Large Executive | Motornet.ie

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Large Executive

Thursday, April 06, 2006

The best buys and the ones to avoid for the large executive car market in 2006....

The Best

OUR PICK

BMW 5-Series
The BMW 5-Series is still the executive class leader, beating off new rivals from Audi and Lexus with its sharper handling and excellent engines and transmissions, though it’s not as dominant as it once was.

Blame its ungainly shape, irritating i-Drive system and a slight dip in driver involvement for its fall from exalted greatness.

On the plus side, the 5-Series remains very refined, has plenty of safety gear and is spacious, too.

The entry-level, 174 bhp, 2.5-litre 523i SE weighs in at €56,000 and wants for nothing, really – 17-inch wheels, climate control, cruise control, a six-speed manual, a leather steering wheel with audio controls and ESP are all standard.

The 153 bhp, 2.0-litre 520D is a fine entry-level diesel 5-Series at just €51,000, with climate control, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels amongst the standard features.

The popular, 177 bhp, straight-six 525d SE costs €61,050 and battles with the €59,625, 215 bhp, 525i SE for the title of best 5-Series.

The 500 bhp BMW M5 is an astonishing achievement, combining 5-Series luxury with genuine supercar performance and handling, but it ain’t cheap at €135,000.

Lexus GS 300/430
The new GS is simply gorgeous looking and while the quality is as good as ever, just about everything else is improved.

The interior is beautifully laid out and uses touch screen technology instead of a joystick.

It’s comfortable, silent and loaded with equipment, though not the last word in driving pleasure.

The range is extremely limited, too, with only a 249 bhp 3.0-litre V6 and a 283 bhp 4.3-litre V8 engine to choose from.

Prices start at €64,360 for the basic GS300 but there are no options on any model so if you want leather you need to buy the €70,460 GS 3.0 Executive model and if Sat Nav takes your fancy expect to pay €77,995 for the Sport model, which also gets 18-inch alloy wheels.

The top model is the fully loaded GS430, powered by a 283 bhp 4.3-litre V8 engine and weighs in at a whopping €97,040.

We expect a diesel to become available at some point but because the car is predominantly designed for the US market we don’t see it arriving any time soon.

Chrysler 300
Want something eye-catching and unique to waft to work in?

Then you could do worse than the Chrysler 300, which has finally gone on sale in Ireland.

The American saloon is big and brash and really rather handsome and while it’s not terribly agile it is a phenomenally comfortable long-distance cruiser.

With lots of old-model Mercedes E-Class in the chassis and rear-drive power train the 300C should prove reliable and robust, although the interior feels cheap compared to rivals and there’s no manual option.

The engine range in Ireland consists of the American-made, 340 bhp, 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and a rather nice, Mercedes-sourced, 218 bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.

The 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines, again from Mercedes, aren’t offered in Ireland.

Prices for the diesel model start at €58,500, which is surprisingly good value considering it’s loaded with power, leather seats, climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, ESP, cruise control, etc.

The V8 HEMI version, with identical equipment, costs €73,700.

A CD-changer and sunroof are optional, while Satellite Navigation costs €3,695 extra.

Audi A6
The all-new A6 is a fine example of understated elegance though its good looks aren’t the only reason to buy an A6.

It’s also extremely well appointed inside and offers more comfort and space than any other rival.

The range is vast, making buying the right A6 a challenge but we have found it to be too big for front drive, so we recommend you buy only Quattro models if possible.

The €47,940 2.0T might look like good value, but a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine and front drive is not a good combo in a car this size.

We like the €55,000 177 bhp, 2.4-litre V6 Quattro with climate control and 16-inch alloy wheels, as a credible BMW 523i SE rival.

Those intending to use their A6 a lot should specify a few options like cruise control (€427) and perhaps a sports steering wheel (€170) or a steering wheel with integrated stereo controls (€544).

Built-in rear and side blinds (€698) are great for keeping children cool, too.

The 225 bhp 3.0-litre TDi V6 with a manual and Quattro is the pick of the diesel range at €63,770.

V8 models aren’t worth the premium in terms of performance and will haemorrhage value over time.

Citroen C6
Are we mad? How could we possibly recommend a Citroen over a Mercedes E-Class?

Well, the front-drive C6 isn’t much of a sports car and it’s not going to hold its value like the established rivals, but if you’re looking for something different that’s packed with interesting innovations and creature comforts, this is the car to have.

It’s huge yet modern and funky and should be a hit for Citroen.

The entry-level €61,000, 215 bhp, 3.0-litre V6 has 17-inch wheels, a 6-speed automatic, air suspension and all the toys bar leather and Satellite Navigation.

The range-topping Exclusive model costs €74,500 and adds leather and navigation, plus 18-inch wheels, voice activation, electrically adjustable heated rear seats, a head-up display, active bi-Xenon lights plus more.

The C6 is based on a stretched C5/Peugeot 407 platform and is also offered with an excellent 208 bhp, 2.7-litre V6 diesel which costs €65,500 in entry-level trim.

The Rest

Jaguar S-Type – Looks-wise it’s not my cuppa brew but it drives well and is reasonably commodious. New diesel is superb.

Mercedes CLS-Class – Gorgeous to behold and fine to drive, but it’s very pricey with a very limited range.

Mercedes E-Class – Getting on a bit now and still suffering from questionable quality. A decent drive but there’s more fun and better plastics elsewhere.

Volvo S80 – Likeable big saloon from Volvo that soothes vast distances away. Unpretentious and safe, if you like that sort of thing.

Avoid

Peugeot 607 – Old and stodgy and wallowy. Dreadful.

Saab 9-5 – Recently face-lifted and still a decent car, especially if you travel long distances, but way off the pace of its rivals.

Alfa 166 – A big Alfa? The only way to lose money faster is to set a suitcase full of cash on fire. Don’t be taken in by its quirky charm.