Digestible Collectible: 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

I’m not entirely sure why, but most products from Mercedes-Benz have never appealed to me. Perhaps the buttoned-down, staid appearance of the cars and their owners didn’t match my own self-image? Anyhow, I recall walking through various car shows as a kid, completely ignoring gorgeous vintage Pagodas and Fintails to admire leaking British roadsters.

The lack of manual transmissions is likely a factor. Even the spectacular SLS, SLR and AMG GT are missing a third pedal, a turn-off for me. And the one Mercedes that really appeals to me, the 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth, is not a realistic family ride.

And it’s with this attitude toward the Tri-Star that I turned on Netflix for some inspiration from three English buffoons who loved the AMG sedans for the massive, tire shredding power.

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  • ToolGuy Good for them.
  • ToolGuy "I'm an excellent driver."
  • Tassos If a friend who does not care about cars asks me what to buy, I tell her (it usually is a she) to get a Toyota or a Lexus. If she likes more sporty cars, a Honda or a MiataIf a friend is a car nut, they usually know what they want and need no help. But if they still ask me, I tell them to get a Merc or AMG, a 911, even an M3 if they can fix it themselves. If they are billionaires, and I Do have a couple of these, a Ferrari or an even more impractical Lambo.
  • ToolGuy Good for them, good for me.
  • Tassos While I have been a very satisfied Accord Coupe and CIvic Hatch (both 5-speed) owner for decades (1994-2017 and 1991-2016 respectively), Honda has made a ton of errors later.Its EVs are GM clones. That alone is sufficient for them to sink like a stone. They will bleed billions, and will take them from the billions they make of the Civic, Accord, CRV and Pilot.Its other EVs will be overpriced as most Hondas, and few will buy them. I'd put my money on TOyota and his Hybrid and Plug-in strategy, until breaktrhus significantly improve EVs price and ease of use, so that anybody can have an EV as one's sole car.