Firstly - I would like to point out that as of right now - this is the fastest sedan on earth. 493 supercharged ponies really make it move. The speeds on "speedshift" are said to be inferior to that of a true SMG. The S/C layout gives the E55 massive power off the line - a benefit in time to distance races. It also is blessed with mercedes luxury and weight efficency. I wonder how well it handles?
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"The car is the closest we will ever come to creating something that is truly alive"
There is no doubt that BMW's new M5 will be faster (it nearly is now - and the next generation will have 156 more hp and 350lbs. less to carry around). Just keep in mind that the 493hp E55 is here now, M5 is 2 years out. The E55 is an amazing luxury rocket sled - and M5 is a super-size sports car. Also - Mercedes has a 550hp Twin Turbo V12 sitting around they could slide into the E55 if they so felt compelled.
2004 will be interesting face off.
Both are great - just different ways.
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"The car is the closest we will ever come to creating something that is truly alive"
well i think many people are underestimateing the power and speed of the new e55 amg... cause those figures that seb provieded testify but compare it to a ferrari enzo...... wana know the result?
Ferrari enzo 0-1000m : 19.2 s
W211 E55 AMG : 22.9 s
New E55 one hell of a fast car. 
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