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Competitor-showcase

When Porsche first announced that they were developing a four-door ultra-luxury sedan, few could have expected it to turn out quite as well as it did. Looking to all the world like a combination between a Cayenne and a 911, the 2010 Porsche Panamera (base MSRP $93,800) is a sleek and seductive foray into the rarefied air of the $100,000 sedan. The first four-door car ever built by the company, the Panamera boasts exceptional interior room and white-knuckle performance. The base S model’s 400 horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 engine can launch the large automobile to 60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds, while the twin-turbocharged edition of the Panamera drops that number to 4.0 seconds via the judicious application of 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque through an all-wheel drive system. The S can also be ordered with all-wheel drive, and for all models Porsche’s PDK 7-speed automatic transmission acts as a referee between the engine and the tarmac.

Inside, the Panamera is awash in leather and wood trim, and the vehicle’s dazzling dash treatment helps to separate it from the sports cars in the company’s lineup and give it a dash of maturity and grace. All of the standard luxury gadgets and accommodations are present and accounted for, and Porsche fans will be instantly enamored of the cockpit’s low riding position.

While the 2010 Porsche Panamera is definitely an amazing performer, the entry of a new sedan at its lofty price point is like blood in the water for the high end sharks patrolling this segment of the market. This article takes a look at four other semi-exotic sports sedans you must drive before deciding the purchase the Panamera.

2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S – MSRP $133,700

The 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is the liveliest of the three different Quattroporte editions available from the Italian automaker. The luxury sedan looks like nothing else on the market thanks to its surging rear quarter panels and unique Maserati grille. 3 portholes accent the front fenders and the vehicle’s roofline suggests an extended coupe versus a traditional sedan. The Maserati’s interior is a subtle balance between sport and opulence, with interestingly sculpted leather seats gripping bodies into place while a unique TitanTex material made of aluminum and titanium fiber serves as trim. There are few options available on this well-equipped car, but buyers can choose to have different rims, a rear spoiler or aluminum pedal covers installed.

At the heart of the Quattroporte Sport GT S is a V-8 engine spawned from the same blueprints as those used by Ferrari to power their sports car dream machines. Displacing 4.7-liters, this motor produces 434 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque, and when pushed up past 7,000 rpm it produces a veritable symphony of exhaust sounds that is almost intoxicating. A 6-speed automatic transmission with both manual and launch controls helps the portly four-door leap to 60 miles per hour in just 5.1 seconds. Stiff springs and shocks control the Quattroporte through long corners and sudden elevation changes, and for the most part the vehicle is a joy to pilot at the limit.

Dynamically, the 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S cannot match the Porsche Panamera Turbo. However, in terms of ostentatious road presence and unmatched class with a healthy dollop of performance, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is an excellent option. The Ferrari heritage lurking in the engine bay is sure to score hefty bragging rights at the country club, concours event or class reunion.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG – MSRP $131,350

Mercedes-Benz have always been known for their luxurious, full-size sedans, but not everyone is familiar with just how fast and agile these leviathans can become with some assistance from in-house tuner AMG. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 isn’t the hottest edition of the venerable S-Class luxury car, but it does most closely match the Panamera in terms of price and power.

Visually, the S63 AMG differentiates itself from sedate versions of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship through the use of subtle yet unmistakable aero add-ons to the vehicle’s body. When taken together they create a very muscular impression, one which is enhanced by the sheer size and mass of the vehicle. The passenger compartment of the S63 AMG overwhelms driver and passengers alike with an incredible array of luxury features and comforts. Aside from the living room-like size of the interior accommodations, the vehicle also includes the COMAND interface system and a swiveling LCD display that keeps track of all vehicle functions and features. It is even possible to order a reclining rear seat that is also heated and ventilated.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG weighs almost 5,000 lbs, but this burden is hardly felt by the vehicle’s 6.3-liter V-8 engine. Capable of producing 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle’s acceleration almost defies description. A 7-speed automatic transmission – not quite as sporty as the one found in the Maserati – is still capable of helping the vehicle reach 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. Combined with the sedan’s upgraded suspension, the S63 AMG feels almost unstoppable on the highway and still very manageable during spirited driving on twisty roads.

Pricier than the Porsche but much closer to its performance neighborhood, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is an under-the-radar cruise missile with sports car pretensions. The vehicle is perfect for both ferrying the family on a cross-country road trip and settling grudge matches down at the local drag strip.

2009 Bentley Arnage R – MSRP $224,990

With a price tag similar to that of a small house, the 2009 Bentley Arnage R is in a different class in terms of both cost and performance. However, it is instructive to take a close look at the vehicle which at one time defined the uber-high class performance sedan. In its final model year, the Bentley is a largely hand-built masterpiece of metal and leather and so displays a refinement not found in most other four-doors. Its interior trappings are more reminiscent of what one would expect in the belly of a yacht thanks to the use of the finest leathers and wood accents. Spacious and comfortable, the Bentley is a rolling bank vault when it comes to safety, road noise and overall experience. On the outside, the vehicle looks square and upright when parked next to the Porsche, although gentle tapering and smart use of curves allows it to seem regal and sporty at the same time.

However, getting past the extreme luxury content, in terms of power and handling the Bentley is in some ways comparable to the Panamera. This is particularly impressive given the huge weight difference between the cars, one which does not tip in favor of the Bentley. Its 6.75-liter V-8 engine avails itself of twin-turbochargers in order to produce 450 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to hit 60 miles per hour from a standing start in 5.5 seconds. A 6-speed automatic transmission channels all of that brute force to the rear wheels. The Bentley’s formidably stiff chassis and suspension manage to walk on eggshells in terms of comfort while still allowing the large sedan to feel crisp when put through its handling paces.

The 2009 Bentley Arnage R is a throwback to a different era in super sedan construction, one which eschewed much of the subtlety embodied in the Panamera in favor of regal good looks and brutal power. Its astronomical price reserves it almost exclusively for royalty and robber barons, but it has the capacity to keep a Porsche driver very busy should it appear in the rear view mirror.

2009 Audi S8 – MSRP $96,200

The 2009 Audi S8 adopts a somewhat different perspective than the other vehicles on this list of performance sedans. For one, it is the only one which features a V10 pilfered from the Lamborghini Gallardo. In the S8, the 5.2-liter unit is good for a very healthy 450 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. An additional difference is the presence of Quattro all-wheel drive, Audi’s celebrated traction-inducing add-on. The vehicle’s 6-speed automatic transmission sends the power to all four wheels with enough authority to accelerate the vehicle to 60 miles per hour in about 5.6 seconds. The S8 also features an adjustable air suspension that can be tuned for either comfort or performance, giving it a versatile ride and one which is uniquely adaptable to the situation at hand. Excellent brakes round out the performance package.

The 2009 Audi S8 lives up the to standard of luxury set by its A8 cousin. Dual climate controls, HID headlights, 20-inch wheels, parking assist and a power trunk are some of the goodies to be found waiting any lucky S8 buyer. The vehicle’s interior is cavernous and quite accommodating for even larger adults. A raft of active safety features such as a lane departure warning system, a blind spot detection system, and adaptive cruise control help to keep drivers out of harm’s way when piloting the sedan at supersonic speeds.

Although not as quick as the Panamera, nor as powerful as the Mercedes-Benz, the 2009 Audi S8 occupies a sort of middle ground between those who want a capable sedan but who aren’t interested in either the heroic driving exploits offered by the Porsche or the inflated output of the AMG.

Thinking about a 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon? Drive these wagons before you buy!

Most people are familiar with the small hatchbacks and compact wagons that are popular in Europe, but not everyone is aware that large, almost full-size wagons enjoy an almost equal fan-base amongst Continental car buyers. The cream of this large wagon crop have made their way across the Atlantic and into the North American market, and leading the charge for most of the past decade has been the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon is sold in three different trim levels. Starting at $55,250, all versions of the wagon feature the same great interior volume for both passengers and cargo that have made it such a well respected option amongst import wagon buyers. The E-Class wagon can handle almost 69 cubic feet of luggage and other assorted gear with the rear seats folded down, which puts it on level footing with compact SUVs and crossovers alike. Power door locks and windows, wood trim and dual zone climate control are standard equipment, along with a power liftgate and a sunroof. Options include heated and ventilated front seats, HID headlights and DVD navigation.

The E350 is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine that is capable of producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the E550 ups the ante to 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque thanks to the inclusion of a 5.5 liter V8. The fuel mileage of each engine is remarkably similar, with the V6 barely edging out the larger engine thanks to turning in numbers of 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. A 7-speed automatic is standard for rear-wheel drive editions of the wagon, while selecting all-wheel drive as an option for either the E350 or E550 substitutes a 5-speed automatic. A rear-wheel drive only, 507 horsepower AMG edition of the wagon call the E63 is also available, and it features a 6.2 liter V8 and 7-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon might lead the market in European comfort, style and performance, but that doesn’t mean that other automakers have ceded it the title of champion. This article takes a look at 4 other wagons you must drive before deciding to purchase the E-Class.

2009 BMW 535xi Sports Wagon – MSRP $45,800

For many car shoppers, the logical competitor to Mercedes-Benz in many categories of the market is BMW. In particular, BMW is known for accenting sport over luxury and drawing a significant number of customers who are interested in a spirited driving experience. The 2009 BMW 535xi Sports Wagon is no exception. The family version of the ubiquitous 5-Series sedan, the 535xi Sports Wagon’s enclosed cargo increases the vehicle’s maximum carrying capacity to 58 cubic feet. This is a bit more than 10 short of the

Mercedes-Benz, but still quite respectable. The BMW’s spacious interior is highlighted by leatherette seats (real leather is an option), dual climate controls, and luxury options such as a lane departure warning system and active cruise control that can actually bring the car to a complete stop and then start it moving forward again, if necessary.

The 2009 BMW 535xi Sports Wagon employs an all-wheel drive configuration that takes a little bit of the edge off of BMW’s traditional rear-wheel drive platform. It also makes the vehicle quite useful when fording through snowdrifts or merging across an icy highway. In addition to being found exclusively with all-wheel drive, the 535xi features a single engine choice, a 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder unit that generates 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque thanks to the presence of twin-turbochargers. A 6-speed manual transmission makes for a more thrilling run through the gears than typically found in the E-Class, but the vehicle is noticeably down on power compared to the extra thrust available from the two different Mercedes-Benz V8’s. A 6-speed automatic transmission is also available, and fuel economy for the heavy wagon is rated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

The manual transmission and tunability of the turbocharged engine make the 2009 BMW 535xi Sports Wagon more of an enthusiast’s car than the E-Class. However, the extra space and power of the Mercedes-Benz are hard to ignore when searching for the pinnacle of German wagon engineering.

2009 Audi A6 Avant – MSRP $45,100

The 2009 Audi A6 Avant completes the trio of similarly-priced Teutonic people movers. In some ways, the Audi is quite similar to the BMW offering. The Audi also features a 3.0 liter, 6-cylinder motor that produces 300 horsepower, and thanks to a supercharger it puts out 310 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through the Quattro all-wheel drive system. However, whereas the BMW is based on a rear-wheel drive platform, the Quattro system has been grafted onto the A6’s traditional front-wheel drive layout, and as such it features more understeer and less refined handling than its competitor. The vehicle is also exclusively available with a 6-speed automatic – no manual in sight. On the plus side, the A6 Avant’s fuel consumption is far and away better than either the BMW or the Mercedes-Benz, coming in at 21 miles per gallon in stop and go traffic and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

Inside, the 2009 Audi A6 Avant offers one of the most beautifully designed and functional interiors around. Passenger room is great for adults both front and rear, and the wagon comes close to matching the E-Class with almost 64 cubic feet of total cargo space with the second row of seats folded forward. Unlike the other two German cars previously profiled, the Audi comes with standard leather seats, as well as an MP3-capable stereo system, heated front seats, a sunroof and rain sensing windshield wipers.

The 2009 Audi A6 Avant might not be a wannabe-racecar like the 5 Series, or a luxury rocket ship like the E-Class, but it does offer a comfortable balance of luxury and safety thanks to its excellent features list and all-wheel drive.

2009 Volvo V70 - MSRP $32,900

At first glance, the 2009 Volvo V70’s low starting price might seem to place it in a different class of wagon when compared to its German competitors, particularly the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, a fully equipped V70 wagon – that is to say, a vehicle which has been outfitted with the level of features that one would expect to be provided in a luxury car – comes quite close to nipping at the heels of the $50,000 mark. Volvo is also conscious of their place in the market, and in their effort to attract an upscale clientele through safety and quality engineering they have had to offer comfort and convenience features at a reduced cost when compared to other premium car companies.

That being said, the Volvo V70 can be outfitted with a raft of technological improvements such as a parking assist camera, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and a full leather interior and power liftgate. The vehicle’s maximum cargo capacity of 72 cubic feet also surpasses that of even the roomy E-Class when it comes time to load it to the brim with groceries, camping gear or soccer balls.

The 2009 Volvo V70 features a single drivetrain choice, a 3.2 liter inline-6 cylinder engine that provides 235 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive only, (with all-wheel drive being reserved for the XC70 crossover), the Volvo provides fuel economy of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox option.

It’s not sporty, nor particularly quick, but the great combination of features and safety equipment combined with the low purchase price make the 2009 Volvo V70 an excellent entry point into the world of large European wagons.

2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon – MSRP $29,690

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is the lowest priced vehicle on this list, coming in at $4,000 less than the Volvo and more than $12,000 less than the E-Class. Is it possible to get the European wagon experience without having to cough up a substantial amount of money up front? The wagon provides nice little details such as a storage and drainage system for umbrellas, as well as options like DVD navigation, dual climate controls and iPod integration. However, in terms of overall luxury, the Passat tends toward the more pedestrian side of the tracks. Passenger capacity is good and the 61 cubic feet of total cargo space is in the same neighborhood as the E-Class. More than 38 cubic feet of that is available with the rear seats in their upright position.

When it comes to power, the 2009 Passat Wagon again finds itself at a bit of a disadvantage. The vehicle is outfitted with a 2.0 liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that provides 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, running through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. This level of power won’t blow anyone’s hair back, but the wagon’s handling is pleasant and compliant, and its fuel economy is a very reasonable 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2009 Passat Wagon is the most affordable, every-day vehicle on this list, a chance to get a foothold in the European wagon world without having to take out a second mortgage. However, in terms of comparison to the E-Class, there is no real comparison – the Passat must be evaluated on its own strengths and recognized as the mid-size, entry-level European wagon of choice instead of as a challenger to the German wagon crown.