handle it? Include Audi's V8 S4 as well. With 340 hp it runs neck and neck to 60 with a 550i and frankly I can't imagine it handles that much better either (I have driven an 06' S4 auto). I would definitely include an SRT car, either a 300C or a Charger. Although they may take the BMW in a straight line by a small margin, I bet the lap times would shock the SRT fans...Toss in an Acura TL type S or RL A spec as cupcakes. And don't forget to include a Jag S type R (notice how the Acura and Jag models sound so familiar). Like the Audi, the Jag has over 400 hp on tap and still can't break 5.0 to 60.

The point here is that comparing a 550i sport to a hybrid Lexus and an Infinity give rise to a presumption that the 550i would be outclassed by other manufacturers uber-sports models... i.e. Audi S line, Jag Type R, Chrysler SRT, etc...The reality is that it can more than hold its own against these cars. We will likely never see such a test, maybe becasue it is doesn't make too much sense from a marketing point-of view (how would the writers sell it to the editors: Let put together a slew of sedans from different size and price categories that all share surprisingly similar performance. It probably wouldn't work in a mainstream automobile publication).

The point is the 550i is a contender and putting in major magazines next to japanese sedans makes it look dull. Did anyone see the Japanses Youtube video of the Lexus, BMW and Infinity. Even with 245 rear tires instead of the 275s it comes with here in the U.S., the 550i smoked the other two in a slalom. A 550i manual is one tenth of a second behind a 2005 M3 in the 1/4 mile! And they're comparing it to a hybrid Lexus!! I've made my point. Comments welcome.

DRP

BMWFan

Well I somewhat agree with your view point. But with a fully loaded 550 topping at over $71,000 comparing it to any Acura or Dodge is not very fair. I think you'll see an S6 comparison in the near future and remember that the Mercedes E550 "smoked" the BMW in the last reivew I read. Beyond performance there is a great deal more to review. For pure performance you'll see M5, E63 and RS6 .... similar price range and goals.

The E60 is a great car (having just returned my 545i) but it goes beyond performance and now that I'm in the market for a new ride I can assure you I am not looking at any Acura, Dodge, etc. I'm looking at the Audi S6, E550, etc. and although I love the performance/handling of an E60, to get my $70k++ its going to take more.... But unfortunately the Bangle design and i-Drive seem to dominate all reviews of the E60 and the true value of the car never really comes out.

545BLK-on-BLK

Do you have a link on the comparison/review?

While the e550 might have the edge in straight power over the BMW 550, no one disputes which car offers superior sporting character, IMO rendering the slight power advantage moot.

As a person who has owned an Eclass and a 5series, the drive is night and day. Feedback, Feel, Handling, Suspension and new to the list, Transmission, all in Bimmers advantage column.

I like this comparison/review by CarandDriver

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/11...-benz-e550.html

Verdict: the Ultimate Driving Machine

swajames

You're both talking about the same review! The E550 turned in a 4.8 or thereabouts for 0-60 compared to the 550's 5.2, so from an acceleration standpoint the E550 did smoke the E60 as that's a massive gap. Not disputing the E60 is the better car (and only price and to a lesser degree iDrive cost the E60 the win in this comparo test) but the Merc is quicker and with the 07 updates is starting to edge a little closer to the E60.

LowOrbit

The better the MB E-class gets, the better BMW must make the 5-series (horsepower, quality etc.).

I personally am hoping that MB makes huge strides over the next few years!

Ant 550

I just came out of an 02 E55 really nice car more power than my new 550 but the 550 has more feel to it. The MB dealer tried to steer me towards the E550 so I took one out it was a nice car but I didn't think it was a better car than the 550 first off the seats are no where near the 550 (comfort seats) handling the 550 is all over it and as far as power in everyday driving you would never tell the difference. I could have gotten a sweet deal because the dealer really wanted my E55 with only 30k on it in mint cond plus 7K off sticker on the 68K MB but I still went for the BMW. If you like to drive the BMW is in a different class.

My 2 cents

FairfieldCT

Anyone that switches from a 5 series to an E class at the end of a lease is in for a long three years. Live with the MB and you will be a bimmers best advertisement.

Torquey5

I love my 550i. The E550 is nice, but as everyone knows (or should know) it's first priority is luxury then sportiness. But I think MB did a great job with the new motor because I have a buddy with an 05 S500, bought brand new, spent like $90k fully loaded and we took it out for a spin and to my surprise it was ridiculously slow, both on the street and freeway. But then again that car weighs like a freakin boat! BMWs have the best of both worlds IMO.