mardi 30 juin 2009
Mercedes S500
The world’s most popular luxury car just got better! Four years after launch, Mercedes has taken the flagship S-Class even further upmarket.
The exterior tweaks – limited to a sharper grille, exhausts incorporated into the rear bumper and LED lights – won’t get much attention. Stealth is the name of the game here, and it’s inside where the S-Class delivers. Swathed in leather and wood, the cabin rivals most living rooms for comfort. And, as usual, Mercedes has managed to cram in plenty of hi-tech kit.
One highlight is SPLITVIEW, the centre console display which allows the driver to use the sat-nav while the front-seat passenger can watch a movie! There are also dozens of new and revised driver aids, such as Disctronic Plus active cruise control, which keeps you a set distance from the car in front, and Attention Assist, which monitors your driving for signs of drowsiness.
The S500 impresses as a driver’s car, too. Air-suspension makes the ride silky-smooth, and for all its weight and width it corners well, thanks to its Torque Vectoring Brake system, which reduces understeer by braking the inner rear wheel in bends.
The engine is near-silent at cruising speeds, but if you bury the throttle, the seven-speed auto kicks down quickly to bring the V8 roaring to life – so overtaking is effortless. The S500’s high running costs mean the S350 CDI diesel will be a better bet. However, compared to models such as the Bentley Flying Spur, it offers relatively decent value for money.
Mercedes SL600
No matter what you are used to driving, nothing prepares you for Mercedes' latest autobahn crusher. The SL is one of the finest cars in the world, and now, with the S-Class's bi-turbo V12 under the bonnet, it is literally breathtaking.
No matter what you are used to driving, nothing prepares you for Mercedes' latest autobahn crusher. The SL is one of the finest cars in the world, and now, with the S-Class's bi-turbo V12 under the bonnet, it is literally breathtaking.
Start up the SL600 and the dozen cylinders burst into life before settling to a near-silent idle. Dawdle around town, or use only the first two inches of throttle pedal travel, and the SL is as tame as a pampered poodle. But bury the accelerator into the carpet and the standard-fit traction control is called upon to curb the inevitable wheelspin. Once the enormous tyres bite, be prepared for brutal acceleration.
Getting from 0-60mph takes only 4.7 seconds, but it's in the mid-range where this flagship model will leave virtually any other car floundering in its wake. Key to the SL's new-found grunt is the 5.5-litre bi-turbo V12 unit, which delivers 500bhp and 800Nm of torque - that's 23 per cent more pulling power than the McLaren F1.
Fantastic Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, and European test drivers have shown that that it's possible to reach more than twice the UK motorway speed limit in 20 seconds. OK, so there are faster two-seat convertibles available, but there's none with the all-round abilities of the SL. Fantastic cruising comfort, luxury and fine handling combine with the V12 power to create one of the greatest money-no-object long-distance supercars.
The list price for the generously equipped SL600 is £95,440, making the car £25,825 more expensive than an SL500, and £4,095 dearer than the supercharged SL55 version - so is it worth the extra money?
On the UK's crowded roads, the V8-powered SL500 is fast enough for most drivers, but the 600 offers the kind of performance normally associated with supercars costing at least £150,000. The SL might not have the best packaging, nor does it deliver the kind of thrilling handling offered by a Ferrari, but it looks stunning and is difficult to better for straight-line speed.
Sleepers: Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
Sleepers: Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
$32,700 The latest version of the Audi A4 is at last bigger inside, meaning that both front- and rear-seat passengers enjoy more legroom and head room. The A4 also delivers 23 combined fuel economy (a bit better than BMW's AWD 328xi) and it's also about $4,000 less expensive than that BMW. And while this reviewer tends to be partial to manual gearboxes, the Audi's smooth six-speed is a delight, and has a decent manual option, which is very handy for grabbing a passing gear. Also a joy: This latest Audi's suspension and steering are sporty without being punishing. In all, the A4 is nudging up very close to BMW 3-series territory, and given that it's now roomier, in some ways it's already better.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/12/1210_recession_proof_cars/7.htm
Recession-Proof Cars
Lincoln MKX
$37,335 The MKX is the upscale stablemate to the Ford Edge. As such, it delivers on feeling posh, although the $10,000 premium for the Lincoln may not be worth it to some buyers. Either way, what's offered here is smart, with a roomier cabin than competitors like Infiniti's FX, a very comfortable ride, and a quiet, six-speed transmission—although the V-6 could be snappier. One recommendation: Save gas by opting for front- rather than all-wheel drive unless you live where it snows all winter.
Recession-Proof Cars
Gold Standards: Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
$52,900 Mercedes has been doing diesels for a very long time, and its latest cars are absolute freight trains—with none of the rattling and smoking people associate with diesels of old. While the Bluetec isn't the fastest E-Class, it'll hit 60 mph in under seven seconds, and its highway passing power is tremendous, with 400 ft. lbs. of torque at a very low engine speed. The mileage (23/32) is far better than the 17/24 of the E-350 and will likely make the higher cost of diesel fuel pay for itself in a short period of time. Also important to note is that diesels tend to last much longer than gas engines, so this becomes a wiser buy the longer you intend to hold onto the car. The cabin of the E-Class feels elegant and airy, like a richly furnished room; the driving experience is luxurious and confident. The emphasis is on everything being smooth, so the seven-speed transmission is quiet and unobtrusive, while the suspension is firm but not sporty.
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