By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Talk about demographically specific! Yowsa! :surprise:
Common, everyday occurrence in the advertising business... the need for a specific "actor" (whether real-life individual, or trained) according to gender, race, age, and type of appearance for a specific commercial is just business as usual.
TagMan
These sorts of casting calls must go out, because people meeting the description (or an equally unattractive one) show up regularly on television & in movies.
I too thought it was a strange request. :sick:
I can't wait to see how these Indian and Chinese cars do in the NHTSA and especially the IIHS tests, which are much closer to EuroNCAP tough than the government tests. It's been too long since we've had some 1 and 2-star cars in this country.
555-cash
It's post 12191 in the BMW 5 Series Sedans board.
"Following the 3.2 to market—and not by much, we think—is the best of the A4’s available diesel engines, which happens to be the same one that will make its U.S. debut in 2008 in the Q7 luxo-ute: the 3.0-liter six-cylinder, which generates 240 horsepower and a kickin’ 369 lb-ft of torque between 1500 and 3000 rpm. In the A4, it will come mated only to Quattro all-wheel drive and, at first, a six-speed manual transmission. And just because you’re an enthusiast, don’t ignore this engine option; in addition to the fuel economy benefits expected of a diesel, this is a particularly compelling choice not only on account of its 6.1-second 0-to-62-mph sprint (0.1 sec faster than the 265hp 3.2FSI V6), but for its smooth turbocharged midrange shove. On Sardinia’s winding two-laners, which reminded us more than a little of southern California’s gloriously banked asphalt strips, we just left the car in third with rarely any need to shift. Trust us: the diesel is fun."
Great words! I like the sound of them!
TagMan
Yeah I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye on the Audi diesel. The E320 BT isn't bad, but Audi and BMW's diesels are so much better than M-B's. They could really turn the US luxury car market on its ear.
Well, I'm certainly keeping an eye on all the diesels that might show up on our shores, but I am not aware that Audi and BMW diesels are "SO MUCH" better than those from Mercedes, as you stated.
My impression has always been that diesel engines have historically been one of Mercedes' strengths... so please explain why you stated that the diesels from Audi and BMW are "so much better"? I know they are also great engines, but why are they so much better?
TagMan
It's the power really, the Benz is just too slow. The A4 3.0TDi is faster than the gas engine, and the A6 3.0TDi matches the 3.2 V6. The don't need their torque to make it "feel" like you're going faster than the gas engine, while in reality the E350 zooms off into the distance. The 535d is not going to be able to keep up with the 535i, but its still going to humiliate the E320BT.
The GS450h might still be able to win a 0-60 sprint against a A6 3.0TDi or 535d, but its not going to stomp them like it does the E. When you add in A6 or 5 handling, diesel fuel economy, no $10K hybrid surcharge, and the exact same trunk space you get in the regular A6 and 5, they start looking pretty good.
I think it's too expensive. The latest diesel engines are already very expensive, so when you add in a hybrid system on top of that, you're looking at a seriously expensive car.
I do not remember the source, I'm afraid, but I believe BMW has some time ago started research on hydrogen diesel hybrids.
It is also my feeling that European automakers are not in a hurry in order to make diesel/electric hybrids in the short run because they have good diesels right now. I fully agree with the conclusions of the C&D report that LG has posted here recently. As all of you know if you remember my posts in this trend, my 530d is fun to drive, powerful enough and economic; at the same time, I have not loose with it any trunk space nor I have changed the fueling or maintenance habits I am used to with my current and past gas cars.
Regards,
Jose
Then there is the fact that after the initial release of many diesel models and the advertising I mentioned, there will need to be an acceptance period... which will in all likelihood be very successful for the diesel alternative.
In the meantime, gas hybrids are already accepted by the public and therefore the manufacturers are almost forced to offer the alternative at this point.
Ultimately, after the diesels have made their way into an acceptable position in the marketplace, the diesel hybrid will be a very logical and marketable alternative... especially because they will offer the very best fuel economy at a time when fuel is likely to reach $4.00/gallon and even $5.00/gallon.
On a seperate note, don't underestimate the advances of electric cars during the next few years as well. It won't be long before we see a few of these vehicles offering reasonable driving range and power, with a simple plug-in at night. They will make good commuter vehicles, but not long trip vehicles... as their average range will likely be somewhere between 30 and 50 miles between charges.
TagMan
It has to be at least triple that if they're going to get anywhere in this country. Most people don't need to tow a boat everyday, or seat seven or even five. People buy the cars they do though because very occasionally, they need to do those things. If a car simply cannot manage the occasional 100+ mile trip like a plug-in hybrid or something like a Polo diesel can, nobody will buy one.
TagMan
I found this for you, enjoy.
DaimlerChrysler brought its latest generation of diesel-hybrid drivetrain to NAIAS in the form of its S-Class “Hybrid” concept car that promises fuel efficiency of 34 mpg (6.9 liters/100 km).
The hybrid drivetrain in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class “Hybrid” develops a maximum power of 241 kW (340 hp)—a new record for cars with hybrid drive systems. A V-8 CDI diesel engine develops 191 kW (260 hp) and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. Two electric motors offer a combined output of 50 kW (hp) and are powered by a 1.9 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery in the trunk of the vehicle. Energy is recovered during braking, and the V-8 diesel engine recharges the battery while the vehicle is in motion.
The S-Class Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.6 seconds.
The DaimlerChrysler hybrid system packages two electric motors (the P1/2 hybrid transmission) with a transmission based on its 7G-Tronic automatic transmission
link.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/01/mercedes_sclass.html
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The BMW and the AUDI are more fun to drive because they both use a turbo. The MERCEDES does'nt, however the bluetec technology is more advanced than the bmw(cleaner). Im not too sure about the audi because i know both VW and MERCEDES uses the same technology.
Yes, good point to consider... there are some employee parking areas that do have power to reach the vehicle, but many, if not most, do not... Therefore it definately has to be taken into consideration that the vehicle can (at the very minimum) make the round trip commute with extra room to spare... for those little extra side trips on the way home, for example, and certainly for peace of mind. No one wants to cut it too close for comfort.
TagMan
Sorry, skarie, but that is not correct. The Mercedes diesel is indeed turbocharged.
You can verify this on the Mercedes website if you need to.
TagMan
Well if thats the case im also disappointed with the performance. give me the 535d.
A few of you have driven some of the diesels in Europe, but I have never had that opportunity.
It's one thing to read reviews and such, but it's entirely another thing to drive them and get a chance to know first-hand what they are really like.
I'll reserve any conclusions about which one(s) I like best until after I've had the chance to put them to the test.
As for now, I can only hope they offer a great driving experience... particularly the upcoming Mercedes GLK... I still have my eye on that one, and I am patiently waiting.
TagMan
Regards,
OW
I also would provide an outlet for any of my employees that drove an electric car, but I wonder how many employers would do so, at least initially. I still think a full round trip driving range makes sense anyway, but over time if plug-ins became more popular, I'd bet more employers would jump in and participate. Afterall, it's not like they'd have to convert every parking space.
That all said... The longer the driving range the better, IMO.
TagMan
And there are, of course, the awesome 335d, 535d and X5 3.0d coming soon. The E320 Bluetec is nice, but you're right, the Audi/BMW diesels are the leaders. We've just gotten the first taste.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Wow shocker! Please let me know when you say something other than Audi is the best, all day, every day , evenings and holidays too.
Do you have a favorite marque or particular vehicle? Tell us what it is! I would be sincerely interested.
Edit: Atlas7... consider that diesel vehicles haven't been for sale in any significance in this country for a long time... the excitement over these new diesels is only going to build over the next year or two... so be realistically prepared for a lot of posts that are overflowing with excitement about these cars. It's kind of cool, even if you don't happen to be a diesel fan, to see something this different happen to our automotive landscape... don't you think? Same with hybrids. This is all pretty darn exciting, if you ask me! :shades:
TagMan
Germany will join other EU countries such as the UK, France and Sweden that have introduced similar CO2-related car taxes. All EU states are expected to have such schemes in place by 2010.
source Automotive News
This is a much better way to do things than CAFE standards, imo. Though I think it better to tax the fuels themselves (even beyond current taxes) rather than the vehicles, so that someone who drives a Hummer more miles pays more tax than someone who drives a Hummer less miles.
C'mon, admit it... it can get tempting... at least a little.
Whatcha think?
TagMan
For some reason the Prius has really grown on me, I might just lobby hard for it when it's time for my mom and my sister to replace their current cars.
Don't simply assume.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
I saw an LS600hL in silver the other day... it looks beautiful. But I just wouldn't be able to justify buying one. I'd rather have an LS460L and slap on the hybrid's 19" rims, which are incredible. The LS460's rims are exceptionally boring.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Personally, I wouldn't want a current LS of any type. The boring interior with that long-in-the-tooth typical center stack/console dash layout is so incredibly overshadowed by the S-Class and Audi interiors. And, the exterior as well is boring to me. It just doesn't get the heart to speed up at all. From a distance, it might as well be a Camry.
I realize that it is a well-featured car, one that is very quiet, comfortable, and let's not forget that it is "reliable". But the interior of the the S-Class, for example, puts the LS to shame, IMO. What a difference!!
BTW, I love the S8... it was one of my very favorite highlights of last years car show... awesome car.
TagMan
Yes the LS is one boring car, nothing stands out about it.
My brother in law just purchased a used 2005 BMW 760LI and the Ergonomics of this car puts the lexus to shame. Its just that the BMW has this feeling that it was created by gods..
Mercedes concedes its cars are too heavy, focusing on weight reduction.
Over the years Mercedes models have been gaining so much weight engineers have been forced to increase engine output to the point where it’s eclipsing the levels of supercars just to keep up with the competition in the performance stakes. A prime example of this is the SL, a two-seater coupe-convertible that weighs more than two tons in some guises and develops up to 604hp.
Throw in a monster twin-turbo V12 engine and the car will rocket in a straight line but get to the twisty stuff and it will be left eating the dust of its lighter and better handling competition. Then there’s the increased wear and tear on the tires, suspension, brakes and transmission, plus the constant trips to the fuel station.
Exterior wise the S-class is still the leader among the pack, no contest. The 7-series looks like a big fat goose plus the "oh my eyes" looking front and rear (it's funny that both the LS and S-series copied the Bangle butt and made it much much better). As for the A8, what's the point? I'll just look at the A6? On a second thought, maybe an A4 would do...
BMW created by god? Yeah, by the god of "I don't know how to design an great looking interior".
I didn't make that post about "created by God"... so don't mix me up with another poster, please.
BTW, the S-Class interior is no LEGO at all. It's lines are too curved and graceful to be LEGO, unlike the LS, which has lots of LEGO buttons everywhere you look... and in LEGO-fashion plastic, too. Heck, compared to the S-Class interior, the interior of the LS looks like the result of a tragic explosion at a plastics factory.
TagMan