BMW's 'Power of One' gets six of the best

Step lively: The 130i will make its Australian debut late this year.

BMW's diminutive 1 Series gets an overdue six-cylinder power boost

A SIX-CYLINDER engine in BMW's 1 Series was an all-too-obvious omission when the car was released last October, for it was the one area in which the 'Power of One' claims fell well short.

But now the confirmation has come.

To be shown at the Geneva motor show next month ahead of an Australian debut late in 2005, the 130i will hand the small hatchback the liveliness its chassis deserves.

It will use a 3.0-litre inline-six able to achieve 190kW and 300Nm, and benefiting from new lightweight components that maintain the 50/50 weight distribution achieved in less powerful models.

According to the manufacturer, the 130i can reach 100km/h from standstill in 6.2 seconds when combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, on its course towards a maximum 250km/h.

It also claims test drivers have lapped the Nurburgring Northern Loop in 8min35sec, which tends to be more in the realm of M-badged vehicles.

Known as the R6, the engine uses BMW's Bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC valve opening and valve lift control mechanisms, and is further claimed to consume 9.0 litres of fuel over the official EU benchmark test.

It uses an aluminium-magnesium composite block - said to be a world first for a six-cylinder engine, using a design derived from the 5.0-litre V10 found in the M5/M6 sports cars - and an electrically driven water pump designed to cut down on internal engine friction and improve efficiency.

The car shown here is shod with 17-inch V-spoke lightweight alloys and also features some subtle design modifications such as chromed grille slats at the front and twin chrome tailpipes at the rear.

Pricing and specification are still to be announced, however the cabin will feature sports seats, leather on the tiller rim and unique instrument gauges. 'Active steering' will also be available, a first for 1 Series.

All models in the series are fitted with run-flat rubber, traction and stability control, cornering brake control and six airbags.

Future Models - BMW 2008 1 Series

First look: Soft-top for baby Beemer

Green for envy: New 1 Series Convertible fills another niche for BMW.

BMW 1 Series Convertible revealed ahead of 2008 introduction

THREE months after unveiling its 1 Series Coupe, BMW has released the first official images and details of a convertible version that will follow the coupe into Australia during 2008.

Filling yet another market niche for the prestige German brand, the 1 Series Convertible features a fabric roof and, like its tin-lidded stablemates, will have a 135i model variant – using BMW’s awesome 225kW 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine – as its flagship.

On-sale dates are still to be confirmed for Australia, however the convertible is now expected to make its debut Down Under alongside the 1 Series Coupe at the Melbourne International Motor Show in March 2008.

The coupe will reach showrooms in the first quarter but the cabriolet is not due until next Spring.

While BMW this year moved to a three-piece folding metal roof for the first time on the 3 Series Convertible, the 1 Series features an insulated fabric roof finished in black, beige or a new anthracite finish that features shiny interwoven metallic fibres that produces an iridescent look.

At 22 seconds, the roof opens and closes in a similar time to the 3 Series Convertible – at speeds of up to 40km/h – and stores away cleanly under a solid cover.

As well as all the usual safety equipment, pop-up roll bars are fitted behind the rear headrests to protect the occupants in the event of a roll-over.

Like the 3 Series, the new 1 Series Cabriolet also features BMW’s “Sun Reflective Technology” upholstery – seen for the first time in the M6 Convertible – which keeps the seats cooler to the touch by reflecting ultra-violet rays.

Luggage space in the 1 Series Convertible is naturally reduced from the regular hatchback, dropping from 330 litres to 280 litres with the roof up.

Retracting the roof reduces the volume for cargo by a further 40 litres, but BMW claims this is still enough to hold two golf bags without utilising the through-loading aperture into the rear seat. The rear seat backrest can also be folded.

BMW Australia has not revealed which models will initially come here, but has a full range of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines to choose from in addition to the twin-turbo.

European 1 Series Convertible models at launch will include a 118i (105kW four-cylinder), 120i (125kW six-cylinder), 125i (160kW six-cylinder), 135i and also a 130kW turbo-diesel – all fitted standard with an M Sport bodykit.

BMW describes the 1 Series Convertible as “the only premium class vehicle of this type in the market”.

“The 1 Series Convertible will be particularly attractive to customers who live in the inner city where parking is hard to find, but who want to enjoy premium convertible motoring,” said BMW Australia managing director Guenther Seemann.

“This exciting new car also brings convertible BMW motoring to a new segment of the market and we are sure it will be a success in Australia from the moment it arrives.

“Coupled with the already announced 135i Coupe, BMW has two of the most attractive new cars of 2008 on the blocks.”

Chrysler 300 (300 )

Make: Chrysler
Model: 300

Jul / 2012Release date:

Current model

 

The all-new 300 took a little longer than Chrysler had hoped to get to market because of that pesky global financial crisis that sent the company into chapter 11 bankruptcy.

But when it eventually arrived in July 2012, it was clear that the now Fiat-owned American brand didn’t stray too far from its familiar predecessor.

Chrysler Australia dropped the C from the previous model’s 300C moniker, and also dropped the prices across the range for its rear-drive Commodore-fighter.

Arriving in four specifications, the 300 was available with either a 210kW petrol V6, a 176kW diesel V6 or the fire-breathing 347kW 6.4-litre Hemi V8 that powers the top-spec SRT8.

Retro styling with art deco touches set the 2012 300 apart from the previous model as well as some of its competitors.

Improvements over the 300C included enhanced suspension, new electric steering, a stiffened version of the existing Mercedes platform and – on the petrol V6 – the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The petrol V6 was capable of reaching 100km/h in 7.0 seconds and using 9.4 litres per 100km on the combined fuel cycle, while the diesel was rated at 7.1L/100km.

Unsurprisingly, the Hemi V8 consumed the most fuel at 13.0L/100km, but that figure would likely not bother enthusiasts.

The big American was well specified with heated seats, bi-Xenon automatic headlights, proximity key with keyless start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a large 8.4-inch touchscreen and USB/Bluetooth connectivity standard on all models.

Mid-spec 300C models added heated and cooled cupholders, Nappa leather seats with memory and voice recognition, while the range-topping SRT8 gained high-performance Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, mesh grille, adaptive dampers, transmission Sport mode with paddle shifters, and carbon-fibre cabin accents.

BMW 3 Series (F30 3 Series sedan)

Make: BMW
Model: F30 3 Series sedan

Feb / 2012Release date:

Current model

BMW launched the sixth-generation 3 Series in February 2012 with an all-new body, value pricing, increased personalisation options, more space, better dynamics and significant efficiency improvements.

With a profusion of 2.0-litre Twin Power four-cylinder engine choices, only the 335i features the classic in-line six-cylinder petrol engine configuration that BMW is famous for. Every powerplant is turbo-charged.

The standard transmission is a class-first ZF eight-speed automatic, though a six-speed manual gearbox is available throughout the range.

Devised with low consumption and emissions in mind, the ZF transmission is part of BMW’s EfficientDynamics tech that also sees ASS Auto Stop/Start, BER Brake Energy Regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering (that only draws power when required), and a drivetrain efficiency maximisation setting called Eco Pro (as part of a new DEC Driving Experience Control device that also includes Comfort and Sport settings; it shaves fuel use through reduced throttle responsiveness and other controls) fitted as standard.

For the first time, a diesel engine opens a 3 Series line-up in Australia.

The 318d’s 1995cc 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo unit produces 105kW of power at 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1750 to 2500rpm, for a 9.3 second 0-100km/h sprint-time, 210km/h top speed, 4.5 litres per 100km EU combined cycle readout, and 118 grams per kilometre carbon dioxide emissions rating.

Essentially the same 1995cc engine, the 320d ups the power and torque ante to 135kW at 4000rpm and 380Nm from 1750-2750rpm respectively, for a 7.6s 0-100km/h-dash time, 230km/h V-max, yet with exactly the same EU Combined consumption and emission figures as above.

On the petrol front, the 1997cc M20 2.0-litre Twin Power turbo unit delivers the same 135kW (but at 5000rpm), as well as 270Nm from 1250-4500rpm, for an identical 0-100km/h run of 7.6s, along with 233km/h, 6.0L/100km and 141g/km.

Usurping the old 160kW/250Nm 2.5-litre in-line six in the E90 325i, a retuned version of this fiery four-pot lump motivates the 328i to the tune of 180kW from 5000-6500rpm and 350Nm from 1250-4800rpm, securing a 6.1s sprint time to 100km/h, a 250km/h top speed, 6.3L/100km and 147g/km of CO2 pollution.

Purists may prefer the 2979cc Twin Power turbo in-line petrol six, with its 225kW (from 5800-6000rpm), 400Nm (1200-5000rpm), 0-100km/h-sprint time of 5.5s, artificially limited 250km/h, 7.2L/100km and 169g/km. Specifying the manual, by the way, ups economy and emissions by 0.7L/100km and 17g/km respectively.

Built on an all-new platform, the newcomer is 93mm longer than before, at 4623mm, with a 50mm gain in the wheelbase. The track has been widened yet the overall width is down by 4mm to 1811mm. A 50:50 axle load ratio continues.

Suspension is a variation of a proven theme, with an all aluminium double-joint spring strut axle up front and a five-link arrangement out back, while the Servotronic EPS continues with a rack and pinion design.

Australian-bound F30s are built in South Africa.

Future Models - BMW 2009 1 Series

BMW multiplies diesels

Winner: BMW's 'World Green Car of the Year' 118d is headed to Australia among a flock of new diesel models.

• 
  

BMW rolls out 15 extra diesel 1 and 3 Series models under EfficientDynamics

BMW Australia has announced that it will introduce 10 additional 1 Series diesel and five more 3 Series diesel models in November this year.
Included in both ranges will be the first diesel-powered coupe and convertible models in the company’s 42-year history in Australia, joining compatriots Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.
The 320d Coupe also marks the return of the four-cylinder 3 Series Coupe, missing in Australia since the demise of the E36 318iS Coupe in October 1999, while the new 320d Convertible ends a four-cylinder 3 Series Convertible drought that commenced when the E30 320i Convertible died almost 20 years ago.
Furthermore, priced from $67,500 and $80,400, the 320d Coupe and 320d Convertible happen to be more than $3000 and $16,000 cheaper than the previous series openers respectively.

Left: BMW 1 Series convertible, BMW 1 Series Coupe, BMW 3 Series Convertible.

BMW’s long-awaited 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘TwinPower’ twin-turbocharged diesel – also known as the 123d – is another Bavarian debutante.

However, this engine will not find its way into any other BMW for now, so don’t expect to see a 323d badge anytime soon.

Adhering to BMW’s EfficientDynamics banner that at-once pushes performance, economy and low emissions boundaries, all 15 diesel newcomers fall under the federal government’s seven litres per 100 kilometres Luxury Car Tax break.

This brings BMW’s sub-7.0L/100km total to 23 models, “... with more to arrive in 2010,” according to a statement issued by the firm.

Auto idle/stop, optimum shift indicator, electric power steering and brake energy regeneration are among the measures that the latest 1 Series diesels will boast.

None of these engines or technologies has been offered on Australian-bound BMWs until now.

The baby BMW range kicks off with the $42,170 118d five-door Sports Hatch six-speed manual, the ‘2008 World Green Car of the Year’ winner that produces 105kW of power and 300Nm of torque to help it hit 100km/h in nine seconds yet achieves 4.5L/100km and 119 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide pollution.

Compared to the conceptually similar (though $3270 cheaper) Audi A3 TDIe, the 118d is just as frugal yet 28kW more powerful and almost three seconds faster to 100km/h, underlining BMW’s sporting intent.

The $2200 extra six-speed auto 118d hatch bumps up the manual’s fuel and emissions figures to 5.4L and 144g/km respectively.

This engine will also make it into the 118d Convertible, the first diesel for the ragtop 1 Series, with a 0-100km/h time of 9.5s, fuel figure of 4.9L/100km (auto: 5.6) and CO2 rating of 129g/km (auto: 148). No 118d Coupe is in the line-up.

Next up is the 123d complete with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with variable twin turbo technology and common-rail fuel injection, to help deliver 150kW and 400Nm.

The upshot is a 0-100km/h-sprint time of seven seconds for the 123d Sports Hatch and Coupe (Convertible: 7.5s), while using 5.2L/100km (Convertible: 5.4). 123d autos add up to 0.5L/100km, while CO2 figures range from 138 to 154g/km, depending on the body and gearbox configuration.

Meanwhile, for the 3 Series range, BMW is extending the availability of its existing diesels.

The 320d sedan’s 130kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel now resides in the 320d Coupe, 320d Touring wagon, and 320d Convertible, offering between 5.5 and 5.8L/100km, 145 and 153g/km, and a 0-100km/h-dash time from 8.0 to 8.7s.

Greater performance is on offer in the guise of the new 330d Coupe and 330d Convertible, using the recently released 180kW/520Nm 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel unit. The former shoots to 100km/h in 6.1s versus 6.5s for the latter, while their fuel consumption and CO2 ratings come in at 6.2/6.5L/100km and 164/170g/km respectively.

All join the other sub-7.0L/100km BMW club in Australia (520d, 530d, X3 xDrive20d, 730d and Mini Cooper D), with the next-generation 5 Series (2010) and X1 (2010) and X3 Mk2 (2011) all expected to pitch in more models.

Believing that the new diesels will cement its leadership in cleaner and greener driver-orientated luxury vehicles, BMW has already fired a volley of models with EfficientDynamics into Australia this year.

In May it announced a raft of improvements that saw fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by between three and 12 per cent (with price hikes of between 0.3 and two per cent) on certain models such as the 120d, 130i, 125i Convertible, 320d and 530d, although some of BMW’s biggest volume cars – namely the 120i, 320i, 323i and 325i sedans, the 320i and 323i Touring, and M3, missed out.

As we reported back them, regional director for Asia, Pacific and South Africa (and former BMW Australia managing director) Guenther Seemann has been behind the EfficientDynamics drive in Australia, with the baton passed to his successor Stavros Yallouridis.

“In reality, it’s not about how many vehicles we can offer below the 7.0-litre mark, but giving customers the opportunity to enjoy efficient motoring without sacrificing performance in whatever segment they are interested in,” Mr Yallouridis said. “When it comes to the combination of performance and efficiency, only BMW is able to dominate so many varied segments, from the 1 Series right through to the 7 Series.

“BMW will continue to bring the very best in automotive excellence to the Australian market and the new BMW EfficientDynamics equipped 1 and 3 series models are just another example why BMW is the number one luxury vehicle supplier in Australia and the world.”

BMW EfficientDynamics range pricing:
BMW 1 Series pricing:
118d Sports Hatch:	$42,170
118d Sports Hatch (a):	$44,370
123d Sports Hatch:	$50,790
123d Sports Hatch (a):	$53,070
123d Coupe:	$57,900
123d Coupe (a):	$60,864
118d Convertible:	$52,900
118d Convertible (a):	$55,655
123d Convertible:	$67,200
123d Convertible (a):	$65,664
BMW 3 Series pricing:
320d Touring Executive:	$61,500
320d Coupe (a):	$67,500
330d Coupe (a):	$91,900
320d Convertible (a):	$80,400
330d Convertible (a):	$104,850

BMW / 1 Series / 120d 5-dr hatch

Overview

BMW is out to prove that drivers can have the best of both worlds with its highly publicised EfficientDynamics drive, and the latest and greatest recipient of this is the 120d Sports Hatch manual, featuring auto idle/stop and regenerative braking technologies, as part of a holistic approach to making cars leaner and greener.

But BMW says it will never abandon the Ultimate Driving Machine mantra that underpins everything that the Bavarian car-maker does, so the most economical model it has ever offered in Australia is still very much an enthusiast’s car as well.

Model release dates: August 2009 - October 2011

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Buy a New BMW 1 Series today!

MIAMI, FL: If you're one of those people who keeps a list of dream cars they would like to own one day, you probably have to get out the eraser and reconsider your selections.  To the list of the most desirable cars in the world we must add the Aston MartinV12 Vanquish, which was recently unveiled at the auto show here and will be the Ford-owner British brand's flagship model when it goes on sale during the second quarter of 2001.  The Vanquish is the "most sophisticated and technologically advanced new model ever to be designed, developed and built by Aston Martin," says the press bumpf. It is the production variation on the Vantage concept car that debuted at the Detroit auto show in January, 1998.  The Vanquish will likely cost more than your house if you live in Montreal or Toronto or Vancouver and more than your block if you live anyplace else in the country.  For a more exact idea of a likely sticker price, take today's dollar-pound exchange rate and multiple it by the 180,000-pound figure being bruted about at Aston's headquarters in Newport Pagnell in England.  If this is actually more than a dream for you, you better speak up now. Plans currently call for Aston Martin to build just 300 of these beauties and fewer than 100 of them are earmarked for an Atlantic crossing. They may all go to the U.S., but there are ways around that since, as we all know, money talks.  However much talking you have to do, Vanquish will certainly be one the best-performing cars in the world, thanks to a 6-liter V12 that will turn out 450 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 410 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. This engine will push the 1820-kg (the current estimate) Vanquish from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and keep it going until it reaches 306 km/h.  For those of you keeping score, these numbers are better than the ones attached to the V8-powered Vantage model that the Vanquish will replace. The new car will also be lighter, stiffer and stronger than the Vantage, thanks to the "application of advanced design techniques and materials."  There are already rumors swirling around England about the likelihood that Aston will jam a supercharger under Vanquish's long, slooping hood and create horsepower and torque figures in the 600 vicinity, which would mean a car capable of 0 to 100 km/h times under 4 seconds.  Thanks to the electronic drive-by-wire throttle system that's built into the V12, finger tip-controlled Formula 1 style paddles enable what are promised to be "almost imperceptible gear changes" to be completed in under 250 milliseconds.  Advanced electronics also permit the close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically, with the added facility of a special programme tailored to winter driving conditions.  This car is the first serious payoff from Ford's ownership of the Aston Martin name and comes with the imprimatur of one of the most respected gearheads in the auto industry -Bob Dover- who brought this vehicle through development as chairman of Aston Martin, and for his efforts was given the possibly impossible task of bringing some level of quality control to Land Rover, another BritBrand owned by Ford.  The main body structure use carbon-fibre, extruded aluminium and composite materials bonded together to form a central monocoque safety cell with additional deformable composite structure energy absorbent zones at both front and rear.  It's supposed to provide standards of efficiency, structural integrity, torsional rigidity and occupant crash protection compatible with a modern Formula 1 car. According to Aston Martin, "The V12 Vanquish exceeds by a substantial margin all known or projected safety legislation."  All the exterior body panels are constructed from aluminium with each individual panel hand-tailored to the central structure to ensure a perfect panel fit.  There is a limitless range of body colors and a limitless choice of Connolly hide upholstery for the air-conditioned interior. Each body receives eight coats of paint, and there are eight Connolly hides and 12m² of Wilton carpet spread throughout the interior.  The V12 Vanquish is available as either a 2- or 2-plus-2 seat coupe with each and every model hand-built, "finished and equipped to the exact and individual requirements of its customer."

Audi / TT / RS S-Tronic Limited Edition coupe

Overview

COMMEMORATING the arrival of Audi’s seven-speed S-Tronic automatic dual-clutch transmission to the flagship TT RS coupe, the Ingolstadt-based brand announced an auto-only limited edition packing a claimed $8460 worth of extra kit for no extra cost over the $139,900 (plus on-roads) list price.

The TT RS was previously manual-only due to its 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine punching out too much power (250kW) and torque (450Nm) for the transverse-mounted version of Audi’s seven-speed S-Tronic to handle.

But now, 45 Australian buyers get the chance to bag extra interior comfort and exterior styling touches while enjoying the car’s new-found ability to reach 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, making it four-tenths quicker than the manual.

Incredibly, the TT RS is also three-tenths quicker off the mark than the 4.2-litre V8-powered R8 supercar costing almost twice as much – but then it does pack an extra 20Nm of torque over its bigger brother.

But how else is the fastest TT transformed by the new transmission and does it take the edge off such an enthusiast-oriented beast?

Audi / TT / S Coupe and Roadster range

Overview

AUDI has lit the wick of its TT sporstcar with an explosive 200kW turbo engine. The new TTS Coupe and Roadster are the hero models of the TT range and sit above the V6 versions.

They are fitted with a 200kW turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is potent enough to sling the coupe to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds, which means it a seriously fast machine.

The TTS models also gain some exterior improvements including quad rear pipes, new bumpers, lowered suspension and special 18-inch rims, as well as some interior tweaks.

Audi has made the TTS available with the standard six-speed manual, while the dual-clutch S tronic automatic is available as an option.

The TTS Coupe costs $92,900 and the Roadster is $97,100, which places them at the top of the TT price list with a $7100 premium over the V6 models.

Certain cars give off auras from the workman to the diva, there’s a car that’ll match it perfectly. When one thinks “executive” there are few cars that fit that description better than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. 

Regal and elegant, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC isn’t just a beauty to behold, it’s also a blast to drive, and comfortable no matter which seat you choose. Roomy, loaded to the gills with techy kit and powerful, Mercedes has a winner in the E 550. 

What is the Mercedes-Benz E 550? 

For starters, the E-Class is Merc’s line of “executive” vehicles, hence the businesslike approach to its design and drive. The very first of the current line of midsize Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars made its way to North America in the early 90s, while the vehicle itself was on the roads under a different nomenclature since the mid-80s. 

Specifically, the Mercedes-Benz E 550 is the middle-of-the-pack E-Class in the lineup. Offering plenty of power and luxurious amenities, the E 550 may be considered the ideal combination of both a comfortable tourer and sporty ride. 

2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC Price and Specs 

As mentioned above, the Mercedes-Benz E 550 is the midrange E-Class sedan on offer from the German automaker. The baby (and cheapest) in the E stable is the E 250 BlueTEC starting at $57,800. However, we’re not here to talk about any other model save for the 550, so let’s focus on that particular sedan. 

With a base price of $75,600, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC is on the higher price side compared to its other German rival; however, it features a fabulous 32V Bi-turbo V8 good for 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Power is controlled via Merc’s 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Zero to 100km/hr passes in just 4.8 seconds, and yet you’ve got a large back seat and sizable trunk, as well. 

Driving the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC 

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute behind the wheel of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC. As refined as it was rough (when asked to be), the E 550 really is out to please. Like the best-trained Labrador in the pack, this puppy is programmed to please. 

Gearshifts are nearly seamless thanks to the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission, and when toggled into “S” (sport), revs are held longer, downshifts are spot on, and it seems almost as if the E 550 is thinking two or three steps ahead of you. I love that, especially with an automatic transmission.

Handling in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC is perfect, with great feedback from the steering wheel and a good deal of connection to the wheels. Merc’s DIRECT CONROL suspension helps keep the ride both smooth and connected to the road. Cornering proves how stable the E 550 can really be, since this is a fairly large sedan, with limited body roll and a great deal of control -- even at speed. 

My only gripe about driving the Merc E 550 was the bloody driver’s seat. And I know it can be turned off and/or adjusted, but I’m not really sure why it’s even there. It’s an “interactive” seat where the bolstering squeezes you on either side, depending on which direction you’re cornering in and how hard you’re taking the corner. A “neat” feature at first, it becomes highly aggravating. A well-proportioned, tight-fitting bolstered seat is enough Mercedes. No need to go further, seriously. 

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC 

This is one seriously good looking car. It’s masculine with a touch of feline prowess in the new headlights. Dual LED daytime running lights add a level of sophistication that’s immediately present on the road to those around you. The new front bumper is also much more aggressive with large gaping gills under each headlight that may frighten smaller cars into thinking they’ll be gobbled up. There really isn’t a bad angle to view the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC sedan from. 

Inside, the good continues. The middle console is designed in typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, and the centre-mounted knob near the handbrake remains, as does the column shifter to engage drive, park, reverse, etc. While that takes a little getting used to, it is undoubtedly a trait Mercedes wants to keep as their own and I commend them for using it across most of their line of products. 

Despite my seat constantly trying to crush my poor kidneys upon each turn of the wheel, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC sedan does offer up a very comfortable driver’s position with very good visibility. And room in the back is plentiful, even with a baby seat installed. 

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC 

The Merc’s closest competition resides in its close German rivals, the BMW 550iand the Audi A6 3.0T. If you’re in the market for a car of this nature, I think it really comes down to brand loyalty and personal choice, since each has so much good to offer you wouldn’t be making a bad decision either way

Audi

PROVING it is possible to have two cakes and eat them both, Audi has strapped an extra turbo onto its 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine to create an A6 sedan that cracks 0-100km/h quicker than a Porsche Boxster but consumes less fuel than a Toyota Corolla.

No matter how impressive, the standing-start acceleration figure does this engine a bit of a disservice as it is the sheer mid-range punch that impresses most, making the decision to overtake a B-double far easier.

Audi expects the TDI Biturbo to account for a quarter of A6 sales, and the same for the A7 Sportback that has also just received the new engine.

But does the new variant really add value and relevance to the A6 range in Australia?

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport First Impressions

Hallelujah, I have seen the light! Summary Rating: Complete Rating  Styling (90%) Accessories (84%) Space and Access(80%) Comfort (87%) Performance (82%) Driving Dynamics(85%) Safety (80%) General Appreciation(90%) I have to be honest here; it’s taken me a while to turn on to the Range Rover Sport. You see, being somewhat a traditionalist (until the Evoque), I viewed the Sport as nothing more than the youngest sibling in the Range Rover family -- you know, the one that struggles to live up to his big brother’s reputation. I simply couldn’t see the Rangie Sport idea ever working. Well, obviously, I know diddlysquat about product planning and vehicle marketing as the model has proved to be a huge success.  After all these years I have now seen the light, because after experiencing the new2014 Range Rover Sport I’ve finally figured out what this vehicle is all about. What is a Land Rover Range Rover Sport? The Sport shook the SUV world when it was launched in 2006, what with its boxy sports-SUV stance. A loath-it-or-love-it creation, the latter won the day and the Sport quickly became the brand’s bestseller (so shoot me, I was wrong!). It was, of course, marketed to a different crowd to that of the full-size Rangie. Yes, the Sport was aimed firmly at the upwardly mobile, younger buyer. A risky move some thought (including myself), to place the famous nameplate on a smaller and lower-priced product, but we were to be proven wrong.  The Sport was an instant success and within weeks of its launch, just about every rock/rap star and sports personality on the planet was piloting one. Yes, although the full-size Range Rover retained its reputation as the luxury transportation for the well-heeled horse-y crowd, the Sport became the model the about-town celebrity wished to be photographed stepping out of.  2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Prices & specs The Sport starts at $73,990 and you’ll end up a tad over $100k if you go for the top-of-the-line Autobiography (the model I tested). Now that’s well into full-size Range Rover territory, but they are both individual beasts well-suited to their given purpose, and not to be confused.  Available with a choice of two powerplants (both supercharged) the 3.0L 24-valve V6 (340 hp/332 lb-ft) does a fine job of propelling the new lighter-weight Sport (0-100km/hr in 7.2 seconds). However, once you’ve tasted the 5.0L 32-valve V8 (510 hp/461 lb-ft), there’s simply no going back. With a 0-100km/hr time of just 5.3 seconds, the power from the supercharged 5.0L V8 is simply addictive. Both powerplants come mated to a superb ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, and of course it goes without saying that all feature the very best in off-road technology. It is, after all, a Land Rover product. Driving the 2104 Land Rover Range Rover Sport For 2014, the Range Rover Sport now features an aluminum unibody, similar to the type used on the new Range Rover, and is said to have lost 800 lbs because of this. In truth, it feels like what it is: a large block of lightweight aluminum instead of a large block of heavy steel. In other words, it feels much lighter, way more agile, and simply marvellous! The interior noise level in the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has also been dramatically reduced. In fact, I’ve never experienced an SUV cabin as quiet as this. Unless of course you stomp the happy pedal, which creates the most splendid roar from its rear tailpipes (it’s this that validates the purchase of the V8). This truly is a performance SUV in every sense, and why shouldn’t it be coming from a company that not only owns Land Rover, but also Jaguar. Plant it from a standing start and the Range Rover Sport leaps forward like a scalded cat, yet the Land Rover-bred traction transfers this to the road in a way that has to be experienced to be believed.  Inside and Out of the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, absolutely nailed the new Range Rover Sport when he said, “There are some cars that make you turn your head, and there’ll be other cars which make you walk into a lamppost.” I’m with him 100% because the exterior of the new RR Sport is simply stunning, so watch out for those posts! The interior also takes on a fresh look and feel for 2014. The smaller, thicker steering wheel improves the sports-like feel of the vehicle, as do the larger/firmer side bolsters on the front seats.  The 2014 Range Rover Sport boasts too many features to properly list here, but together with items such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Land Rover has thoughtfully included something it calls Queue Assist. How very British of them! Comparing the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport It’s somewhat difficult to compare the Range Rover Sport with any other. Obviously, there are a few German-made products that could saddle up alongside the Sport, but in truth they are quite different beasts. You see, German vehicles are built to function with utmost reliability and precision, whereas with British-built vehicles it’s all about how the product makes the owner feel. Over the years this has become less obvious with cars, yet it’s still quite noticeable in the SUV market.  Well I’ll tell you this: I felt proud and privileged to have been allowed to drive the new 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and that probably tells you all you need to know about this vehicle.