Whats your ideal S CLASS model?

[PINBALL]

I would like to know from S CLASS owners/users in particular;

If you had the choice to choose YOUR perfect S class saloon or the 7 inch longer limousine, which one would you go for?

Bearing in mind that this is a serious question from an (at the moment) E class owner, needing to upgrade to an 'S' in the next 6 month's or so, for cruising around Europe.

Is the 93-99 the best model to date, (princess Diana) and value for money?

Comfort & economy, rather than speed is required most of all, and there will be times when car will be slept in, in some remote areas where Hotels will not be available or around, usually or mainly in the Alps etc.

Just have no idea which one would be best for drivers seat reclining flat, economy, colour, petrol or deisel etc.

Any input gratefully recieved.
Regards,
Keith.

 

[PINBALL]

Ooops! forgot to mention,

Will not be using or needing Sat-Nav / car phone ipods or other modern technology.
Am too old for all that, & life's too short & getting shorter all the time at age of 57.
Thanx.

 

[cavinda]

Frankly, I would go with the regular sedan – either a S420 or S500 (you definitely need a V8 if you are going to the Alps!). I am sure the limo model adds rear leg room, but, unless you are hauling a big family, a standard model should have sufficient space. Keep in mind, maintaining a limo version I suspect would be even more expensive than a S600. Can’t tell you much about the diesels (MB USA in their infinite wisdom stopped importing S class diesels in the mid 90s!) but with the kind of traveling you have in mind you should get a car that at least has 275HP.

 

[jberks]

Economy? There is only one S class that could be considered remotely economical and thats the 320CDI and I believe not available for the years you are listing, at least in the UK. Personally, for what you are considering, I'd go for a W210 320CDI estate - roomy, luxurious and economical. However, if you want an S and want to climb the alps, I'd steer away from the S320 and as above, go for something V8, just leave lots of room on the credit card for the fuel. The 320 may appear more frugal, but remember, if it's pulling all that weight up steep hills, it will be working hard all the time and consequently won't be any better than a V8.
The limo is a bit pointless unless you are carying passengers in the rear. Its just more weight, harder to get round those tight alpine corners and even harder to find a suitable parking space when you get where you are going. There is bags of space in the back of the standard model anyway and for front occupants absolutely no difference.

 

[television]

I borrowed a 600 for a week back in 94 I think, double glazing made it quiet,I often wondered what would happen when the door closing electrics went wrong, nice to drive.
I have driven the 320CDI, its almost as fast as the petrol version, very quiet
and even you, could use the Nav system.Living down here with small country roads no problem its not ostentatious, and you have to read the badge to know what it is.
Malcolm

 

[PINBALL]

Thanks for your diffrent views.
Keith.