Car Prices Blogs - June, 2012

On one hand, we have a crossover SUV that is disguised as a cool wagon. On the other hand, we have a stylish SUV that offers plenty of space for large families. Both vehicles can take the place of an otherwise ‘uncool‘ minivan, and both vehicles are in the same price range.

It depends on your perceptions of what a family vehicle should look like. But whatever you choose, it is sure that you will have lots of fun inside the Ford Flex and the Chevrolet Traverse.

Here is a simple car price comparison between the Ford Flex and the Chevy Traverse, so you can easily find out which vehicle is best suited for your needs.

Ford Flex

It remains a mystery why the Ford Flex is the slowest selling Ford vehicle in the USA for 2012, but Ford is confident enough to offer the 2013 Ford Flex with improved styling features and better comfort.

The Ford Flex offers retro-wagon styling, spacious accommodations for up to seven passengers, and the ride quality of a large sedan. Some car buyers might complain about the hefty price tag, but the Ford Flex does come with a a lot of standard kit for the price. This includes cruise control, rear parking sensors, power driver seat, air conditioning, six-speaker audio system and 17-inch wheels.

Power

Power comes courtesy of a 3.5-liter V6 with 285hp with a six-speed automatic transmission. The EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 with 355hp is optional. The 3.5-liter V6 returns 18/25 mpg, while the Ecoboost V6 achieves 16/21 mpg.

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is based on the same architecture as the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. This is not a bad thing. The Chevrolet Traverse offers acres of interior room and a quiet ride. It is also easier to drive than a traditional SUV, and it happens to be less expensive, too.

The Chevy Traverse has sporty and athletic styling cues along with a responsive ride. Standard features include eight seats, air conditioning, OnStar, and a six-speaker audio system.

Power

The Chevy Traverse is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 with 281hp and a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine can return an average of 17/24 mpg.

Conclusion

The Ford Flex starts at a base price of $30,885 while the Chevrolet Traverse starts at $29,510. It all depends on your preference of style. If you appreciate a bit of retro flair then look no further than the Ford Flex. If you want traditional SUV styling cues then the Chevy Traverse is right for you.

The Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS would have to be two of the most desirable road cars in the market today. Both vehicles are expensive because they are loaded with technology and premium cabin materials for a truly opulent driving experience.

But what sets the Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS apart from other expensive luxury sedans is their body shape: it looks normal when viewed from the front, but the sloping roofline and sleek overall shape resembles that of a sporty two-door coupe.

The Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS both have four proper doors, but they can only seat four people. They cater to a very special niche of buyers who want a sleeker, sportier, and more stylish luxury car. If you can afford it, there is no reason why you shouldn’t look into the Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS.

Audi A7

It is hard to distinguish the A7 from other vehicles in the Audi lineup, particularly the A6. But the A7 is lower and wider than the A6, and it has the elegant sloping roof line that tapers to the back to form a hatch-like trunk, making the car look dynamically correct. Prices for the base model Audi A7 starts at $59,250.

Engine

The Audi A7 is motivated by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 310hp. Power is channeled to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The smaller and lighter engine gives the Audi A7 more agility when driven hard as it can turn abruptly without losing composure. The engine is also fuel efficient as it can return an EPA average of 18/28 MPG.

Safety

The Audi A7 comes standard with traction/stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, front knee airbags, and side curtain airbags.

Mercedes CLS

The Mercedes CLS is based on the Mercedes E-class luxury sedan, but it was given a more attractive shape and steeply sloping roof as well. Think of the Mercedes CLS not as an E-Class Coupe but as a luxury car that has the performance potential and exclusivity of a super car. Prices for the base model CLS550 starts at $71,300.

Engine

The Mercedes CLS comes standard with a 4.7-liter V8 engine with 402hp. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Performance is the highlight of the Mercedes CLS as it can rush from 0 to 60 MPH in an estimated 4.6 seconds compared to the 5.4 seconds of the Audi A7. Fuel economy suffers due to the nature of the high-performance V8 engine, returning an EPA average of 16/24 MPG.

Safety

The Mercedes CLS is equipped with traction and stability control, front side and knee airbags, and full curtain airbags, including the Mercedes emergency telematics system.

Conclusion

From an economical standpoint, the Audi A7 makes better financial sense because it offers the same looks and intent as the Mercedes CLS. The smaller V6 engine might hinder all out performance, but the A7 performs admirably in real world driving situations. The Mercedes CLS is more lavish and more comfortable than the Audi A7. The larger V8 engine is also more powerful and incredibly refined.

If you want stunning looks and impressive performance, choose the Audi A7. If you still prefer traditional luxury with more modern looks, the Mercedes CLS is right for you.

Large family SUV’s are here to stay. They may not be the most fuel efficient vehicles you can buy, but when it comes to carrying passengers in maximum comfort and style, it is hard to argue with the capabilities of a full size luxury SUV.

Here is a review of the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes-Benz GL, two of the most recognizable luxury SUV’s. Both vehicles are big, bold, and makes no pretensions when it comes to luxury and space. They are also in the same price range. The Cadillac is made in America, while the other is German in decent (but is assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama).

Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is a seven-seat luxury SUV that starts at a price of $63,170. The Escalade comes standard with adaptive auto leveling suspension for better ride quality and agility. It also comes with remote ignition, a tri-zone auto climate control system, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar, and a satellite radio with a 10-speaker Bose audio system. It is safe to say that the Cadillac Escalade is loaded with all the tech goodies that a driver could possibly want. When it comes to looks, the Escalade is equipped with large 18-inch alloy wheels while other trim models receive gargantuan 22-inch chrome alloy wheels, giving the car an upscale look.

Engine

The Cadillac Escalade is a big and heavy vehicle. It needs a big and powerful engine for proper motivation. Cadillac made sure that the 6.2-liter V8 engine is more than adequate to athletically propel the Escalade in a smooth and progressive manner. The 6.2-liter V8 engine is able to output 403hp and 417 pound-feet of torque, controlled via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The miserly EPA estimate of 14/18 MPG is expected in this category.

Mercedes-Benz GL-class

The Mercedes-Benz GL is a different breed of SUV. It was specifically designed and engineered for the American market. But since Mercedes will not sacrifice driving dynamics even in such a large vehicle, so it injected some athletic ability into the Mercedes GL. With prices starting at a rather premium $61,570 the Mercedes GL is right for those who want a sporty large luxury SUV. Standard equipment includes self-leveling automatic suspension, dual-zone auto climate control with rear air-conditioning controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight speaker audio system. The Mercedes GL is also equipped with large 20-inch wheels.

Engine

The Mercedes GL is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission. While this engine only produces 210hp, it is capable of delivering 400 pound-feet of torque without pressing hard on the gas pedal. This engine is also capable of achieving a more admirable 17/21 MPG. The GL450 is equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 gasoline engine and the GL550 is motivated by a 5.5-liter V8.

Conclusion

The Cadillac Escalade is best for people who want to prioritize style, luxury, and comfort in their large SUV. The Mercedes-Benz GL is idea for family car buyers who want athleticism and refinement. Both SUV’s offer tons of interior space, but the Mercedes has better fit and finish along with more space in the third-row seats.

BMW vehicles are all about sportiness and luxury. Note that sportiness came first before luxury, because that’s what BMW vehicles are all about. The German carmaker insists on giving their vehicles the ultimate driving recipe, hence resulting in the ultimate driving machine: rear-wheel drive, engine on the front, and a suspension system that is firm yet composed at the same time.

If you are in the market for a new BMW, you should compare updated BMW leasing and BMW financing prices from multiple BMW dealerships in your zip code. This will help you to figure out the average market price of the vehicle that you want, so you don’t need to pay more money on an already expensive car.

But first, what are the benefits of BMW leasing? Is this better than buying or financing your new BMW? The answer will be determined by your needs and your financial capability.

BMW Leasing

Leasing is the perfect way to drive home your brand new BMW with minimal cash outlay. Of course, you will need to return the car to the dealership after your lease expires, but this also means that you don’t need to bother about selling the car or trading the car when it gets old. Consider leasing a BMW if you want low monthly payments, less maintenance hassles, and with minimum cash outlay.

BMW Financing

Do you have a good credit history? Financing your new BMW is definitely the wiser choice. Buyers with good credit can enjoy low APR rates on their new vehicles. Combine this special cash discounts, rebates, and other BMW incentives to get more savings. Of course, buying your new car means that you need to cough up a higher cash outlay or down payment, and you will get higher monthly payments because you are essentially paying for the vehicle in whole.

Updated BMW Leasing and Financing Deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 328i lease starts at $399 per month for 36 months, $3900 due at signing.

Low APR financing starts at 3.9% for 36 months and 4.5% for up to 60 months.

BMW 1 Series

BMW 128i Coupe lease starts at $369 per month for 36 months, $3,600 due at signing.

Low APR financing starts at 3.9% for 36 months and 4.5% for up to 60 months.

BMW 5 Series

BMW 528i lease deals starts at $549 per month for 36 months, $3,200 due at signing with additional $1,500 option allowance.

Low APR financing starts at 3.9% for 36 months and 4.5% for up to 60 months.

BMW X5

BMW X5 XDrive35i lease starts at $569 per month for 36 months, $4,300 due at signing.

Low APR financing starts at 2.9% APR for 36 months and 3.9% APR for up to 60 months.

BMW leasing and financing deals are valid until July 9, 2012.

Get in touch with BMW dealers to know more about the latest BMW financing and leasing specials in your zip code.