Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec diesel & E350 earn "Excellent" overall scores;
Lexus LS 460L outpoints Mercedes S550 in tests of two ultra-luxury sedans
YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Infiniti M35
retained its spot as the class leader in Consumer Reports' tests of six
luxury sedans for the November issue. But two versions of the freshened
Mercedes-Benz E- Class, the diesel-powered E320 BlueTec and the
gasoline-powered E350, are close behind the M35, with "Excellent," overall
scores.
The other luxury cars tested in this group were the freshened BMW 535i,
"Very Good" overall; the gasoline/electric hybrid Lexus GS 450h, "Very
Good"; and the redesigned Volvo S80, "Very Good". Prices for this group
range from $45,305 for the Volvo to $60,172 for the Lexus.
The diesel-powered E320 delivered excellent fuel economy, 29 mpg
overall in CR's own fuel economy tests-comparable to that of a small sedan
such as the Toyota Corolla. Fuel economy for the other vehicles in the
group ranged from a high of 23 mpg for the GS 450h to a low of 19 for the
M35.
Consumer Reports tested the rear-wheel-drive M35 as an update to the
all- wheel-drive M35X that was previously tested; the M35X was CR's 2007
Top Pick in the luxury car category. The previously-tested M35X garnered an
overall score of 97 points in CR's tests. The newly-tested M35 was close
behind, with an overall score of 95 points.
The November issue also includes tests and ratings of two $70,000-plus
ultra-luxury sedans, the $76,572 Lexus LS 460L and the $90,200
Mercedes-Benz S550. The LS 460L easily outdistanced the Mercedes in that
group, achieving a 99-point overall test score; the maximum score is 100.
The S550 received an 86-point score, considerably lower than the Lexus but
still in the "Excellent" category.
"Both versions of the Infiniti M35 are well-rounded, nimble cars that
successfully blend sportiness with comfort," said David Champion, Senior
Director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.
"The M35s are as capable handling a twisty road as they are cruising the
highway."
Four of the vehicles rated for this issue are recommended by Consumer
Reports -- the BMW 535i, the Infiniti M35, Lexus GS 450h and the Lexus LS
460L. The Mercedes E-Class and S-Class have subpar reliability in CR's
subscriber surveys, while the Volvo S80 is too new for CR to have
sufficient reliability data.
Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in
its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual
Car Reliability Survey of its own print and web subscribers, and performed
at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover
test. Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the November issue
of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale October 2. The reports are also
available to subscribers of http://www.ConsumerReports.org.
The M35 successfully blends comfort, luxury, and agility. It provides
nimble handling, a smooth engine, and tenacious tire grip. While the ride
is firm, it is never punishing. The M35 ($47,650 Manufacturer's Suggested
Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 275-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that
delivers excellent acceleration. It is paired to an excellent and
quick-shifting five- speed automatic transmission. The M35 delivered 19 mpg
overall in CR's own tests, just 1 mpg better than the all-wheel-driver
version that was previously tested. The brakes are excellent overall.
The diesel-powered E320 scored among the best luxury cars that Consumer
Reports has tested. It provides all the refinement and comfort of the other
E- Class models while delivering an excellent 29 mpg overall. And, it
delivers very good performance without the traditional diesel trade-offs in
noise, vibration, slow acceleration, or odor. The E320 BlueTec ($55,415
MSRP as tested) is powered by a turbocharged, 208-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine
mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Responsive, quick, and
remarkably quiet for a diesel it delivers strong midrange torque but isn't
as quick as most gas-powered cars in this month's test group. Braking
distances were a bit long for the E320.
The 2008 freshening of the BMW 5 Series is a mixed blessing. CR's
engineers and editors really liked the new twin-turbocharged six-cylinder
engine, the agile handling, compliant ride and the interior craftsmanship.
But the car's overcomplicated controls made it frustrating to live with. In
addition, marginal side-impact crash-test results from the Insurance
Institute of Highway Safety are also not up to par for this group. The
highlight of the new 535i ($55,520 MSRP as tested) is its 300-hp, 3.0-liter
V6 that delivers smooth and effortless acceleration. The powerplant makes
the BMW one of the quickest cars in this class, with a zero-to-60 time of
just 5.8 seconds-a tenth of a second quicker than the Lexus GS 450h. The
six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively. The
brakes are very good overall.
CR's staff found the GS 450h Hybrid disappointing in its price range.
The Hybrid is intended to be a powerful sport/luxury sedan that couples a
hybrid electric motor with a V6 engine to provide quick acceleration. But
the GS doesn't live up to its "sport" or "luxury" billing. Handling is
secure but lacks the agility of its competitors, and it suffers from numb
steering. The ride is very stiff. And, for its size, the cockpit is tight
and has insufficient head room. The GS 450h ($60,172 MSRP as tested) is
equipped with a smooth and responsive 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine that
delivers 340 hp. It's mated to an excellent continuously variable
transmission. Brakes on the Lexus are very good overall.
The redesigned S80 is slightly improved in ride and quietness compared
with the previous model, but it lost rear-seat room and access. It has some
innovative safety systems, such as side blind-spot and forward-collision
warning systems. But overall, the Volvo doesn't offer the levels of
performance or luxury that are expected in this price range. The S80 3.2
($45,305 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 235-hp, 3.2-liter inline
six-cylinder engine that feels outclassed in this category; a turbocharged
285-hp six became available after CR bought its test car. The 235-hp engine
tested sounds a bit raspy and needs to be revved for decent performance.
The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. Brakes on
the Volvo are very good overall.
Ultra-Lux Face-Off
The Lexus LS 460h easily outscored the Mercedes S550 in CR's tests of
the ultra-luxury cruisers. Both cars provide the highest levels of comfort,
quietness, roominess, and luxury features. The Mercedes had more agile
handling, better steering feel, and a slight edge in ride comfort and
acceleration. But its score was hurt by its much lower fuel economy (21 mpg
in the Lexus vs. 17 mpg in the Mercedes) and complicated controls that can
be frustrating to use.
Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and
advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most
comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the
magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and
reporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645.
Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at
http://www.ConsumerReports.org.
NOVEMBER 2007
(C) Consumers Union 2007. The material above is intended for legitimate
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