Analyses of Luxury Marques- a Must-See!
S4cabriofox submitted on 9/18/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 6:27:48 PM
44 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: www.autospies.com
I've written this article up to remind everyone what the meaning of this site is, what we love.
We're enthusiasts. Luxury cars are good cars; that's final. Anyone who thinks BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar, Cadillac, Acura, Volvo or Saab makes a bad car doesn't deserve a place on this website.
Acura- A bit like the Japanese equivalent of Audi, Acura is a surprisingly high seller with unappreciated models. The TSX is really very good.
Audi- Underestimated "intelligent luxury" brand that's way better than some people (cough-cough-logical-cough) think. Anyone who thinks Audi isn't as good as the lemmings obviously hasn't driven the RS4, or my car, for that matter. Also, they have the hallmark interiors, of course.
BMW- The perennial overachiever, BMW is possibly the most respected sports-sedan maker that Europe has to offer. Anyone who loves this brand has a right to. Unlike some people, I'm open to all brands, and BMW is one of my many favorites.
Cadillac- An American comeback that was once the "standard of the world". The new CTS and STS really show that GM has some guts left, and they're finally a challenge for BMW.
Infiniti- Among the Japanese Three, this is the most BMW-like. In the years leading up to 2001, Infinitis were mediocre. But the G35 changed all perceptions, and Infinitis are the most sporting of the Japanese luxury brands. Although the interiors aren't the best, it's worth the compromise if you're brave enough to be different.
Jaguar- Although their relatively recently introduced lower-level sedans, X-Type and S-Type, have tanked compared to their competitors, the beautiful XJ and stunning XK really show that the fabled British marque still has a light at the end of the tunnel.
Lexus- The major standout among Asian brands, Lexus has done what people scoffed at in 1989: they've beaten Mercedes, at least in the US. What started as a copycat company now offers truly quality products. Although they haven't reached BMW/Audi/Infiniti-levels of sportiness, they're comfortable for the average consumer.
Mercedes-Benz- The evergreen appeal hasn't faded. Mercedes is still the car that everyone wants. With unmistakable style, rich interiors and country-club-worthy prices, they're a dime a dozen around the 'burbs. And worth every penny!
Saab- Forgotten since it has been eaten by GM, Saab is desperately in need of new, more Saab-like products. The 9-3 is a great example of what Saabs should be like- stylish, quirky and sporty in their own special way. Saab should me more closely looked at by potential Infiniti or Volvo buyers.
Volvo- Although their safety standards remain, Volvo has become more stylish and more sporty (and more Scandinavian) over the past years. The S60R is their first true foray into the performance sedan market, and it's been pretty successful. Volvo deserves respect.
And so it goes.