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 It
wasn’t so long ago that
the choices in the mid-size
luxury sedan market were
limited. The vast majority of
buyers selected the Mercedes-Benz E Class or BMW 5 Series. Everything
else was second
fiddle.
Times have certainly changed, and making that critical and expensive
decision has become more complicated. Now, the choices seem endless – Audi
A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS300, Mercedes E Class, Cadillac STS,
Acura RL, Infiniti M45, Jaguar S Type, Lincoln LS and a variety
of others at about the same price point.
Where does one start? That, of course, depends on the individual
buyer. But whether you lease or buy, you will be making a decision
about a car you will have for at least three years. Performance,
style, safety, comfort, price and the “newness” factor
(the desirability created by a new make or model versus one that
may be changed in a year or two) all come into play.
All the cars in this class offer the latest safety features – more
air bags than a hot-air balloon contest, traction control, stability
control, brake-force control, high-intensity headlamps, active
seat belts and a whole host of other electronic gizmos designed
to protect you from yourself.
Most of these cars come in two, or in some cases three, basic iterations.
Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW take it to the next level with 450
to 500 horsepower-plus machines with the latter category tickling
the $100,000 mark. The six-cylinder-powered cars all offer more
than adequate punch, but the V-8s kick it up a notch in terms of
performance while sacrificing some fuel economy and handling for
the extra power and weight.
All these steeds offer sport packages as well, which encompass
stiffer suspensions, bigger wheels and tires, quicker steering,
and sometimes sport seats and different transmissions. Certain
iterations of the BMW and Audi actually even offer manual transmissions.
Sport packages usually offer a bit harsher ride and expose often
expensive wheels to “curb rash” due to the lower profile
tires.
All these cars swath you in luxury – high-end sound systems,
leather, optional DVD entertainment, navigation, Blue Tooth wireless,
adaptive cruise control and ventilated and massaging seats that
will rival the last spa you visited.
Keep in mind the Audi, Caddy and Infiniti M45 are all-new models
that won’t be replaced soon. The Jaguar, Lincoln and Lexus
have been around for quite a while and are slated for makeovers
shortly.
The Mercedes-Benz and BMW are only a year into their cycle. This
is the “newness” factor – so if you find yourself
cycling your suits every year, be ready to pay a premium for the
latest models.
Bottom line, if you commute on two-lane roads and need to pass
often or want to challenge the kid in the old Camaro at the stoplight,
go for the power of a V-8. If you demand the latest
and greatest in electronic gizmos, choose one of the Japanese
marques – they are unmatched
in this area and will keep you entertained for the full term of
your lease. |
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