Not sure what the key selling point of this machine is. There are very many countertop superautomatics on the market now for less money. Miele's expertise is folding super-A mechanics into a well-designed wall unit. For countertop, I just don't see what it is they are selling that would induce me not to buy a Gaggia or Saeco or Jura, or any number of other alternatives.

Rancilio Silvia for espresso - hands down one of the best 'consumer' machines.

Technivorm Moccamaster for drip coffee.

If you're after the convenience of a super-automatic machine that grinds etc., save yourself counterspace and money and just walk to your local coffee shop ;)

I'm not a big coffee/espresso drinker. That's why I ended up buying the Tassimo two years ago since it can make cappuccino and tea, both of which I do make on occasion. It might not be the best quality in the world, but for the price of the unit $150 and the T-Discs, it does an OK job. Still I'd be interested in trying the Miele unit when it comes out.

Talk about pricy!

The CM5000 and CM5100 now are listed for sale directly from the Miele USA site and the Williams-Sonoma site for $1999 and $2399. I guess they figure if someone can pay $2K for a dishwasher, then they can pay the same thing for a coffee/cappuccino machine. I wonder how much these are sold for in the UK/Europe, as they've been there for a year now.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/miele-cm5100-espresso-machine/

As of yesterday, the Williams-Sonoma store on Union Square in SF has the Miele machines out on display and for sale...nicely built, but HUGE and, as noted above, very expensive. I am also struggling a bit in figuring out their market, exactly.

I think I saw some Jura coffee machines at Sur La Table a few weeks ago, perhaps slightly less, but (seemingly) similarly overpriced.

The Miele, which I haven't yet seen, could well be quieter than my old De Longhi Magnifica -- maybe their market is people with open kitchens who want a less noisy espresso machine.

You might want to look at the Technivorm products. They are one of only two coffee brewers that are approved by the European Coffee Centre. I purchased one several months ago, because to me, the way it worked made perfect sense and it works exactly as advertised. The main thing though is to get a good burr grinder if you don't have one already. That makes more difference than the brewer itself. If you go to YouTube and type in Moccamaster or Technivorm there is plenty of info. I especially like the ones from a coffee shop in Seattle. E mail me if I can help.

Some of the higher end Jura's are more than this. I like that it has a removable brew unit. My Jura does not.