Who are you buying them from? If it's a large independent dealer, you should be able to do just as well getting the appliances you want rather than the "packages" which are designed by the makers to make you think you have to stick with them so make them more money.

Most appliance stores have a discount for contractors and interior designers. Usually the same percentage (10-20% depending on local custom, usually more in the 10-15% range). Sometimes, there will be more for one or the other group because of connections, volume, promotion, whim etc. Since you're doing a major remodel and looking at mid- to high- end appliances, I'm thinking you have at least a general contractor, or maybe a plumber/gc. Even if you don't, since you're buying a whole suite of appliances, the store may give you the contractor's discount anyway.

If that isn't possible, you still have negotiating room. While the store may be locked into fairly narrow contracted price floors (as if they were selling fine art!), they have other ways they can give you discounts. They can give you a free dishwasher, for instance (a common occurrence), and/or free delivery and/or installation. They may also pay for an extended warranty, though those aren't worth nearly as much, dollar for dollar, as something tangible. They're more for emotional support.

So, given that, I'd choose SZ/Wolf or Thermador. Thermador may cost less (depending on exchange) and it's fine. Wolf has great ovens, but there are a few potential problems (I think the jury is still out on whether they've 100% beaten an issue with the enamel). I prefer the layout of the SubZero refrigerators. If you're getting gas, I love the Wolf double stacked burners. I prefer Thermador's dishwasher to the Asko, which is what I think you get with SZ/W.

That's without even considering Miele, Liebherr, BlueStar ranges, etc.

I really wish you could purchase direct from the manufacturer because in almost all cases dealers add cost without adding value. Often they add negative value. (There are a few exceptions, but they are exceptions.) In my recent kitchen remodel, there were some deficiencies with one item (the makeup air damper) being DOA. The dealer said they would fix/replace, but after repeated calls, I ended up fixing them myself or purchasing replacement items. Over the years, regardless of what I've purchased, if it's been through a dealer, it's been a sub-par experience.

Correct, the manufacturers aren't perfect either, but over the past sixty years I've had far better luck with the manufacturers than the dealers. Product doesn't matter, cars, furniture, appliances, whatever. The manufacturer has a vested interest in making you happy (in most cases). The dealer has no interest once he or she has cashed the cheque, and their advice is usually based on what makes them the most commission or profit (again in most cases). Also because with a dealer there is no fixed price, regardless of the price paid, I end up feeling as if I was cheated. So when there is a choice, I always buy direct. If there isn't, then I contact the manufacturer for specifications and best practices and do my best to get the dealer to comply.

Thermador doesnt really have a good 42" fridge option (you'd have to do a 24+18 which is not much space at all). Otherwise I think they are the best deal in high end packages.

We went with Wolf/SubZero. We've had them almost a year and have been really happy with them. They were super expensive, though! The only thing I'd change is that I'd get the 4-burner cooktop with the built-in grill rather than the 5-burner one. We bought a Bosch dishwasher instead of the one that W/SZ sells.