BMW 535i Touring

As promised, after releasing the ever-popular 5-series sedan, BMW promised a sexy touring version. And indeed—they have.

·             Design & Engineering:

From the outside, the touring version would be referred to in layman terms as: a standard saloon, with a stretched rear. Yes and no. In essence, yes, but in terms of technicality, no. Like the sedan, the Bimmer sports a dreamy sort of bonnet, with a mix of sharp and sensual lines. Bold fronts and a good stature mature the vehicle even more. Nowadays, BMW has rid of the standard circular Corona lights—and has switched to a piercing white light instead. Step towards the side, and be amazed, as the touring reveals its secret up its sleeve, extending the vehicle to a considerable size. Large 18/19-inch wheels fill up the cavernous wheel arches, providing for that Bavarian look and feel. From the rear, being the twin-turbo charged model, the 535i touring sports two chromed exhausts, invoking one’s sense of sportiness. Unlike other car makers, BMW manages to make their touring series as good looking, or possibly better looking than the original sedan itself.  This proves to show that a touring sized vehicle need not be associated with the everyday housewife, but rather with the avantgarde businessman.

·            Interior

Imagine 5-series interior. Now take it from the saloon, and seam it into the touring 535i. Indeed, the 5-series touring sports an identical interior with the 5-series saloon. Nevertheless, take in the beautifully crafted interior, with the high-gloss array of wood reflecting your personal reflection. As usual, the Bimmer’s steering wheel has that classical ‘squishy’ feel, and comes with paddle shifters, as another option to control the 8-speed, twin-turbo charged engine. Unlike the previous generation, the current 5-series displays an almost on par, 7-series interior, with items such as door paneling laden with leather and wood. The 5-series now features a luxurious style of carpeting, with a mixture of carpet and suede—all soft to the touch and available in colours of your choice. At the rear, space is as comfortable as ever, with dual zone climate control available for rear passengers. As a hollow is now featured at the rear of the 5-series touring, rear passengers will feel less claustrophobic, more so with the optional panoramic sunroof overhead. Obviously, the 535i touring rises to the occasion with its vast rear boot space. In the boot area, user-friendly features such as a one-touch cache, folds the rear seats down with ease. This allows a couple of golf bags to be thrown into the rear, along with say a tricycle, and an array of grocery bags. Fuss free, and as practical as ever, the touring satisfies all the taste buds of an interior critic. Check mark right there.

·            Ride & Handling

Despite the 70kg weight increase, the Bavarian wagon impresses, and skates over ice—literally propelling forward as if riding on silk. Compared to Volvo’s flagship V70, Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class Estate, and Audi’s A6 Wagon (~2011 model), the 5-series touring reaches the 100km/h mark, in an understated 6.1 seconds, compared to 7.7 from Volvo. With 306 horsepower on tap, the BMW surges past multiple cars without much fuss. Unlike competitors such as, per say Volvo’s V70, the 5-series touring handles corners and potholes with ease, due to well controlled body control, a fine-tuned suspension, and an effective steering. Although at low speeds, the turbo doesn’t quite kick in, providing slight frustration at times. Nevertheless, once pass 3500 RPM’s, the turbos kick in, propelling the vehicle forward. Being a thoroughbred German, the BMW excels in noise insulation and ride comfort. In a nutshell, this slinky touring vehicle slinks past competition with mind-blowing speeds.

·            Verdict

The 535i touring, proves that practicality can come in smaller packages, vis-à-vis SUV’s, MPV’s, and the like. Great build quality, amazing looks, and sensual performance. Watch out for the arrival of Audi’s new A6-touring, expected to make its debut soon. As for the E-Class Estate, the only means of competition lies in the E63 AMG.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW-5er-Touring-F11-Audi-A6-Avant-Mercedes-E-Klasse-T-Modell-Front1.jpg

o    http://www.fastestlaps.com/showimage.php?fname=photos/bmw_535i_touring.jpg&new_h=460&new_w=460

o    http://www.zcars.com.au/images/2011-bmw-5-series-touring-interior1.jpgo    http://cdn.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2011_bmw_5_series_touring_images_main.jpg?9707a5

http://cdn0.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2011-bmw-5-series-touring-evolution.jpg

Mercedes-Benz CLS (350, BlueEfficiency)

Mercedes pioneered in the 4-door coupé section with the launch of the 1^st generation CLS in 2004. The CLS inspired carmakers to produce vehicles such as Jaguar’s XF, Audi’s A5 sportback, BMW’s soon-to-be-released 6-Series four-door, and more. Now with rivals such as Audi’s A7 making its debut, Mercedes has decided that they intend to holdfast to their share of the pie. We come to see how…

·             Design & Engineering:

The first generation CLS was described by many as: “beautiful rear, excellent curves, gawky face.” Nevertheless, the model sold well throughout the world, attracting many with the use of top-notch materials, powerful engine, and four-seater seat configuration. Back to the new CLS now. From the front, a bold Mercedes badge plasters the horizontal grills. As with the current trend, LED lights line the sides of the vehicle, illuminating only when in Auto light mode. On the CLS, new sets of headlamps are on display, with LED’S wrapping around bi-xenon lights. From the side, the vehicle’s low-slung stance and upswept profile, provides it with a sporty yet elegant look. If one were to look closer at the rims, one would notice the brakes, embossed with the Mercedes-Benz stencil, providing for an increased sense of luxury. As a reminder of the vehicle’s light carbon footprints, the BlueEfficiency badge plasters both sides of the CLS, proudly coloured in with a deep-sea blue. From the rear, teardrop LED’s flank the rear, merging in with the sweeping rear glass. Last but not least, notice the 7G-Tronic badge on the rear boot, reminding one of the buttery smooth transmission featured in models such as the S-Class.   

·            Interior

As one pulls on the door handles, an assuring German sound resonates from the simple action. Step into the interior, and one immediately snuggles into the firm, yet luxuriously smooth leather seats, with 3X memory. A redesigned leather gripped sports steering wheel provides useful buttons, without making one feel claustrophobic. The classic tri-chrome speedometer now comes with a silver-white background, along with a high quality graphics screen. Personally speaking, I prefer the classic black background speedometer, as they provide an increased sense of luxury, mixed in with the business feel. As with all new Mercedes’, a side transmission replaces the classic center gearbox, adding for ease, innovation, and style. Nevertheless, first time Mercedes owners will take a bit of time in order to familiarize themselves with the new method of changing gears. A coloured screen finds itself present in the new CLS, optimized with a revised COMMAND system, and controlled by a knob under the center armrest. Extremely simple to use, and relatively idiot proof. For that ultra-luxury feel, Mercedes now implements a leather lined dashboard across the front of the CLS. As with the S-Class, the new CLS now features a proper old-school clock, placed between the two air-conditioning vents in the center console. One complaint about the center console. The use of silver buttons with a white light background makes buttons such as those for the rear blinds impossible to use. Wood/aluminum stretches from the front to the rear, creating a Business Class touch and feel. At the rear, scooped up bucket seats provide optimum comfort, providing occupants with the ultimate ride.      

·            Ride & Handling

Mated to a creamy 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, the 3.5-liter V6 powerplant beats with flexibility and refinement. Surprisingly, if one eases down on the accelerator, a slight growl emits from the engine up front, allowing the CLS to reach 0—100km/h in an admirable 6.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h. Round curves and bends, the CLS rounds with confidence, with power directed towards the rear wheels. When driven over bumps and humps, serenity is still felt, as the CLS soaks and absorbs up the road ahead.   

·            Verdict

A charmer, with sleek and sexy designs, along with supreme comfort. Welcome back to the game Mercedes.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/23869/images/1New2011MercedesCLSpictures.jpg

o    http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/23869/images/3New2011MercedesCLSpictures.jpg

o    http://plugai.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2011-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-Estate-05.jpg

http://www.dailycars.org/images/19/2011-mercedes-benz-cls-63-amg-rear-seating-1280x960-660x400.jpg

General Motors

General Motors. Most of us probably know about it, due to the result of its bankruptcy during the financial crisis. Forced to cut brands such as Saturn, Hummer, GM has had to focus on global brands such as Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet.

·             Buick:

Years ago, Buicks used to be found in the garages of big shots, along with those within the House. Over a short span of years, the favor in the brand declined rapidly, due to lousy build quality, unappealing looks, along with a high-consummation of gas. In fact, the brand became almost non-existent, until the ‘reformation’ of the brand, beginning in the U.S., which spread onto GM’s main hub—China. Such examples of a new and improved Buick brand, would include models such as the LaCrosse, a vehicle known for its plush interior, attention to detail, sharp and smart detailing, along with its excellent fuel economy. Many auto magazines, have rated Buick’s only SUV, the Enclave as ‘a comfortable yet classy SUV’. In China, the ever-famous Buick GL8 MPV is bought and used by expats and businesses alike. As Buick sticks true to its routes by following the quote: “hidden luxury”, multiple features/goodies come as options or as standard. Take the full leather dash with contrasting stitching featured in the LaCrosse, the optional BOSE 5:1 Premium Surround Sound, Bi-Xenon headlamps, with ice-blue interior lighting….

Hidden luxury through Buick—a brand beginning to appeal to many.    

·            Cadillac:

For years, this classic American brand has been known for one word—luxury. In fact, the President on the United State’s limousine has always been a Cadillac. In the past, Cadillac’s’ were bought by the elderly, due to its styling, and drably coloured interiors. Nowadays, with popular and youth-appealing models such as the CTS, SRX, and V-models (high-performance division), luxury mixed in with sportiness and a sense of avant-gardism proves itself well, in such a well balanced combination.

·            Chevrolet:

Having recently celebrated its 100^th birthday, Chevrolet has advanced in leaps and bounds. Being GM’s lowest and cheapest range, one is always surprised at the levels of variation offered within the brand itself. For instance, take the Chevrolet Beat, a lower range model, where the morals of the vehicle are: low cost, quality, and loudmouth. At the higher ends of the pyramid, lie vehicles such as the Camaro, where performance, luxury, style and comfort come together as one. In short, Chevrolet does a relatively good job of balancing out both ends of the platter, offering comfort and sportiness in a reasonably priced package.

·            Verdict

GM seems to be back on track, with any luck, it will top as the world’s number one automaker for 2011.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://gmc-vans.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/buick-lacrosse.jpg

o    http://www.careleasedate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2011-Buick-LaCrosse-Interior-View-Picture.jpg

o    https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggewmvaX9aGoXHCN6bfFgNOw0zzEjyog1K-hSbZdQf7MBq-Hor3ptZUvhQVpd_sDQatxNO8emhC6N3Kesav4MI8ANVoNqvB2bDbCkpQBSSECOZL_vEcIs38wOGA6dumzrCzDIg7eF-kIM/s1600/Buick+LaCrosse2.jpg

o    http://www.buick.com/content/dam/Buick/Global/master/nscwebsite/en/home/Vehicles/View_All_Vehicles/Current_Vehicles/2011_Enclave/Photo_Gallery/Exterior/01_image/2011-enclave-exterior-chrome-clad-mm-gal-1-870x329-20.jpg

o    http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/buick-gl8-china-express-opt.jpg

o    http://www.billdodgeautogroup.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/gl8-interior-maine.jpg

o    http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/moxiepix/a4506.jpg

http://minnesotapopularcars.tk/images/Chevrolet_Camaro_Concept/Chevrolet_Camaro_Concept_14.jpg

Volvo S60 T6 R-Design

Volvo S60 T6 R-Design

A few months ago, we rated and reviewed the brand new Volvo S60, describing it as a quantum leap for Volvo. With the model re-introduced into the market, after running through Volvo’s exclusive R-division, we come to see how it differs from the original.

·             Design & Engineering:

I will admit. Years ago, the brand name Volvo, made me think of the old aged, and retired. That changed altogether, with the introduction of the brand new, modern, and city influenced S60. With the recent debut of the S60 R-Design, Volvo takes the standard S60, and adapts it to ‘race mode’, sharpening and tweaking almost the entire vehicle. Let’s start from the front. Compare the original S60 to the R-Design version, and one immediately notices five obvious changes. The front cheeks of the vehicle now seep downwards, compared to the original model, where the curves form an acute angle, towards the center of the face. The bottom grill now flares up, so as to take in additional air, in order to power the T6 engine. Xenon lights come standard, providing a sense of sportiness when flipped on. Perhaps the most obvious item—the R-Design badge embedded smartly into the grill. Don’t forget to take a step back, for one will immediately notice the vehicle’s shortened stance. From the side, apart from sexy, 18-inch shoes, slightly more aerodynamic wing mirrors, along with an intelligent keyless door system, things stay pretty much the same as before. From the rear, the board of tinted aluminum (on the bottom, between the tail pipes) from the standard S60 has now been replaced by black, aerodynamic fins, while twin tailpipes are now outlined in chrome. A small, but useful boot lid spoiler comes as standard, and is aided by the words: ‘AWD, and T6’, for that sporty feel.

·            Interior

Step into the R-Design interior, and a sense of excitement shocks you through. The full sports leather steering wheel, now features the words ‘R-Design’, carved into the sporty aluminum. Unlike the standard S60, the ‘R-Design’ model comes with ocean blue and chromium silver dial backgrounds, with a sporty red needle, inching up by the second. Sport pedals add for extra flavour. In all of their vehicles, Volvo strives for that good ole’ European feel, the R-Design S60 being no exception. Take the seats for instance, which are made of three materials: leather, cloth, and Flextech, with the insignia of the R-Design division neatly imprinted into the material. With thick-bolsters to snuggle passengers in, contrasting colour stitching adds for extra modernism. Volvo’s signature floating center console makes its way into the vehicle, with improved graphics, knobs, and buttons. A Start/Stop button tops of the cake. Back at the rear, despite the vehicle’s small sized stature, the rear bench is comfortable, and provides enough space for three adults to pack in nicely. Rear head and legroom prove to be ample for all passengers, with side air conditioning for a finishing touch. Mmm, a comfortable, sporty, yet plush interior.

·            Ride & Handling

The twin-scroll 3.0-liter in-line six, turbo engine, provides the R-Design S60 with dazzling oomph, power, and speed. With 304-horse power, the Volvo easily speeds to a maximum of 250km/h, with 0-100km/h accomplished in 6.5 seconds. For a mid-sized family saloon, the Volvo pulls of its bag of tricks exceptionally well, and pleases like no tomorrow, with the aid of all wheel drive. In addition, thanks to a sportier chassis, shorter and stiffer springs, as well as a strut brace under the bonnet, the vehicle feels sporty and solid, and even manages to maintain its composure over bumpy and uneven roads. The standard S60 was criticized for its unresponsive steering; but in the R-Design version, things function as sweetly as possible. Being a Volvo, safety also comes as standard, with features such as Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, which activates the needed brakes at low speeds of 35km/h, when pedestrians are detected in front of the vehicle. The S60 R-Design satisfies what most look for—speed and safety, in sync with innovation.  

·            Verdict

A sexy and sporty mid-sized family saloon, with performance, comfort and a 21^st Century mindset on hand.

o    Pictures from:

o    http://www.carshowp.com/2011-volvo-s60-r-design/

o    http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201104/volvo-s60-r-design-5_460x0w.jpg

o    http://www.automobilesreview.com/pictures/2011-volvo-s60-r-design/2011-volvo-s60-r-design-02.html

o    http://www.distroauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2011-Volvo-S60-R-Design-Cockpit-590x442.jpg