USED CARS - Luxury Cars Reviews

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Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	USED CARS - Luxury Cars Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Automobile.com >> Details/Subscribe	2006 Mercedes-Benz S550 vs. 2006 BMW 750Li vs. 2006 Audi A8L Stuart Fowle May 2006		In this comparison test of luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, the Mercedes S550 gets the editors' highest rating. The Mercedes is praised for its engine, suspension and steering. Although it is the least expensive of the group, the Audi A8L is praised for elegance. The tested car was equipped with an optional $11,500 "Audi Exclusive" interior package that caused one writer to quip that the Audi A8L has "the sexiest sedan interior in the world." The BMW 750Li did not fair as well; Stuart Fowle writes, "Its fifteen minutes (of fame) are over."
2. Motor Trend >> Details/Subscribe	Road Test: 2006 Cadillac STS-v vs. 2006 Mercedes CLS55 AMG Todd Lassa Jan. 2006		This review tests the Cadillac STS-v against the Mercedes CLS55 AMG; the king of the autobahn is the Mercedes. These cars are special low-production performance versions of more mainstream models. The 469-horsepower Cadillac is one of and on General Motors Proving Ground and city streets. Although the Mercedes' extra performance vs. the Cadillac earn it the crown in this test, the Cadillac did so well that reviewer Todd Lassa quipped that it is "a winner in its own right." Mercedes is praised for the quality of the leather interior while Cadillac rates merely as "a contender".
3. Car and Driver >> Details/Subscribe	Comparison Test Review: 2006 BMW M5 vs. 2006 Cadillac STS-V vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG Tony Swan Jan. 2006		This review tests the Cadillac STS-v against the BMW M5 and the Mercedes CLS55 AMG. It is noted that the minimum horsepower in this trio is 400, and that the basic mission for these cars, dubbed "bahn burners" is to "serve up hedonism and haste." Car and Driver tested these cars at Grattan Raceway Park in Michigan. Some miles were also driven on Michigan back roads and freeways. The BMW placed first in these tests, with impressive acceleration and handling. However testers do not like BMW's iDrive computerized systems controller, which they deem "irritating." The Cadillac places second, with excellent performance. The twisty part of the racetrack is where the Cadillac fared the poorest. However, a $16,000 discount over the last place Mercedes was deemed a "huge advantage". The Mercedes placed last, although Car and Driver praised the CLS; Tony Swan writes that it is "flat out the sexiest sedan in the business".

USED CARS - Luxury Cars Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	USED CARS - Luxury Cars Ratings Comments on Reviews

4. Automobile.com >> Details/Subscribe	Palme (Four) D'or: Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 545i, Cadillac STS, Infiniti M45, Jaguar S-type, Lexus GS430, and Mercedes-Benz E500 Michael Jordan May 2005		This is a detailed look at eight somewhat sporty luxury sedans. All are considered memorable as far as style and technology. These vehicles were tested by driving in and around Palm Springs, California. Cruising at 45 mph from stoplight to stoplight was part of the test, with the objective of testing the interior environment of these cars. The Audi A6 is the winner here, described as "The right car to drive." The Lexus GS430 places second. This article is quite thorough, and although it tests 2005 versions of these cars, it remains among the best comparison tests that we have found.
5. InsideLine.com	2005 All-Wheel-Drive Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test Ed Hellwig July 2005		Inside Line editors tested and rated all-wheel-drive luxury sedans in this report. Cars in this segment include the 2005 Acura RL, the 2006 Infiniti M35X, the 2006 Lexus GS 300 AWD and the 2006 BMW 530xi. The oldest of the segment is the Audi A6 3.2 Quattro, which was redesigned in 2004, and the newest is the BMW 530xi. The test included a two-day, 1,000-mile road trip. Highway, mountain and racetrack test drives are also included. The Acura RL is top rated, and the Audi A6 places second.
6. Edmunds.com	Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2006 Editors of Edmunds.com Fall 2005		Each year, the editorial staff at Edmunds.com votes for their favorite vehicles in a variety of classes. The BMW 5-series gets the nod as the most wanted sedan under $45,000. Editors praise the BMW's 5-series' balance of a comfortable ride with performance and speed, calling it a "great touring car." Honorable mention goes to the Audi A6. In the over-$45,000 price class, the Audi A8 is rated the winner, with honorable mention going to the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The Audi has a luxurious and spacious cabin, excellent road manners, and is priced less than its rivals. This article is limited only in its lack of back-to-back performance testing.
7. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Top Picks 2006 - Best in class: In the lap of luxury Editors of Consumer Reports Not Dated		Consumer Reports does a credible job rating cars, minivans and trucks, and it includes information not usually covered by more dedicated car magazines, such as fender-bender repair estimates, crash-test information and reliability. However, the magazine does not provide much information on handling or on what standard and optional features are available with the cars it tests. The sedan roundup below is more detailed but is not as up-to-date as this report.
8. CNet.com	2006 Infiniti M35x Carey Russ and Wayne Cunningham Oct. 2005		In this technology-focused article, reviewers at CNet.com award the Infiniti M35 their highest rating among 2006 cars. Carey Russ and Wayne Cunningham say that the M35 is a roomy luxury sedan that is both sporty and pleasant to drive, with exceptional all-weather driving ability. They especially like the Bluetooth-enabled hands-free cell phone system. They also praise interior comfort and gadgets, which includes a special high-tech perforated leather upholstery package. This perforated material is actually part of the ventilation and climate control system, as air is forced through it to provide a cooling effect. It is no surprise CNet reviewers recommend ordering the option package called the "Technology Package," which adds a navigation system, XM or Sirius satellite radio, a Bose audio system, intelligent cruise-control and a lane-departure system.
9. Edmunds.com	First Drive: 2006 BMW M5 - Worth the Premium D. John Booth and Scott Oldham Nov. 11, 2005		Reviewers Booth and Oldham note that the new 2006 M5 is being marked up above list price by dealers, and even used ones sell for more than the buyers should have paid for them. Why is this possible? Booth and Oldham claim that even with a steep base price of $81,895, that "the 2006 M5 is so good, we say break the bank and pay whatever it takes to get one as soon as possible". They love its speedy acceleration and all-aluminum V-10 engine. Pushing a button in the cab switches the engine from the default 400-horspower mode to "power" mode, resulting in 500 horsepower. Top speed of 155 miles per hour is quickly reached. The reviewers also describe the M5 as "Loaded and Luscious", and note that the M5 could easily be mistaken for a regular 5-series. This makes it a real sleeper, something automotive writers enjoy.
10. Motor Trend >> Details/Subscribe	Luxury Sedan Comparison: 2006 BMW M5 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG Chris Walton Apr. 2006		In this comparison test of the 2006 BMW M5 and the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG, the BMW comes out the winner. Writer Walton praises the M5, saying "Dial M for magnificent". These cars were tested on a racetrack, where the M5 proved to have a distinct advantage. Walton notes that on the highway that the adjustable suspension found on both cars are useful although the Mercedes is less able to isolate the driver from tire noise and vibration. Walton describes the M5 as both sobering and intoxicating, and although the M5 wins this test, he predicts Mercedes will sell more units of the CLS55 AMG than BMW will of the M5.
11. CNet.com	2006 BMW M5 Mike Markovich July 25, 2006		Reviewer Markovich claims the 2006 M5 is a dream come true for speed freaks – especially technology orientated ones. He notes that the engine found in the M5 is an award winning design based on a Formula One (race car) design and has won the International Engine of the Year awards for two consecutive years. He claims it is quite potent in this car when mated to the special seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG). Like other reviewers he notes that the M5 is not dramatically different in appearance from the regular 5-series that it is based on. He claims that it did not draw attention from other drivers. Most of all he likes the fact that no matter where the engine is in the RPM range, there is power and torque available, even if the special "power" button is not depressed.
12. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Road Bots Editors of Consumer Reports Sept. 2005		In this comparison of five all-wheel-drive luxury sedans, editors say these cars more effectively transfer power to the wheels than their front-wheel-drive counterparts, though this results in lower gas mileage. While some high-end features are overrated, editors do like user-friendly features like voice-recognition systems and service-related e-mails. Ratings are based on features like build quality, handling and overall value.

USED CARS - Luxury Cars Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	USED CARS - Luxury Cars Ratings Comments on Reviews

13. IntelliChoice.com	2006 Best Car Values Editors of IntelliChoice Not Dated		IntelliChoice uses an analysis of relevant data to predict which vehicles will have the lowest long-term costs. The 2006 Lexus LS 430 is a standout vehicle with multiple awards, including Best of Luxury Class, and Best Overall Car Over $23,000. Intellichoice praises the LS 430 for having the highest retained value, the lowest depreciation and lowest anticipated repair costs. The 2006 BMW M5 wins a Best in Class award for "Smart Choice Highest Retained Value". We appreciate this review's careful analysis and ratings, which also allow the consumer to see how earlier models stack up for retained value and actual operating costs.
14. Consumer Guide.com >> Details/Subscribe	The Consumer Guide to Premium Midsize Cars & Premium Large Cars Kirk Bell and Ed Piotrowski June 2006		Consumer Guide's editors have written a fine buyer's guide, which we found useful for its detailed pricing and options information. However, we downgraded this guide because it lacks head-to-head comparisons. Testing isn't as thorough as that of other review sources, such as Car and Driver. Among premium mid-sized cars, the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M are deemed best buys, while the Acura RL, Infiniti G35 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are rated as recommended. Among premium large cars, the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430 get the best-buy rating, while the Cadillac's DTS earns a rating of recommended.
15. Autobytel.com	2006 Editors' Choice Awards - Best New Luxury Car Christian J. Wardlaw Nov. 2005		Autobytel contributor Christian J. Wardlaw maintains that Infinity has finally shaken its also-ran status in the luxury car marketplace, and that the 2006 Infiniti M series (M35 and M45) are so good that they deserve the publication's highest rating. He likes standout optional features like the lane-departure warning system, front seat belts with a pre-crash system, the Bose audio system and the rear-view monitoring system.
16. Consumers Digest	Best Buys in 2006 Kim Gorzelany, Kevin Kelly, Jim Mateja and Matt Nauma Nov. 1, 2005		Seasoned automotive writers Gorzelany, Kelly, Mateja and Nauman work with the staff of Consumers Digest to provide assessment and rating of vehicles based on price, behind-the-wheel testing, comfort, ergonomics and amenities. The Acura TL, Cadillac DTS, Chrysler 300C and Toyota Avalon are listed as the best in the luxury segment for 2006. This review did not strike us as especially detailed, and no comparison testing is highlighted. Cars are not rated.
17. Kiplinger.com >> Details/Subscribe	2006 Car Buyer's Guide Mark Solheim Nov. 2005		Kiplinger's annual auto issue considers factors such as service costs, fuel efficiency, resale value and insurance costs. We welcome this financial focus to evaluating cars, but since side-by-side tests are not performed, this review does not rank higher in our chart. The Acura TL 3.2 wins best-in-class in the $30,000 to $45,000 range, while the Lexus LS 430 wins again as best-in-class in the over $40,000 price range. Editors note that the Lexus LS 430 has topped the luxury-car category for six years.
18. Car and Driver >> Details/Subscribe	$70,000 Luxury Sedans Patrick Bedard Dec. 2003		Though older, this review impresses us with back-to-back testing of six different models. The Audi A8L, BMW 745i, Jaguar XJ8, Lexus LS 430, Mercedes-Benz S430 and Volkswagen Phaeton are all thoroughly compared for comfort, style, performance and feature content. Though it lags behind some of the others in performance, the Lexus LS 430 is rated best for its refinement as well as its smooth, controlled ride.
19. Automotive.com	Luxury Sedan Reviews and Ratings Editors of Automotive.com As of Aug. 2006		Automotive.com rates cars individually, rarely comparing vehicles to each other. However, the reviews are detailed and critical, and they provide a wealth of technical information, as well as driving impressions. Automotive.com has covered the majority of luxury sedans on the market. Detailed specifications and safety information are included, as well as a "final word" section.