I did go to dealerships for the MS6 and LGT SB. Both are nice. The materials in the MS6 is in a different league from the regular M6. The regular LGT Ltd is better than M6, I will give that. But not the MS6. The seat leather is so much more refined. You will not feel that's the regular M6.
The MS6 shown in the dealership is with the color titanium grey. It's close to Subie's Crystal grey, but with higher quality and finish. Paint quality is one thing Subie society complains a lot. But the MS6 did a good job on that.
I had to admit that I didn't test drive either. Neither of the Mazda or Subaru dealership let any one drive, just like when STi or Evo were first relased in the US market. I did see dealer markup. On the MS6 it was $1500, and on the LGT SB it was $2000. Of course I wouldn't even try to discuss with the sales. My preference toward the MS6, is merely based on the personal experience sitting in the cars, and from the figures on paper. In real driving I may change my view, but at this moment I still prefer the MS6. Also, 6 gear won't hurt either. I like the effort Mazda did to overhaul a completely different beast, instead of Subaru just dressed up an already good car to jack up the price. That is, the premium MS6 charges is more justified than LGT SB.
Don't get me wrong, both cars are very refined, and I will be very happy to get one. Uniqueness is always my thing. That's the reason I bought my 98 SVT E0 new, when regular V6 SEs were about 5K cheaper. The SAAB 9-2X is equally unique, but I bought it for other reason (reads - great incentives).
