bighersh

Would you drive a wagon?

I read about this in a luxury import magazine- the ACS5 E61. It had insane HP, something like 550+, and a top speed of 195 MPH. It had a head to head shootout agains the MB E-class wagon and.... Lost.

While the ACS5 was defeinitely the head turner or the two, the Benz looked no difference than any other Benz wagon, but it had more HP (+/- 600) , more torque, and a top speed of 201 MPH.

I have never really liked station wagons- but I think I coudl see myself driving something that looked like this- even if it couldn't perform like that.

I didn't post this in E61, because clearly most there would drive it. I'm asking here since most here, obviously didn't choose the wagon. Would you rather have this than an x3, x5, or another SUV?

Here are the URL's, in case the pictures red-x on you...
http://www.bmw-sg.com/photopost/data...OOP_ACS5_1.jpg
http://www.bmw-sg.com/photopost/data...OOP_ACS5_4.jpg
http://www.bmw-sg.com/photopost/data...OOP_ACS5_6.jpg
http://www.bmw-sg.com/photopost/data...OOP_ACS5_7.jpg
http://www.bmw-sg.com/photopost/data...OOP_ACS5_8.jpg

pjinca

The correction to your story is: Yes, the MB is faster in a straight line, however, the M5 (wagon or not0 is still faster through turns and on tracks.

In answer to your question: "Would you drive a wagon?"

Abso - friggin - lutely if that wagon happens to be an M5 Touring. Those cars are bad ass!!!

acorradi87

Yes, I would drive a wagon. My friend's father has a 2003 540i M Sport wagon and with the ///M bodywork and with the tinted windows it looks absolutely sick. I tried to get him to sell it to me before I got my car but he said he wouldn't sell cars to friends. Guess that was a smart decision but I've loved upgraded wagons ever since I laid eyes on his. I like the e60 wagon less but the above one is very nice.

bighersh

OK, I'll rephrase... It lost more than it won.
It's still a nice car.

Yep, BMW's usually turn better (challenged only by Nissan & Infiniti- right now).
The CLS63 absolutely murdered the M5 in a head to head shootout done by either Motor Trend or Car & Driver- I forget. MURDERED and SODOMIZED... Not necessarily in that order.

But, when they put them on the track, the BMW assassinated the CLS63, by double-digit car lengths at the finish line. I think it was something silly, like, near 20 car lengths and a hand full of seconds.

Out the gate the race as close, but the CLS pulled ahead, after the first or second turn, the MB was chasing tailights... On the straight-aways, the CLS would gain ground (close to within 7 - 8 car lengths), then lose ground on the next tight turns. The Bimmer was able to enter and exit the turns faster.

Not sure what the results would have been with an E63 -vs- M5, but as far as the CLS63 -vs- M5 went, the CLS won every performance category (0-60, 1/4 mile, breaking, etc..), but, at the track- the M5 proved greater than teh sum of its parts, and it handed the CLS it's arse, big time. Proof positive that stats alone don't tell the whole story- not until you put them on the track.

That said, in the USA, most races are red-light to red-light. or on the freeway for a short distance. Not a lot of turns to negotiate... This is a drag-race country, and in a drag race- low-end torque is key. This is why the 911 turbo has reigned as the quickest car on the road ( 0 - 60, < 3.6 seconds), since circa 1994, challenged only by tuner-cars, and production cars like the Bugatti Veyron (@ 1.5M they're so rare, they don't count), McLaren F1 (Ditto @ $1.1M), and the Carerra GT. Nothing from Ferrari or Lambo even comes close (0-60, 0 - 100 & 1/4 mile).

pjinca

The Veyron isn't that rare around here. I work across the street from Kingston (the company that makes memory for computers) and the CEO has a Veyron - he let's employees take the car for Starbucks runs Needless to say I REALLY want to work there

We can compare the 0-60 times of cars over and over again, I don;t race stoplight to stoplight - it's pointless to me ( again, any fool can go fast straight, turns show real driving skill). The AMG cars will be better in a drag race, they have far more torque than the M, BMW's philosophy has never been to win drag races (big reason why they make no cars like the Camaro). BMW's are meant to driver's cars, where handling is king, with that you get better braking; even weight distribution; bearing meant for long fast runs; better suspensions - all at the cost of 1/4 mile time.

tooltec

No,I'd just want 550+ in a saloon!

flyingpuck

Well if I "HAD TOO" drive a wagon, I would drive this one!! Though it would have to lose the ridiculous AC Schnitzer stickers on the sides!

pjinca

Dave, you mean you DON'T want your car to have more decals than a NASCAR?!?!!?

CWS530

Not a touring fan. I realize some like/need the space, but I am not in that situation. Frankly, a sedan was a stretch for me as all of my previous cars were two door.

beken

Yes I would. Actually, we initially were looking at a wagon (aka Touring). My family did a lot of camping and a wagon would allow us to haul a lot more stuff. In the end, we decided we were getting too old to camp as often so the need was no longer there. Touring versions are pretty hard to find in N. America. Probably more available here in Canada than in the US even.