I know

But Lexus is my best recommendation apart from that
I have great experiences of Lexus.

It is an idea... But then we would have to live under the shadow of a new model. Doesn't feel really good, especially when a new diesel hybrid is likely to come out which would offer even better consumption figures.

No way, no Japanese car in consideration here. PS. has your dad chosen a car yet?

Thanks Alwing for your suggestions. I tried introducing the X5 to my dad, but he isn't convinced the 3.0d can meet the fuel consumption figures he want. Also, it's too big. Like I said before, don't think we'll consider any Lexuses. The XF is an idea but we'd have to see the car in person. Maybe tomorrow.

Is the engine refined? How's your fuel consumption in the city? We might suffer an "image" problem here in Singapore because E220 CDIs are used as taxis... May hurt the resale value.

That's true on both accounts, but if we sell the Maser now we'll be losing a lot of money. Also, we waited 9 months for the car, we're quite emotionally attached to it so it's quite difficult to sell it. On the other hand the A8 is already a 3rd hand, and we didn't customise it or anything, it just seems easier to let go. I have to admit the A8 doesn't feel as special enough to be kept.

Too heavy, doesn't meet fuel consumption requirements. Plus we had one before, want to try something new. Leaning towards either BMW or MB.

I'd take a CLS 320cdi. That's beautiful, available as a 5-seater as option, and if the rear passengers aren't giant it's spacious enough. And it will not change as soon as the E-Class.

The C-Class is an idea, you could take it as a 320cdi to have a really refined engine.

A 5er is an excellent choice too, and why not an A6?

Concerning ML or X5...I personally am not keen on SUVs, but they're very good SUVs.

I think it could be interesting to have a comfort-oriented Mercedes, to complete the more sporty Maserati.
My choice would be the CLS, I adore that car.

The CLS eh? Well it doesn't really feel like a daily driver that would put on the miles, we need something tough and that we can scratch, scar and damage (God forbid) without feeling that painful of a pinch.

Plus having a >3L diesel engine does have its drawbacks. Even though the government reduced taxation on diesel cars, there is still an additional tax on diesel cars on top of the tax given to petrol cars. Basically, tax for diesel cars is petrol tax rate + (cc x 0.625) x 2. It's quite complicated I know, but the bigger the cc of the diesel engine the larger the tax penalty, to put it simply.

I like the idea of a comfort-oriented Mercedes, the C-Class fulfills many of our requirements but I just wished we had the next-gen E out now that had the qualities of the W204. The current gen of E has really aged.

We're staying away from Audi because we already had an Audi and we want to try something different. Of course, we're still keeping the A6 in sight but we rather not get the same brand again.

We're not that keen on SUVs either.

No, we visit MB dealer a while ago but the sales people did not show any intrest to sell him a car so he left disappointed. He has driven BMW the last 12 years so I think in the end he will pick BMW E90.

We've recently installed iPod connectivity to our A8 (and it was expensive) so don't think we're selling this car so soon just yet. Today we pumped a full tank of RON95 fuel and it costs a whopping SGD180 (~USD130?). It'll only last us for 2 weeks max. It's just crazy. Stop the speculation on oil already...

A diesel A6 (as you mentioned in another thread) is a great choice.

But I guess it'll be between the new 7 and the S class when the time comes ?

Wait a bit for the new S hyrbid next year.

You guys are right... So far, the S seems like the more likely choice. I just wonder if the hybrid technology is really worth the wait though, or if just getting a diesel is good enough.

Another car came out in my mind: the GTI. This is really endless.