Mercedes Benz’s E Class sedan has been one of its most popular vehicles for decades. Adding a full measure of
style to the marque, a coupe was recently introduced. Sporting frameless doors
and a pillarless profile, this svelte machine has a swept expanse from the
front door pillars all the way to the trunk. Though a radical and
welcome styling departure, this automotive beauty still retains the essence of
the E Class.
The coupe comes in two versions. The E350 has a 3.5 liter V-6 with 268
horsepower, and the E550 has a 5.5 liter V-8 engine with 382 horsepower. The
3.5 has sufficient power to satisfy most drivers, but the 5.5 has almost 50
percent more. Both are connected to Mercedes
’ lovely 7-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is airy thanks to the broad expanse of side window glass plus a
panoramic sunroof. The E Coupe offers ventilated seats, as part of the $6350
Premium 2 option package, to offset the added sunshine/heat, which is much
appreciated by buyers in warm climates. The multi-contour seats and interior
creative styling add to the cabin atmosphere. Interior niceties like a hard
drive enabled navigation with a 7-inch screen, voice command, Sirius real time
traffic and Zagat restaurant guide add to the experience. An excellent audio
system will serenade you on the road.
The Appearance Package adds a measure of sportiness to this new coupe and
includes several upgrades like perforated brake discs, painted brake calipers
and 18-inch AMG alloy wheels.
Distronic Plus technology includes Pre-Safe. This innovation will prepare the
braking system to give full stopping with less than full pressure on the brake
if it detects emergency driving conditions. This gives precious extra time for
the vehicle to react prior to a possible collision. Its called an electronic
crumple zone. The system will also pre-tension seat belts and adjust seats for
maximum occupant protection. It will also automatically close all windows and
the sunroof.
The Attention Assist will alert the driver to “signs of drowsiness” by measuring 70 driving parameters. If it senses that you are driving
erratically, it will give an audible warning and a
“Time for a Rest” warning on the dash board. The elegant interior also contains up to 11 airbags,
including a new driver
’s knee bag.
Aside from all the technology found in the vehicle, its also a fun car to drive.
It is well balanced and responsive. Occupants feel pampered and being seen
driving this car will make you look 10 years younger and 15 pounds lighter. It
’s the tip of the styling spear for Mercedes.
Most people haven’t heard that Buick is one the top three selling brands in China, and that more
new cars will be sold in China this year than in the United States. Thanks in
part to its global popularity, the new LaCrosse is like no other Buick that we
’ve ever seen. Its development involved GM’s global resources with vehicle driving dynamics developed in Europe and the
interior largely in China.
The LaCrosse is a premium midsize sedan. That means it is very nicely equipped
and has upscale features but does not offer everything that a Cadillac might
feature. Midsize in today
’s vocabulary means that it’s a 4,000-pound sedan with lots of interior room.
To begin with, the styling on the LaCrosse is stunning for a vehicle at this
price. Stylists consider each element in the vehicle a
“piece of art” and all the bits carefully woven together have created a masterpiece.
The styling themes have carried through to the interior, which receives similar
accolades. The flowing design is very appealing to occupants. The
“Ice Blue” ambient lighting is found throughout the cabin. The sweeping center
console is both stylish and functional. The gauge package and controls are
informative and striking, and the seating is excellent. It is anticipated that
in Asia, the majority of owners of this model will be chauffeured so rear seat
legroom is generous.
The interior will also offer all the expected modern technology including
navigation, Bluetooth, USB connections and even rear seat entertainment.
Ventilated seating is also available but only on the top of the line LaCrosse.
To cater to a global customer base, the LaCrosse has a more dynamic handling
capability than Buicks of the past. It is controlled, yet comfortable and
handles very well. The interior is quiet thanks to extra sound reduction
technology and body isolation. A blind zone alert indication system detects
vehicles in those hard-to-see places and displays a warning on the outside
mirrors.
The LaCrosse will be offered in three models, the CX, CXL and CXS. The first two
models will be powered by a new direct injection 3.0 liter V-6 with 255
horsepower. The CXS has the direct injection 3.6 liter V-6 with 280 horsepower.
All use GM
’s 6-speed automatic transmission, and the CXL is available with all-wheel drive
for those who live in areas with winter weather.
This is an appealing vehicle with
a very attractive starting price. Buick should do very well with the new
LaCrosse.
