Comfortable performance cars?!

[wadsy]

We currently have a BMW 640d; really nice car, but I'd like something with better handling and performance, and similar or better (if possible!) refinement: ride quality, cabin noise etc.

I'm looking for suggestions for 'comfortable' performance cars. It would also need decent luggage space for trips away, and I do like 4wd.

My thoughts...

F90 M5
RS6 - V8 turbo (C7?)
Continental (V8) GT
RS4 - V6 turbo (B9?)
Alpina B4
Giulia Quadrifoglio

I'd welcome comments please on my ideas and/or other possible options!

Cheers

Edited by wadsy on Thursday 10th June 19:37

[wadsy]

Mr lestat said:

Has it got to be 4 seats ?

Would be handy, but probably not essential.

[wadsy]

Thanks for the replies; looks like I'll have to get out sometime to try a few!

Cheers

[wadsy]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd be looking at an S Coupe they're a clear step up in refinement & luxury plus they handle ridiculously well, then because all the windows drop away & the roof opens it's like having a convertible without any potential issue or impediment on luggage space.

An S500 Coupe with it's 4.7TT should be enough:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011276...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102058...

If you want more then there's the 63:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103019...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103109...

Or if you want the ultimate then there's the S65:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106043...

Or the more sensibly priced but no less ferocious CL65:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...

Yep, good shout on the S Coupe. One I had thought of. After our 6 coupe though, I was thinking I'd prefer something a little smaller (for car parks/lanes etc) and with a more upright driving position than a coupe, hence looking more at estates and saloons.

The comfort/spec (massage seats etc) does make it an interesting option though and well worth checking out.

Cheers

[wadsy]

Mr lestat said:

Well I’m a bit biased as I have one but the R172 SLK55 AMG is pretty good. Or how about a 911 996/997

I did try an SLK 55 AMG a few years back, but not enough luggage room for our needs. I've had a 996 C2 in the past, really enjoyed it. It might be worth investigating a 991 (for more comfort) or maybe a 997 Turbo!

Cheers

[wadsy]

Jonny Wishbone said:

I was in the position recently of shortlisting a rapid daily which would need to double up as transport for the kids. From your list the F32 B4 wasn't under consideration as though it arguably looks better than the F31, the estate is essentially the same car in a more practical body shell; also note the RHD B4 was only offered in RWD. The Alfa and Bentley weren't on my radar either. I discounted the big Beemer and the RS6 on the basis that I've always preferred small cars and the extra space on offer in the Audi wasn't needed and the M5 is probably less practical than the smaller German estates. I tested an RS4 and it's a very good car that you would not go wrong with. Ultimately though I went for the current B3, which is AWD. I've opined about that car plenty on here, so I'll spare you and in any case I'm biased.

Autocar however has it down as the best all-rounder in the world.

Objectively it's probably not £15k better than an RS4, which is the approximate like for like delta in cost new, given that good discounts can be had on the Audi, whereas there's none on the Alpina.

Thanks very much for your reply/info.

I've had a B3 Bi-Turbo (saloon) previously and the new B3 Touring with AWD is certainly appealing, although, probably too expensive at the moment. I'd planned to spend up to around 50k, maybe 60k at a push.

If you have a link to your thoughts on your B3, I'd be interested to read them.

Cheers

[wadsy]

jamie-hw314 said:

RS6 C7 are a great buy compared to the C8s. Very comfy and plush ride in the comfort setting (im DRC), or hit dynamic for a sharper ride when you want the full nutter mode. Ive have one for 3 years, ticks all the boxes and im struggling to see what car can match it next for the same money. Relatively cheap to run too (compared to other similar wheels).

Thanks.

Am I right in saying they are standard with air suspension, and option of 'dynamic' with steel springs?

I was thinking the air option would offer the better ride quality; any thoughts?

Cheers

[wadsy]

ZX10R NIN said:

You want something smaller but are considering an RS6? have you seen the size of them.

I know ....tricky to find the compromise between comfort, size, handling etc!

ZX10R NIN said:

Now they're the RS6 is a good car, the S Coupe is a great spacious place for four people & a step up from the RS6 interior wise too performance wise the 63 will match the RS6 once rolling.

Cheers

[wadsy]

Jonny Wishbone said:

No worries. More info here.

Thanks, good read

[wadsy]

Thanks for the further replies chaps

The car I would really like is a 997 (tiptronic) Turbo!... I may just get one of these and try to make it work with a DSC tuning box for the PASM suspension and more sound deadening!

I will try one first though, and an Evora too, although not many about, especially autos!

One of my 'criteria' is that "special-car-in-the-man-cave" thing!

If they don't do the job then I may need to work my way up the comfort scale!... I think a 5.0 XKR is worth trying (as well as a Quadrifoglio and Alpina B4!) possibly a Conti GT, then the S63 AMG seems to be the ultimate comfort/sport oriented option.

The RR isn't a bad shout, but I plan to keep my old (1994) Pajero as a run-about/green-laner, possibly change it for something more day to day friendly like a Mk3 Shogun or a Disco 3 to cover a few more bases.

I'd also love to get back into biking!... so the funds are getting even more thinly spread!

Cheers

[wadsy]

mattman said:

So for the "special car" point - Aston Martin DB9 or a Maserati Gran Turismo?

Hmmm, probably worth a look!

Cheers