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There is much talk about how to preserve our dwindling fuel reserves. Environmental pressures ensure that manufacturers take this seriously. Here we look at three different approaches to the issue from three different manufacturers. All manufacturers are striving to improve their environmental credentials and fuel economy.
The Mercedes Benz is the most powerful motor here. It is a big thumping V8 petrol motor that in time past would be a gas-guzzler. However it is a gem and while it is heavy on fuel around town it is very economical on a trip. The enormous torque ensures that it is a lazy cruiser.
The BMW 530d is as good as a diesel motor can get. Smooth, quiet, heaps of torque and comes in midway between the petrol V8 and the hybrid around town but is the most economical on a trip.
The Lexus is the technological nerd of the group. Lexus has adopted the hybrid model as its answer to fuel economy. While it is exceptionally economical around town it loses its edge on the freeway where the advantages of self-generating power are significantly reduced.
There you have it. Three alternate approaches to the same problem. There is no winner and it is not a comparison, just something to stimulate your thought process. Personally I am a fan of bio-diesel for the future. After all, the above are just using a diminishing non-renewable resource at a slower rate. Bio diesel is a replacement for that resource.
Oh and by the way the new Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible will run on E85 Biofuel. The W12 6-litre power unit now has the technology to run on petrol, E85 bioethanol or any mix of these two fuels – all from a single tank.
That’s very impressive!
The latest generation 530d is a crisply styled family prestige saloon. It has had many updates along the way the latest of which in July 2009 added as standard, Head-up Display, Professional Navigation with 8.8inch monitor, TV and Voice Recognition, Park Distance Control and Comfort Access in addition to the already high level of standard equipment.
First impressions are of sporting elegance with a long wheelbase and short overhangs that combine to maximise internal space giving the external appearance a long sleek look. I reckon it is probably the most attractive ‘5’ series that BMW have built.
Like most BMW’s the more you drive them the more they become part of you. Technology (and there is heaps in the 530d) that simply works unobtrusively assists the driving pleasure.
Sitting in the driver’s seat you are comfortably cocooned, BMW certainly centre everything on the driver. Right from the leather multi function steering wheel through to the multi adjustable electric heated seats you feel part of the car. Apart from the lack of space for the normal assortment of things we all seem to carry and very poorly designed and intrusive drink bottle holders the interior design is fantastic.
Absolutely chock full of goodies the equipment includes Head-Up Display, Active Cruise Control, iDrive system, adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights, Night Vision with infrared camera, active cruise control with brake function, Park Distance Control front and rear, electromechanical parking brake, Dynamic Driving Control, through loading feature, engine stop/start button, Bluetooth handsfree technology, AUX-in connection and the handy USB interface.
BMW safety technology includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control plus Traction), adaptive headrests and eight airbags.
A large and often expensive array of options and option packages are available reflecting the strong desire to personalise the BMW 530d by prospective owners.
The BMW 530d is powered by a dynamic 3.0 litre six-cylinder in-line engine mated to a six-speed sports automatic transmission generating power of 173 kW @ 4000rpm that takes the BMW from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.8 seconds. In doing so, its peak torque of up to 500 Nm comes in at a low 1750 rpm, which provides super smooth power delivery and helps with fuel economy. For such a powerful motor it is surprisingly economical using just 6.6L/100km (ADR combined) and produces 176g/km of CO2 emissions. The Green Vehicle Guide rating is 3 1/2-stars.
The engine has a low burble that gives a hint of the performance. For a diesel it is exceptionally sporty and quiet. Not only is it quick off the mark, with a top speed of around 240kmh it is also fast. All this from a motor that could also be adapted to run on biodiesel.
It is this straight six-diesel motor that lies at the heart of the appeal of this saloon. Essentially this motor is powerful, smooth, quiet and very economical. The key is its driving flexibility. Once you are driving you absolutely forget you are driving a diesel and yet the driving pleasure is provided by the very characteristics of the diesel. You would seriously have to question why you would want the petrol motor.
The BMW 530d has an overall length of 4841mm, wheelbase of 2888mm, width of 1846mm and height of 1468mm. The Tare mass is 1600kg
With a MLP of $116,250, it has more than enough performance, outstanding fuel economy, crisp styling, room for the family with huge boot space and BMW’s 2yr unlimited km warranty with 3 years 24/7 roadside assist. BMW also offers 3 year / 60,000km inclusive servicing that substantially reduces the cost of ownership.
Overseas Model Shown.
The new E-500 sedan’s image is striking and dynamic with pronounced contours, this ninth generation of the popular sedan model has been a key fixture in the Mercedes Benz car catalogue for more than 60 years.
First impressions when you sit inside are that you are sitting in $180,000 worth of luxury. It is luxurious with the use of the finest grade materials and workmanship. Sitting in the rich leather electrically adjustable seats, immediately in front of you is the, thick leather steering wheel; you are surrounded by a multitude of controls, some of which are admittedly fussy but comprehensive. Internal storage is excellent and there is plenty of space for five.
As you would expect its passive safety arsenal is vast. Examples include a 30 percent increase in the rigidity of the body shell, aluminium and steel alloy structures specifically designed to channel loads in an accident impact, the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system, nine airbags, and four seatbelt pre-tensioners as standard.
Active safety is extensive and sees innovative technologies appearing for the first time. These include, ATTENTION ASSIST driver fatigue detection system, Intelligent Light System with five different headlight functions, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS radar-guided cruise control, PRE-SAFE® Brake.
The new E-500 handles superbly. The DIRECT CONTROL suspension means the car’s dampers are amplitude-dependent. Their electronically regulated damping system ensures characteristics will vary between softer comfort and firmer sports-orientation depending upon road surface and driving behaviour. Therefore, drivers have the best balance of comfort and handling available.
The technology is subtle yet enhances the driving experience. The best example of that is the blind spot warning for changing lanes. A simple yet exceptionally practical safety feature!
A 5.5L V8 petrol engine generating 285 kW of power and 530 Nm of torque powers the Mercedes Benz E-500. The 5.5L is coupled to the proven 7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic transmission. The combination will take the car from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a controlled top speed of 210kmh. Make no mistake about it this is an absolute gem of a motor.
The E-500 is relatively economical for a large motor using just 11.0L/100km (ADR combined) and produces 258g/km of CO2 emissions. The Green Vehicle Guide rating is 3 1/2-stars. The massive torque of the V8 means that on the freeway the economy will drop to about 8.0L/100km that is awesome for the power it possesses
The Mercedes Benz E-500 has an overall length of 4868mm, wheelbase of 2874mm, width of 1854mm and height of 14646mm. The Tare mass is 1830kg
With a MLP of $178,900, it has class, style and sophistication, power and handling and Mercedes Benz 3yr unlimited km warranty.
The Lexus GS450h has been around for a few years now and has proved extremely popular. With its distinctive 'L–Finesse' design, the GS 450h displays seamless curves with its long bonnet and pulled back cabin. While stylish it is a little bland
The GS 450h is set apart from conventionally–powered GS models set the distinctive cobalt blue 'Hybrid' badging on the side mouldings, rear boot lid and the emblem on the front grille.
External fatures include electrochromatic mirrors that automatically dim, 5 alloy spoke 18" wheel design with performance–rated 245/40 R18 tyres, easy access with Smart Key, Specially coated water repellent windows that are UV reducing, rain sensing wipers
Internally the Lexus is faultless luxury and comfort with a refined interior treatment. The steering wheel incorporates controls for the audio, cruise control, phone, Multi Information Display and speech commands. Other features include glare free instrumentation, climate controlled eight way power adjustable seats with memory, Inbuilt Bluetooth®, DVD–based Satellite Navigation guidance, Power operated moonroof, Rear view camera for easier reversing with guide assist, and a power rear sunshade.
Both front and rear passengers are exceptionally comfortable and really want for nothing.
Entertainment is catered for by audiophile quality Mark Levinson audio system with 14–speaker audio system, a 6–disc in–dash DVD/CD changer and an Automatic Sound Leveliser. In addition, a USB connector provides the functionality for flash memory drives and full iPod®* control via the EMV (Electro Multi Vision) touch screen.
The GS 450h's relentless power surge comes from a high performance all–alloy Quad Cam V6. In addition the GS 450h has two high–output electric motor/generators. The first one acts a power generator and also serves as the starter motor for the petrol engine. The second motor/generator, also known as the electric drive motor, supplements the power of the petrol engine to drive the rear wheels.
The petrol engine produces 218Kw @ 6,400rpm and 368Nm @ 4,000rpm. The maximum output of the petrol engine working with the electric drive motor is 254 kW and the benefit of the Hybrid system is that the electric motor can dump up to 274Nm instantly to the transmission. That is awesome.
This engine combination delivers its seamless acceleration through an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission. This advanced transmission also ensures the petrol engine and the electric motors work as one. As well as blending the output of two power sources, the E–CVT in GS 450h has the added sophistication of an eight–speed sequential–shift feature.
A core feature of the Hybrid system is that braking energy is harnessed by Regenerative Braking. This energy is then converted into electrical energy and for future use in a 'Nickel Metal Hydride Battery' an advanced battery engineered to last many times longer than a conventional car battery.
Handling and drive comfort is controlled by Adaptive Variable Suspension which aloows for selection of ‘Normal Mode' for everyday driving situations, or to 'Sport' for superior handling and stability,
Safety features include Pre collision safety (PCS), Active Cruise Control (ACC), Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Adaptive Front–lighting System (AFS),
Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB2) including Electronic Brake–force Distribution (EBD) and ten, that’s right ten SRS airbags and Active headrests for added protection.
The powerful Lexus Hybrid Drive system propels GS 450h from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. The 3.5-litre V6 Hybrid Drive uses just 7.9L/100km (ADR combined) and produces 186g/km of CO2 emissions. The Green Vehicle Guide rating is 4.5-stars.
The Lexus GS 450h has an overall length of 4850mm, wheelbase of 2850mm, width of 1820mm and height of 1430mm. The Tare mass is 1865kg
With a MLP of $126,800, it could be considered good value. Its styling though is a little bland. Style, grace and class combined with the Lexus 4yr 100,000 km warranty on the vehicle and 8yr 160,000 km warranty on the HV Battery.
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Prestige Cars 
