cardriver said:
I'm not exactly surprised with your responses. Had I posted this on a BMW forum or an Aston forum, I would certainly hear differently. Now everything you guys have pointed out is valid but here's what I think.
The cadillac is a looker for sure, but there are a few things I don't like. My biggest gripe is probably the tail lights. Something about it looks really cheap.
Of the cars I mentioned, I think the V8 Vantage is the best looking one of the bunch. However, the Vantage would probably get on my dad's nerves because its manual and he isn't accustomed to manuals.
The M6 would probably be one of the most practical. This sounds funny because I think the M6 is a beast. I've sat in the rear seats and I'm six feet tall and those seats are liveable. I took one look at the rear seats in the new XK and didn't even bother trying. I tried to get into the back of a DB9 once but I had to find a place to my legs once the seat went back.
Interestingly enough, no one has yet to mention the Jaguar. I personally think the XK is a more liveable version of the V8 but sadly, it lacks in the looks department in comparison to the Vantage.
But thanks for your input guys I'll be taking comments into consideration when I make the purchase.
Greetings,
Best to you and your decision.
A little background on my preference for Cadillac’s XRL. I purchased a 2005 Silver XLR and for my taste, I would not change a thing on this car from a style perspective. I rank the XLR one of the top three performance luxury roadsters/coupes on the planet. My ranking overall is Cadillac XLR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Mercedes-Benz SL550. The Cadillac XLR exhibits the most exotic styling of the group, with the best integrated high tech interior. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the most richly styled exterior/interior of the group, but weakest in technology integration. And the Mercedes-Benz is the most racy styled of the group with the best features by far and I would say the best crafted, but for me little emotional connection to its style/design. Any of the cars would be a charm to own, but when you must pick one, my choice would be the XLR for its overall style, design, performance and systems integration of its high featured technologies.
Much of this simply comes down to personal preference in what these cars translate to you. For me, there is an emotional connection with Cadillac’s XLR and Aston Martin V8 Vantage style/design. The styling of these two cars are (exterior/interior) breathtaking, but different in their design approach. The XLR is the most contemporary styled, even futuristic with an expression of the cleanest lines in its exterior design, that communicates an uncompromised purity, as to say door handles and key lock impressions are not welcomed. The interior of the XLR is almost a math equation in line design that visually connects and intersects with its exterior lines. There is a simplicity and complexity about its interior design that ultimately brings about a calming effect within the driving environment. This modern interior design calls for minimal buttons which extends the integration of voice recognition and LCD information touch screen technologies. A design implemented with a relationship to its technologies and features that results in a easy to use driver interface. Cadillac’s XLR on balance is one of the best designed performance luxury, high technology integrated roadsters available. If your requirements define an exotic, highly styled, powerful, high technology integrated, contemporary designed luxury roadster, Cadillac’s XLR is your first choice. Add the V badge to the XLR, and it transforms to a high performance luxury roadster racing to the edge of sports car refinement. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, but for my requirements in a best in class luxury roadster, the XLR is in the lead position.
Again, best to you and your decision.
JLM
