Thanks for the info on the Flex. I like a big car, but no one makes them any more (preferred type: Crown Vic, Caddi Fleetwood, mid-90s Buick Roadmaster Wagon or Sedan). I miss front bench seats.
If you’re willing to put up with the almost-certainly-higher maintenance costs, the big 7-series BMWs are pretty close to the old GM land barges in size and ride, and a LOT more sophisticated in design. The 740 in particular (and I’m starting to see the 745 as well) seem to be good bargains as far as retail price. The real thorns will be service costs and having to deal with BMW’s “iDrive” system.
I’ve considered those cars and the early Mercedes CLS, but I always run up against the narrow focus of big luxury sedans. I ended up trading my Flex on a Hummer H2, which has had a few headaches as well, but all have been problems with peripherals rather than core mechanicals.
I love my Pontiac G8, it’s a big, comfy high way cruising sedan with a V8 and a nice suspension. 6 years, 50K miles, no problems. Wish they still made them.
Oh, wait, they do, it’s now the Chevy SS. Pricey, but our Aussie friends still know how to make a nice car.