The Family Car Guide: 2011 Luxury Wagons, Part Two

By Suzanne Kane

Continuing our two-part series on the 2011 luxury wagons, here we’ll look at the wagon offerings from Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. Since they’re luxury makes, they naturally come with a wide variety and number of standard and optional features.

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon – The 5-passenger mid-size 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is available in five trims, with base MSRPs ranging from $38,265 to $52,940. The base trim comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a 270-hp 3.0-liter direct injection V-6 engine. Other trims feature the 304-hp 3.6-liter direct injection V-6. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base model achieves an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway, while fuel economy numbers for other trims are 18/26. Notable features include standard power liftgate with memory height, fold-flat rear seats with 58 cubic feet of cargo space, modular under-floor storage, hand-cut-and-sewn seating accents, optional Sapele wood trim, optional heated/ventilated seats, leather seating surfaces, Bose 5.1-surround sound audio, 8-inch diagonal light-up touch-screen navigation system with voice activation, available rearview camera. Safety features include eight airbags, four-wheel ABS, four-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability and traction control systems, OnStar automated crash response and a slew of OnStar safety/diagnostics services, and optional rear parking assist.

Enlarge PhotoMercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon – The single wagon offering from Mercedes-Benz for 2011 is the E350 4Matic Wagon, which carries a starting MSRP of $56,200. Powered by the 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to seven-speed automatic transmission and featuring 4Matic AWD, the full-size E350 4Matic Wagon seats five adults and two children in three rows and has 20.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second row down. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway. The automaker’s tagline is that is doesn’t just do some things well, but it does everything well. Considering the nine standard active airbags, electronic stability control, and standard or optional features such as brake assist, active lane keeping assist and active blind spot assist, adapative Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination, night vision assist with passenger detection, attention assist driver drowsiness monitor – safety is something the automaker pays a great deal of attention to. Since this is a Mercedes-Benz, the array of luxury features standard and optional are extensive.

Enlarge PhotoVolvo V50 Sport Wagon – The compact premium wagon from Scandinavian automaker Volvo is the V50 Sport Wagon. For 2011, the five-passenger front-wheel drive (FWD) V50 is available in T5 and R-Design, with starting MSRPs at $39,000 and $32,850, respectively. Powered by the 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, the V50 achieves an Epa-ESTIMATED 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway. Safety features abound, including preventive ABS with electronic brake assist, electronic stability and traction control, dual Xenon gas discharge headlights with active bending lights, and protective safety including eight airbags, side impact protection and whiplash protection system and more. Maximum cargo capacity is 62.6 cubic feet.
 
Source: Family Car Guide

The Family Car Guide: 2011 Luxury Wagons, Part One

By Suzanne Kane

The field of luxury wagons this fall is more than a little exciting – if you’re looking for a family car that combines the attributes of an SUV with the easy-handling of a car, plus a good deal of luxe features, mostly standard, some optional. In fact, even consumers who’ve long ago sworn off wagons are urged to come check them out. There’s a lot to like.
 
The total list of 2011 luxury wagons includes two from Audi, while BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo each offer one. In part one, we’ll look at the wagon offerings from Audi and BMW.

2010 Audi A4 Avant

Enlarge PhotoAudi A4 Avant – The compact five-passenger 2011 Audi A4 Avant, available in three models (2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, and 2.0T Prestige), features standard Audi Quattro full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) and 211-hp 2.0 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway. The automaker bills the A4 Avant as offering the performance of a V-6 with the fuel-efficiency of a four-cylinder engine. But reviewers say that Audi A4 has never been known for performance, but more for its high-quality interior – which is considered the benchmark in its class. Well laid out, comfortable, standard leather seating surfaces, 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space (with rear seats folded), numerous technology features standard or optional prove the point. Safety features include front, side, and side-curtain airbags and optional rear-seat side-curtain airbags on Premium Plus and Prestige models, antilock brakes, traction and stability control. An Active Braking Guard is available as part of adaptive cruise control on Prestige. Base manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) range from $35,940 to $45,040.

Audi A6 Avant – Moving up to the mid-size 2011 Audi A6 Avant, the wagon version of the A6 lineup is also offered in three models (3.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, and 3.0T Prestige). Powered by a 300-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine mated to a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and featuring standard Audi Quattro AWD, A6 Avant achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway. Base MSRPs range from $53,310 to $56,360. Reviewers say the A6 Avant delivers excellent handling dynamics and a suberbly-finished and comfortable interior, although its maximum cargo capacity with rear seats folded is 59 cubic feet and can’t compare with the 62.6 cubic feet of the Volvo V50 Sport Wagon. A6 Avant safety features include ABS, stability control, full complement of airbags (including optional rear side airbags), while rearview camera, rear parking sensors, side blind-spot assist, and lane departure warning systems are either optional or included as standard on upper models.

2009 BMW 3-Series

Enlarge PhotoBMW 3-Series Sports Wagon – Now in its fifth generation, the BMW 3-Series is considered by many to be one of the world’s premier driving machines. Its wagon variant includes the rear-drive 328i Sports Wagon and 328i xDrive Sports Wagon with intelligent AWD. Both models are powered by the 230-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission (Steptronic automatic transmission is a $1,375 option). EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 328i is 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway (automatic) and 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway (manual), while the 328i xDrive achieves 17/26 (automatic) and 17/25 (manual). The premium compact wagons are equipped with stability and traction control, four-wheel ABS with dynamic brake control, run-flat tires, front and side airbags, while BMW Assist Emergency telematics, park distance control, and Xenon adaptive headlights are optional. Starting MSRPs range from $35,700 (328i) to $37,700 (328i xDrive).

Source: Family Car Guide

Diesel Economics 201: Q3 Sales Accelerate to 33%

By Jonathan Spira on 21 October 2010

Is 2010 the year of the diesel? A new analysis by The Diesel Driver shows an increasingly strong preference for diesel-powered cars compared to the petrol-powered equivalent models

The Diesel Driver analyzed detailed new-car sales data from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, the four companies that currently offer diesel-powered passenger vehicles in the U.S. (a detailed spreadsheet of this data may be found at the end of this article). The data cover the first nine months of 2010 and show that diesel sales have not only continued to slowly increase but, in the case of one auto maker, they have reached a point where more buyers chose a diesel than a petrol-powered equivalent model. The trends for the three months ending September 30, 2010 are particularly worthy of note.

At Audi, 53% of buyers chose a diesel in Q3 over the petrol equivalent. For the first six months, only 45% went diesel.

The percentage of buyers choosing a diesel over petrol at Volkswagen increased from 36% to 41% and the Touareg joined the Jetta Sportwagen as a diesel model of preference with Q3 buyers choosing the Touareg TDI by a ratio of 3 to 1.

Given the relative lack of hype around diesel-powered automobiles (compared to hybrids), and the fact that the diesel market was virtually undetectable in the U.S. just a few years ago, the fact that 33% of car buyers in the third quarter chose a diesel over the comparable petrol-powered model is indeed noteworthy.

Total diesel sales for the first nine months of 2010 were 55,353 (the figure for petrol-powered cars was 115,041). This represents 33% of overall sales. Based on these numbers, diesel sales (when compared to comparable petrol models) will unquestionably comprise one-third of (comparable model) sales for calendar year 2010.

For the first nine months of 2010, only two diesel models consistently outsold their petrol variants, namely the Audi A3 TDI and the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Meanwhile, the BMW 335d and the Volkswagen Touareg are next in line for membership in this exclusive club.

VW CONTINUES AS VOLUME LEADER

In terms of volume diesel sales, Volkswagen lead with 14,413 diesels sold in Q3 and 37,803 sold in the first nine months of 2010. BMW continued in second place with 2914 diesels sold in Q3 and 8352 sold in the first nine months.

Audi, which had the highest percentage of diesel sales in Q3 with 53%, came in third with total diesel sales of 1775 (year-to-date sales were 4631). Mercedes-Benz, the company that introduced the first passenger diesel car in 1936, came in fourth, with 1893 diesel sales in Q3.

The Diesel Driver expects the overall uptick in diesel sales to continue as automakers introduce new diesel models. Mercedes-Benz recently added the E350 BlueTec sedan diesel and BMW is expected to add additional diesel models including a 5er Series diesel in the coming months.

Correction: 22 October 2010
An earlier version of this article stated that comparable model diesel sales had risen to 38%. It also stated that 73% of BMW’s comparable model sales were for diesels. As a result of receiving incomplete sales data from several automakers, multiple corrections were made to the spreadsheet. Actual Q3 diesel sales were 33% industry-wide in the U.S. and BMW’s Q3 diesel sales were 29%. The incomplete data had no material impact on other figures.

Source:TheDieselDriver

Multiple BMW Models Praised for Resale Value

Recognition from both Kelly Blue Book and ALG

BMW announced that it won two Best Resale Value awards from Kelley Blue Book and a Residual Value Award from Automotive Lease Guide (ALG). The BMW 1 Series won the ALG Residual Value Award in the Near Luxury Car category. The BMW X5 xDrive35d Advanced Diesel was named Best Resale Value in its class by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, and the 2010 BMW M3 is one of the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value according to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

''BMW drivers are loyal to the brand not only because of the exceptional driving experience their vehicles provide, but because of the remarkable ease of ownership afforded by BMW Ultimate Service®,'' said Robert Frisch, Vice President, Western Region, BMW of North America. ''Ultimate Service helps ensure BMW vehicles are serviced properly and on-schedule for the first four years, boosting the resale value and desirability of each BMW in the used vehicle marketplace.''

ALG determines the award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical performance, and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts. Winning vehicles in each segment are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. Since 2007, BMW models have won five ALG Residual Value Awards.

The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. In addition to the mainstream and luxury brands with the best projected resale values across their entire vehicle lines, awards are presented to top vehicles within 16 vehicle categories and for the overall top 10 vehicles across all categories. With these two latest honors, BMW has garnered a total of 14 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards since the awards were established in 2003.

Source: BMWUSA

3 Series Designer Perspectives

Source: BMWUSA

X3 Designer Perspectives

Source: BMWUSA

BMW Group And PSA Peuget Citroen Signed Agreement On Further Development Of 4-Cylinder Petrol Engine

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – October 19, 2010: The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen will continue their successful engine collaboration. An agreement to that effect was signed by Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroen, in Paris.

The two companies have agreed to develop the next generation of the jointly designed 4-cylinder petrol engine which will meet EU 6 requirements. Currently, the engine is being used in several MINI, Peugeot and Citroën brand models.

The partners have also confirmed to examine other possible areas for cooperation at systems and component level, with the aim of leveraging synergies in the development, production and procurement of selected components.

“We have always been very successful in our cooperation with our partners, and that is particularly true with regard to PSA. We are delighted to continue our engine cooperation and look into options for further collaboration.” said Reithofer.

PSA Peugeot Citroën’s Chairman of the Managing Board Varin declared “this new agreement with BMW is confirming the success of the cooperation between our two companies which has produced 1.3 million engines since 2006. I am confident that the next generation of jointly developed engines will reach the same success as the current generation”.

Source: TheAutoChannel.com

New Mercedes-Benz V8 Engines Make U.S. Driving Debut

CHESTER, NY - October 19, 2010: Mercedes-Benz USA is offering automotive journalists the first drive on U.S. roads of their all-new direct injection biturbo V8 engines. Powering through New York State's Hudson Valley region, the new 4.6-liter V8 engine has 20 percent smaller displacement than its predecessor but generates 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque - 12 percent more horsepower and 32 percent more torque than the engine it replaces yet fuel economy improves by about 10%. This new engine is available in the restyled 2011 CL550 4MATIC, with an MSRP of $114,025.

The second engine making its debut is the hand-assembled high-performance 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine, featuring the use of stop/start technology as well as twin turbochargers and direct injection.

Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

This new engine produces 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque while at the same time achieving an estimated 20 percent improvement in fuel economy. Mated to the award-winning 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission, this new engine is available in the 2011 CL63 AMG coupe ($151,125) and S63 AMG sedan ($138,875). For even more performance the optionally available AMG Performance Package increases engine power to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. for torque; top speed also increases to 186 mph.

The epitome of luxury coupes

These new engines make their U.S. debut in the restyled 2011 CL-Class set to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in November. The flagship coupe of the Mercedes-Benz model range, the CL-Class features a new hood, fenders, grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED turn signals and daytime running lights. The rear of the vehicle incorporates new LED taillights, bumper-integrated exhaust pipes and reverse lights now located in the trunk lid. Inside, the interior includes new steering wheel design and interior colors.

Innovative New Safety Options for 2011 CL-Class Models

New safety options for the 2011 CL-Class line include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist that both incorporate automatic ESP brake intervention. Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.

Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver is alerted with visual and audible warnings. Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist now incorporate a brake intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car’s course if the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning.

source: TheAutoChannel.com

Rumor: BMW X4 Concept to be shown in 2011. Production model in 2014

Author: Horatiu B.

Newest rumor from Munich brings forward the idea of a BMW X4. First news around an X4 model came around in 2007, but they amplified earlier this year when other several automotive outlets reported on a future, smaller version of the X6 Sports Activity Coupe.
 
According to our sources, the BMW X4 has moved from an idea to the Concept stage and will be first shown in 2011. The production model will be launched in late 2013, early 2014. We learned that the X4 would share most hardware and interior parts with the X3. The X4 will be exclusively build at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The Spartanburg plant have increased its capacity from a previous 160,000 to 240,000, and the expansion was presented today to automotive journalists. (We will report on this later this week).

Along the same lines, AutoWeek reports today that the X4 is a smaller and more agile four-seater. The X4 is set to receive individual styling in a move to give it a more sporting image and enable BMW to position it higher than the SUV upon which it is based.

According to AutoWeek, those who have seen the latest design proposals suggest the X4 differs from the X3 in much the same way the X6 is removed from the X5, with a bullish front end, curved coupe-style roofline, four doors and heavily angled tailgate.
 
“The design is not finalized, but we know the direction and it will likely surprise,” a source told AutoWeek.

As with any new product, expect to hear more news and rumors in the near future, and of course, the much-hyped renderings.

[Source: Autoweek ]

Rumor: BMW X5 to use the first Tri-Turbo Diesel engine

Featured: Six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel

Author: Horatiu B.
 
It has not been yet confirmed with multiple sources, but the rumor mill has it that BMW is developing a tri-turbo diesel engine based on the six-cylinder turbo existing in the BMW line-up. The tri-turbo engine will output 354 horsepower and it will be initially used in a BMW X5 Performance Diesel.
 
This new engine will carry the EfficientDynamics badge by incorporating technologies like Start-Stop system and Brake Energy Regeneration (KERS). It will be geared towards the European market in need for a top X5 model.

BMW X5 Performance Diesel has less pronounced wheel arches that the ones seen on the new BMW X5 M . The Wheels give the car very sporting and powerful appearance. The aerodynamic performance package follows the design of the X5 M, but the central intake is smaller with the intakes for the brakes less open mouthed and a colored bar across .
 
Same source, someone close to BMW, speaks of subtle spoilers for air flow at the leading edge of the bumper. The rear of the car features two larger and more exposed performance exhaust pipes which will be incorporated in the upcoming facelift of the X5.

The tri-turbo engine will be first available in the X5 models and the X6 at a later date. BMW plans to introduce the engine within key models such as the next 5 Series , 7 Series and eventually the additional 5er and 6er variants.

It is unknown what name will these X5 models carry, but as soon as we get more info, you’ll have it.