2006 BMW 650i vs. 2006 Cadillac XLR-V vs. 2007 Jaguar XK vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550

[TahoeMikeZ71]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...-currency.html



2006 BMW 650i vs. 2006 Cadillac XLR-V vs. 2007 Jaguar XK vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 vs. 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera - Comparison Tests

Convertible Currency: Do you want your convertible’s roof in metal or fabric? That’s the $100,000 question.

BY BARRY WINFIELD, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PLANET-R/RANDY LORENTZEN
It’s spring at last, the Dow is flip-flopping, and — if you’re in the right bracket and the damn market goes back up — the Bushies will be giving you just about enough of a tax cut to buy an expensive convertible. For sure, there’s nothing like a shiny new convertible to scoop up the joys of spring and blow ’em right into your face. And we have some pretty blossoms in the bunch this year.
For one, the new Jaguar XK convertible, with an all-aluminum body, is now light enough in naturally aspirated form to run within a half-second of the previous generation’s supercharged version. Launched close to the debut of its coupe equivalent, the XK convertible benefits from having been a part of the original engineering job. Which means it’s inherently stiff and sturdy by design — Jaguar says 50 percent more so than its predecessor, which was known for shivering and shuddering its way across rough surfaces.

The new XK convertible is powered by a 300-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 via a six-speed ZF transmission with a specially massaged manumatic system for super-fast shifts. Traction control, dynamic stability control, and Jaguar’s CATS variable-damping shock-absorber control are standard. The fabric convertible top is fully automatic, able to stow itself in about 18 seconds, and as we’ve become accustomed in Jaguars, the interior is a welcoming blend of burl veneer and soft leather.
Even more welcoming — particularly in this expensive grouping of convertibles — is the XK’s as-tested price of $85,200. That makes it the least expensive bloom in the bunch.
Further along the price spectrum is another recent addition to the convertible clutch. It is Cadillac’s $100,000 XLR-V, powered by GM’s supercharged Northstar V-8. This blown four-cam jewel produces 443 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque, with 90 percent of that torque on tap between 2200 and 6000 rpm.
Accompanying the big power boost is a full round of suspension and equipment upgrades over the standard XLR, including larger brakes, recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control, the addition of a rear anti-roll bar, unique badging, polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, and special wood and leather interior surfaces. But what makes it eligible for this particular spring-break bash is its fully automatic retractable hardtop, bringing coupe-like insulation and refinement to the droptop realm.
Targas aside, Porsche’s 911 has had a full convertible version in the lineup since 1983, and this is true of the latest-generation 997 models, too. For this test we ended up with a 3.6-liter Carrera model in order to have automatic transmissions in all the cars. It is possible to specify the more-powerful Car­rera S cabriolet at less than $100,000 and stay within our budget for these cars, but Porsche couldn’t supply one with an automatic.

What might have happened to the rankings had we tested the 3.8-liter Carrera S will have to remain the subject of conjecture, but we have to say that the 325-hp Carrera seemed to us a nicely balanced vehicle, even if that figure represented the second-lowest power output of the group.
No droptop shakedown would be complete without a Mercedes-Benz SL. After all, an SL hardtop convertible won a similar contest in our October 2003 issue against three of the brands you see here, and it has since benefited from a face lift and an important engine transplant. The SL550 debuted at the Geneva auto show earlier this year with a freshened face and a new-generation four-valve 5.5-liter V-8 punching out a respectable 382 horses. With a long-running reputation for astonishing stickers, the Benz SL clocked in at a dizzying $102,375. We’ll see if it’s worth it.
If there’s a Mercedes in the mix, there has to be a BMW nearby, and the 650i brings a 4.8-liter V-8 to the party for 2006, producing 360 horsepower, 35 more than the preceding 645Ci, and with 30 more pound-feet of torque. New wheels distinguish the car from last year’s model, and the active steering feature that troubled many of us has been dropped from the optional Sport package and is now available as a stand-alone item.
Despite boasting the lowest base price in the group, the 650i wore a $1000 head-up display among its optional extras (the Cadillac has one, too, included in its price) and a stunningly pricey active cruise-control system ($2200) that helped bump the sticker to $87,640. As tested, only the Jag was cheaper, if that’s the right word here. Playing in this league is clearly the privilege of the well heeled.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...-currency.html

[Kheiron]

what a bunch of hogwash about the XLR-V. If they wanted to do a "regular daily driver comparison" use the 76k dollar version and make the 85k Jag look "expensive relatively speaking" with 320hp Nstar V8 stock it would still be competitive and its shortcomings would gain you a 25k+ savings If you want a performance comparison use the M6, AMG SL500 version, and 911 Carrera Turbo. I love how they slant the comparison by doing apples to oranges to rationalize their conclusions, yuck.

This is almost as bad as the C&D Vette loss. All I can state is (eyeroll!)

Kheiron

[327]

WTF they didnt like it because of the seats and the steering wheel size ? They say it was one of the more powerful car but they were testing performance luxury only right???

[ZvetteGuy]

They will find anything to rag on with the Caddy... they just got too accustomed to the German taste and European taste to really appreciate some of the styling (though oftentimes bland) of the American car... we have a ways to go but we're getting there...

[mkaresh]

This is likely a repost.

Anyway, I have recently driven a 2004 XLR and a 2004 SL, both with about 20,000 miles on them. The XLR didn't feel nearly as solid or as refined, and the interior isn't nearly where it needs to be. Not holding up terribly well, either. The Mercedes was more agile that I expected given its hefty curb weight. The XLR feels even more agile, but the difference isn't as large as I expected. And the Cadillac's steering is more numb.

I've also driven the BMW and Jag, but new 2006 and 2007, respectively. The BMW is a pig in drop top form. The Jag's performance is merely acceptable considering the price. But it feels solid, the interior is quite nice, and it'll sell based on how it looks at any rate. Both the Mercedes and the Cadillac handle better than these two.

Full review, originally based on a Lexus track event, with impressions from my recent test drive near the bottom:

http://www.epinions.com/content_152084188804

[superstreet]

the xlr-v is a winner

[Xenon]

I reserve judgement until I actually drive the cars. But I highly doubt that the Cadillacs fit/finish is up to par with the European competition. Sorry to burst your bubbles guys.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Xenon

But I highly doubt that the Cadillacs fit/finish is up to par with the European competition.

IT's not... but it's no slouch either. Not really worth the $76,000 asking price. It's improved with the V, but definitely not worth $100,000.

With XLR, it's not really a question of materials used. It really is quite a beautiful cockpit; however the cartoony font used everywhere is such a distraction.
And there are silly cheap things... like the console compartment that opens and closes with a cheap feel and sound. And the center console behind the armrest that is squeaky and flimsy. It doesn't really contribute to a premium feel.

When I drove the car, I couldn't get the trunk sensor to think I didn't have anything there, so I had trouble getting top down. Maybe they fixed it by now. But sitting for 15 minutes in the dealer lot while the salesperson tried and tried and tried to get the sensor to trip.... Bad.

Whenever Cadillac decides to update the XLR, I"m sure it will be better and much improved. Right now, it can hold its own against the competition, but you'll have to make a few compromises.

[powervette]

the basic XLR should be 2nd or at least 3rd in this comparo,the XLR-V is a clear winner here

[powervette]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

I have recently driven a 2004 XLR and a 2004 SL, both with about 20,000 miles on them. The XLR didn't feel nearly as solid or as refinedhttp://www.epinions.com/content_152084188804

I drove a SL on roads that all look like this
and it was far from feeling solid,it behaved like a stage-coach.
I don't know how a XLR would behave in such severe conditions but I know a guy who owns a CTS and he is more happy about his suspension than the SL owner I know

[ByTheLake]

Originally Posted by Xenon

I reserve judgement until I actually drive the cars. But I highly doubt that the Cadillacs fit/finish is up to par with the European competition. Sorry to burst your bubbles guys.

I tend to agree ... the XLR's price point is steep for what it offers, even in naturally aspirated form.

I was hoping for the XLR to finish above last, but when I saw it was a Car & Driver review, I instantly knew it would be rated last among the group.

[cawimmer430]

I've driven the current SL350 and SL500 and they feel very light, despite the heavy weight. It felt sporty, yet the SL isn't a sports car but a GT car or a sports touring car. Something meant to be enjoyed in a relaxed and stately manor.

I've not driven the XLR, XK etc. so I can't comment on those.

Here's my SL350 review (SL500 review is on www.automobear.com, see Columnists, Wimmer, and scroll down and look for it! ):

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/idealbb/...1&searchstring=

[FunkyPig]

When an American car is the best in a comparison and the media puts it last i understand the anger. But when the car is worth last place next to its competitors and is put in last place you cannot blame the media!

GM needs to improve this car further to better compete, simple! Its not good enough to make something thats 'as good' because the Germans are always improving, GM has to be better!

[TaHoE]

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

I've driven the current SL350 and SL500 and they feel very light, despite the heavy weight. It felt sporty, yet the SL isn't a sports car but a GT car or a sports touring car. Something meant to be enjoyed in a relaxed and stately manor.

I've not driven the XLR, XK etc. so I can't comment on those.

Here's my SL350 review (SL500 review is on www.automobear.com, see Columnists, Wimmer, and scroll down and look for it! ):

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/idealbb/...1&searchstring=

Oh! We have a C&D Forums visitor here!

[Garmar]

A typical C&D comparo. It seems American cars are always last no matter how good they are. That's why I dropped my subscription. No need to irritate myself.