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Finer Things
This Time You Can't Go Wrong: Volvo, Lexus Mercedes
By Rita Cook
Whether you're in the mood for a Lexus at a few $10,000 less or a high-end Mercedes or let's not forget the Volvo somewhere in between, indeed, it seems that the 2009 options mean something out there that is perfectly right for you.
Lexus ES350
Lexus style meets a swanky ride. While unchanged design in 2009, this is still one of the best Lexus bets. You want sporty, you got it; you want good looking, you got it, you want luxury. The standard level trim is 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, 10-way power front seats, keyless entry and ignition and one-touch up and down windows.
What You Need to Know: A V6 ride you'll remember with a great interior design that really does "feel good" all over. With 272 horsepower you know you're moving, oh so fast, but the gas pedal doesn't feel like it's straining the engine. It's a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capacity. 0 to 60 in seven seconds and there is antilock disc brakes, stability control and lots of airbags. Back seat passengers have plenty of room too and the trunk offers more than enough space.
Miles Per Gallon: 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: Starting at $30,000.
Volvo V70 Wagon
This wagon will make you think SUV crossover. With the better-than-average Swedish design, this Volvo gets a thumbs up. 2009 is looking the same with a few exceptions as bluetooth has been added as well as fog lights and the Technology Package. Keep your eyes open as this one offers large cargo capacity and really good standard features.
What You Need to Know: Take note of the blind-spot warning system, a Vehicle Distance Alert, Driver Alert Control, collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system. This car won't let you do anything wrong without first giving you a heads-up. The engine comes in a 3.2-liter inline-6 with 235 horsepower and a six-speed automatic with a manual shift control. The only option is front-wheel drive so you better like that. 0 to 60 in a little under eight seconds.
Miles Per Gallon: 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: Reasonable at $33,000.
Mercedes CLS550
Mercedes has done it again. The 2009 CLS550 is perfect for any driver anytime. Put performance and luxury in one package and add some sexy for good measure - you got it. New this year are heated mirrors with integrated signals and a cooler than usual steering wheel and COMAND interface. Four-door coupe-style, but with a two-door feel.
What You Need to Know: A V8 engine, but that's not all. This year the CLS class got a little facelift with a bit of an exterior change to spruce it up and that means new wheels, new grille and new exhaust tips and taillights. The CLS550 also boasts a 382 horsepower, 5.5-liter engine and look for the Airmatic semi-active suspension feature too. Choose from the Premium or Trim package, either way you get the seven-speed automatic gearboxes. Lots of shoulder room and leg room make the lower ceiling on this one work out fine even for the tallest driver.
Miles Per Gallon: 14 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: Starting in the mid-70,000s.