Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lincoln, Hyundai and Ford: The 7 Sedans For Fall
17 Oct 2014 by Michael Andre Adams in Cars, Cars, General, Home, Pleasure, Speed
In an era where style competes fiercely with power, handling and fuel economy, here are seven sedans to meet the demands of every HOMBRE driver….
Take a look at the latest Audi A3 Sedan 2.0T quattro S tronic, BMW 535d xDrive Sedan, Infiniti Q50S Hybrid AWD, Lincoln MKZ, the Hyundai Equus Ultimate,Hyundai Azera, and Ford Fusion Plug-In.
2015 Audi A3 Sedan 2.0T quattro S tronic
Base / Loaded: $32,900 / $37,195
Powertrain: 2.0L, l4-cylinder, 220 horsepower/258 lb ft toque, 6-speed transmission
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway)Annual Fuel: $2,100
A toe to toe competitor with the entry level CLA Mercedes-Benz, Audi’s entry level A3 is (from a distance) often indistinguishable from its A4 or A6 siblings—body wise. However, A3’s exclusive daytime running lights—appearing from bottom to top on one side, then across the top before coming halfway down the other side and taking a turn to create a line through the center—sets A3’s front fascia onto a design of its own.
Behind the wheel A3 is a blast to drive. It handles with precision, spunk and a lightness that still clings to the road. Inside the cabin the look and feel gives the thought of entry level a huge advantage.
The A3 Sedan is now available in an S3 Sedan, beginning at $41,000. And there’s more compact luxury to come from Audi…stay tuned this fall.
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2014 BMW 535d xDrive Sedan
Base / Loaded: $58,900 / $68,750
Powertrain: 3.0L, inline 6-cylinder, 255 horsepower/413 lb ft torque, 8-speed transmission
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg combined (26 city / 37 highway)
Annual Fuel: $1,950
Some still find it hard to believe that long gone are the days when driving a diesel engine car meant everyone on the street can hear you and smell your exhaust blocks before and after your arrival!
BMW’s aerodynamically sleek and lean 535d xDrive (“x” representing four wheel drive) bares a striking resemblance to the 7-series. The adaptive lighting system illuminates everything in your path, making nighttime driving a comfortable breeze, while the power and torque gives you the ability to own the road and cling to it.
And while you’ll love the ability to write a phone number on the touch pad with your finger and then have it dialed, nothing may feel as good as paying $ .10 to .20 cents more per gallon of gas and nearly doubling the 300-miles per tank of gas.
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2014 Infiniti Q50S Hybrid AWD
Base / Loaded: $48,150 / $55,455
Powertrain: 3.5L,V6, 360 horsepower/258+214 lb ft torque, 7-speed transmission
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined (27 city /31 highway)
Annual Fuel: $2,000
The Q50 marks the distinct departure from and arrival to what looks and feels like a whole new Infiniti, as signified by the brand’s new “Q” nomenclature.
Not only is Q50 the first in the family to feature LED daytime running lights, it’s a whole new car that picks up where the G will eventually leave off. Features worthy of boasting include the brands new Zero-Lift Aerodynamics, which makes for superb road hugging as Direct Adaptive Steering (an Infiniti first) makes for superb handling by eliminating unwanted in-hand road noise; A powerful engine that delivers amazing fuel economy; Safety features galore to enhance a safe and comfortable drive from things both seen and unseen such as Predictive Forward Collision and a superior Lane Departure Warning systems.
Q50’s cockpit style layout is perfectly suited to accommodate the driver, with the center stack being the major resource for nearly all controls. At the same time the steering wheel boasts the ability to bring up a number of functions before the eyes of the driver for greater convenience.
Technology-wise, between Infiniti inTouch and Infiniti Connection, the separation that once existed between you and your external world while driving—are no more.
Bottom-line, Q50 just feels nice!
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2014 Lincoln MKZ
Base / Loaded: $38,080 / $52,110
Powertrain: 3.7L, V6, 300 horsepower/277 lb ft torque, 6-speed transmission
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway)
Annual Fuel: $2,500
Those who enjoy the feel of being embraced in the lap of luxury and the comfort and security of riding in a rock solid vehicle capable of withstanding a heavy blow—typically love the Lincoln brand.
Behind the wheel it can easily take a couple of days to become fully accustomed to the feel of the MKZ before one can “whip it.” But MKZ is the “take your time” type of car.
Finally, the brand added LED daytime running lights to further enhance its modern day appeal. Still, MKZ ‘s appeal is well suited for the more seasoned and sophisticated driver.
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2014 Hyundai Equus Ultimate
Base / Loaded: $61,000 / $68,000
Powertrain: 5.0L, V8, 429 horsepower/376 lb ft torque, 8-speed transmission
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg combined (15 city / 23 highway)
Annual Fuel: $3,100
In Korea, the Equus is a chauffer driven vehicle. Even here in the USA, rear seat controls offer nearly as many advantages to passengers, as the front seat access offers to the driver. Therefore, if you drive frequently with passengers in tow, they will love riding in the rear seat of the Equus, where they can take advantage of features included in the $7,000 Ultimate package, such as rear seat entertainment package with two 9.2-inch monitors, cooled and heated power seats and more. But the driver receives the bulk share of conveniences such as a huge 12.3 LCD instrument cluster panel, cameras from nearly every angle, a heads-up display, power door closure and more.
As for the drive, start with cushy and cozy, then advance to sport to feel the thrills and glory of the horsepower and toque combination that affirms top-tier luxury.
While it may be difficult to understand why Hyundai opted not to come up with a luxury brand as did Toyota with Lexus, Nissan with Infiniti and Honda with Acura, the presence of Equus will without a doubt signify the regality of luxury.
With the sleek changes made to the recent debut of model year 2015’s Hyundai Genesis, coupled by its amazing performance, it will be interesting to see if and how Equus reinvents itself in 2015. But in the here and now, the presence of Equus spells loud and clear—executive grandeur.
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2014 Hyundai Azera
Base / Loaded: $34,750 / $37,905
Powertrain: 3.3L, V6, 293 horsepower/255 lb ft torque, 6-speed transmission
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg combined (19 city / 29 highway)
Annual Fuel: $2,300
For many, it’s more about the look. But with Azera, you get nearly the best of both worlds in terms of sleek looks and performance. Missing to a huge degree (in comparison to its top dog sibling—the Equuus) is the accompanying technological and safety features to alert you and act on your behalf. Nevertheless, Azera is quite the looker.
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2014 Ford Fusion Plug-In
Base / Loaded: $38,700 / $43,800
Powertrain: 2.0L, inline 4-cylinder,
Fuel Economy: 88 mpg city/highway (electric & gas), 38 mpg combined gas only
Annual Fuel: $1,050 (electric & gas combined)
Ford’s entire lineup seems to have benefited quite well from the days when Ford owned numerous luxury brands ranging from Jaguar and Land Rover, Volvo, Aston Martin and more. Take for example the Aston Martin-esque front fascia of the Fusion, followed by its sleek and sexy sidelines—all at a fraction of the price of a handmade Aston Martin. Add to that the amazing gas mileage of a combination gasoline and plug-in electric vehicle that comes chock-full of standard luxury features, and for the price of an entry level luxury vehicle, you’re driving one heck of a fuel efficient and quite comfortable whip!