Which uberbarge? 760i,S8,A8 W12, Pheaton W12, XJR
Discussion
I've alwasy wanted a huge engined barge to crush motorways and the above mentioned have all depreciated nicely bringing them into range. I am currently leaning towards the BMW, something about a BMW V12 appeals to me greatly. What would you choose and if you have owned or driven any of the above I'd be grateful for some feedback.
I've had an XJR... it was outrageously fast, really most indecent! For that it was fun, indeed hilarious at times. The less fun aspects were the palpitation-inducing fuel consumption, 'interesting' handling characteristics and the archaic ergonomics...
For a vast whale of a car, interior space was laughably tight and the lack of 'toys' bugged me after a while... sure it had electric everything, cruise, climate and switchable suspension etc. but there wasn't anything really special to make me feel 'premium', if you know what I mean..... I found the sound from the radio distinctly average too.
For wafting around it was joyous, if a touch wallowy (surprise, surprise) and felt suitably regal. It never failed to induce a smile when prodded into action though. Motorways were easy to crush, 4 up, at indecent velocity and comfort.
It was the sort of car that, if human, would turn up to a black tie dinner party in a tux sporting an outrageously colourful lining, proceed to quaff like a champ, guffaw through a cloud of cigar smoke amid a crowd of enthralled and amused onlookers, shed its jacket during a wild display on the dance floor to reveal a lurid dress shirt only respectable at the front before departing with the foxy daughter of the local laird to party the night away at Digby's or Charlie's or wherever else one could burn the candle at both ends..... not exactly gentlemanly.
Would I have another? yes, in a heartbeat, it was hilarious....
For a vast whale of a car, interior space was laughably tight and the lack of 'toys' bugged me after a while... sure it had electric everything, cruise, climate and switchable suspension etc. but there wasn't anything really special to make me feel 'premium', if you know what I mean..... I found the sound from the radio distinctly average too.
For wafting around it was joyous, if a touch wallowy (surprise, surprise) and felt suitably regal. It never failed to induce a smile when prodded into action though. Motorways were easy to crush, 4 up, at indecent velocity and comfort.
It was the sort of car that, if human, would turn up to a black tie dinner party in a tux sporting an outrageously colourful lining, proceed to quaff like a champ, guffaw through a cloud of cigar smoke amid a crowd of enthralled and amused onlookers, shed its jacket during a wild display on the dance floor to reveal a lurid dress shirt only respectable at the front before departing with the foxy daughter of the local laird to party the night away at Digby's or Charlie's or wherever else one could burn the candle at both ends..... not exactly gentlemanly.
Would I have another? yes, in a heartbeat, it was hilarious....
larrylamb11 said:
I've had an XJR... it was outrageously fast, really most indecent! For that it was fun, indeed hilarious at times. The less fun aspects were the palpitation-inducing fuel consumption, 'interesting' handling characteristics and the archaic ergonomics...
For a vast whale of a car, interior space was laughably tight and the lack of 'toys' bugged me after a while... sure it had electric everything, cruise, climate and switchable suspension etc. but there wasn't anything really special to make me feel 'premium', if you know what I mean..... I found the sound from the radio distinctly average too.
For wafting around it was joyous, if a touch wallowy (surprise, surprise) and felt suitably regal. It never failed to induce a smile when prodded into action though. Motorways were easy to crush, 4 up, at indecent velocity and comfort.
It was the sort of car that, if human, would turn up to a black tie dinner party in a tux sporting an outrageously colourful lining, proceed to quaff like a champ, guffaw through a cloud of cigar smoke amid a crowd of enthralled and amused onlookers, shed its jacket during a wild display on the dance floor to reveal a lurid dress shirt only respectable at the front before departing with the foxy daughter of the local laird to party the night away at Digby's or Charlie's or wherever else one could burn the candle at both ends..... not exactly gentlemanly.
Would I have another? yes, in a heartbeat, it was hilarious....
I would have to agree with most points here,in a way it is a laughable car,for the size and weight of the thing they do accelerate very well indeed.For a vast whale of a car, interior space was laughably tight and the lack of 'toys' bugged me after a while... sure it had electric everything, cruise, climate and switchable suspension etc. but there wasn't anything really special to make me feel 'premium', if you know what I mean..... I found the sound from the radio distinctly average too.
For wafting around it was joyous, if a touch wallowy (surprise, surprise) and felt suitably regal. It never failed to induce a smile when prodded into action though. Motorways were easy to crush, 4 up, at indecent velocity and comfort.
It was the sort of car that, if human, would turn up to a black tie dinner party in a tux sporting an outrageously colourful lining, proceed to quaff like a champ, guffaw through a cloud of cigar smoke amid a crowd of enthralled and amused onlookers, shed its jacket during a wild display on the dance floor to reveal a lurid dress shirt only respectable at the front before departing with the foxy daughter of the local laird to party the night away at Digby's or Charlie's or wherever else one could burn the candle at both ends..... not exactly gentlemanly.
Would I have another? yes, in a heartbeat, it was hilarious....
Mine is a 2001 car,back then it must have been a seriously quick car,even now it is rather brisk.
525nm of torque isn't to be scoffed at either!
I think the ultimate uber-barge must have as many cylinders as possible. The XJR is a magnificent machine, with a slightly louche image that does it great credit, but somehow a big 12 cylinder seems the right engine.
On that basis, surely, a 750i/760i or the S600 Mercs make the cut? Not sure on the Phaeton, it's a bit low-rent being a VW (I realise it's a wonderously over-engineered machine, but it is sporting a bit of a common badge for uber-barge prestige).
Mercs of the right age for a modest expense are hugely expensive when they go wrong, I'd be opting for a good E38 750i.
On that basis, surely, a 750i/760i or the S600 Mercs make the cut? Not sure on the Phaeton, it's a bit low-rent being a VW (I realise it's a wonderously over-engineered machine, but it is sporting a bit of a common badge for uber-barge prestige).
Mercs of the right age for a modest expense are hugely expensive when they go wrong, I'd be opting for a good E38 750i.
Being a bit of a car geek(no really?!?) I'd personally go for the Phaeton W12... Similar engine to the Bentley GT and crazily over engineered.. The overlord of VW Mr Peich set a very high bar when they were developing this, air con had to work in ambient temperatures of 50 degrees C, and that shows how the whole car is engineered.
If you want a discreet uber barge then there is no better. Doesn't look much different to a Passat with a passing glance so no hateful envious behaviour with this car. Seriously looked at them recently, but why not a V10 diesel
Husky
If you want a discreet uber barge then there is no better. Doesn't look much different to a Passat with a passing glance so no hateful envious behaviour with this car. Seriously looked at them recently, but why not a V10 diesel
Husky
k it... One of them anyway.Huskyman said:
Being a bit of a car geek(no really?!?) I'd personally go for the Phaeton W12... Similar engine to the Bentley GT and crazily over engineered.. The overlord of VW Mr Peich set a very high bar when they were developing this, air con had to work in ambient temperatures of 50 degrees C, and that shows how the whole car is engineered.
If you want a discreet uber barge then there is no better. Doesn't look much different to a Passat with a passing glance so no hateful envious behaviour with this car. Seriously looked at them recently, but why not a V10 diesel
Husky
Barges have to be complex and have the lurking potential for financial ruination. The V10 is diesel, and thus has some connection with efficiency and fuel economy. Far too sensibleIf you want a discreet uber barge then there is no better. Doesn't look much different to a Passat with a passing glance so no hateful envious behaviour with this car. Seriously looked at them recently, but why not a V10 diesel
Husky
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