Super Sedans Review: HSV GTS, BMW M5, Audi S6 & Mercedes-Benz AMG E63

[JoeT]

Super Sedans: Audi S6, BMW M5, HSV GTS & Mercedes-Benz AMG E63

Bill McKinnon
31 May 2007
www.drive.com.au

Power at play, which of our quartet mixes the best commuting manners with back-roads blasting?

Sitting in traffic the other day, going nowhere fast in my (OK, Audi's) $195,500 S6, I had 320kW and 5.2 litres of Lamborghini V10 at my disposal. According to the trip computer, at 0-5kmh it was using 25.4 litres/100km.

In the hour and a half it took me to get to the city from North Ryde I had plenty of time to try to rationalise being in this car, in this predicament, twice a day, spending the equivalent of a small country's GDP just to keep it housed and fed.

No matter how I twisted the logic, I couldn't do it.

But who said super sedans - which we're defining here as those with more than 300kW of power - are logical, practical or, let's be frank, intelligent purchase decisions?

In Australia they are almost equally wasted as highway cruisers, because at 100-110kmh the sensation is little different to that experienced behind the wheel of a $50,000 sedan.

Put your foot down to overtake, though, and you get a glimmer of understanding as to their purpose in life.

Their main attraction is the ability - effortlessly, luxuriously and safely - to hold 200kmh-plus on a German autobahn or 130kmh with an endless supply of performance in reserve on other European motorways.

Faced with our dumbed-down speed limits and decrepit roads, the supercar is as unhappy as a white pointer in a backyard swimming pool.

Still, as in any other class, some super sedans adapt easily to a wide range of conditions, while others do not - a disparity evidenced by these four.

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HSV GTS, BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 & Audi S6

[jbernie]

I get the feeling that the next step for HSV is going to be interior quality and refinement, take it up a few steps and then the other three will have a harder time winning with their much higher prices.

With the new MD from Lexus, i really do hope they can make the right improvements so there are no excuses.

Regardless, does the cost difference between the HSV and the others give you that much more of a car?

(noting here, that Australias luxury car taxes etc probably don't help the Germans)

[telo]

It would be nice to have those hp numbers etc converted.

The luxury three definitely look the part of a luxury car, while the HSV definitely does not. I'm not saying I don't like it - in fact it's probably the car I would buy out of all four (with the S6 close behind) - but it doesn't match up.

I agree that once the interior, which looks just fine to me, gets redone, the HSV will be right there. Makes you realize how overpriced the other cars are and the fact that you're just paying for a name.

[Ssom]

The problem with the HSV is that it lacks the subtle Q-car nature of the others.

The HSV is meat and potatoes engineering, while that engineering has made a fantastic car, there's a reason why the Germans cost so much more.

[E. Haskell]

The M5 is the ugliest car of the bunch.

[redimpss5]

The HSV does look pretty cool, but will it keep up with the M5? I hope so.

[Aych Es Vee]

Originally Posted by Ssom

The problem with the HSV is that it lacks the subtle Q-car nature of the others.

The HSV is meat and potatoes engineering, while that engineering has made a fantastic car, there's a reason why the Germans cost so much more.

Tax is a big reason why they cost so much more
But yeah, the Germans do put more money into their cars, which demands a higher price tag.



The question to me is: If Holden had the budget of BMW, and were able to sell a car at the price of an M5 ............ Would it be better than an M5?

Holden has learnt to use their money wisely. I think they would be able to make an absolutly astounding car if they could.

But the fact that they have made a reasonably comparable car to the Euros, for MUCH less of a price tag, is astounding enough to me.

[racy]

I wish GM would just quit the Pontiac nonsense and ship Holden's as-is. I think they are one of the better looking vehicles on the road...too bad its only on the Aussie road.

[racy]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

The M5 is the ugliest car of the bunch.

I like the looks in this order:

1. HSV
2. Mercedes
3. BMW
4. Audi ( my vote for ugly duckling)

[BBDOS CV8]

The closeness of the HSV to other Commodores is both a boon and a curse: boon because the recognisability adds instant marketability, curse because to differentiate it you need the body kit and boy-racer stuff which is offputting for people who want a low-profile speedster.

If/when HSV gets it's own sheetmetal and interior you should see an improvement. Holden will not realistically be able to afford the sorts of interior leathers and synthetics the Germans can. HSV maybe can. The Senator in some ways is a more natural competitor for the Germans and should maybe have the MRC, at least as an option.

[TKR]

Originally Posted by BBDOS CV8

The Senator in some ways is a more natural competitor for the Germans and should maybe have the MRC, at least as an option.

The Senator does have MRC as standard fit but with revised settings, compared to the GTS, for a more supple ride.

[redTT]

The closeness of the HSV to other Commodores is both a boon and a curse: boon because the recognisability adds instant marketability, curse because to differentiate it you need the body kit and boy-racer stuff which is offputting for people who want a low-profile speedster.

The M5 and all the other euros look allot closer to their bread and butter model than HSV with the commodore. Whats your point?

[Ssom]

Originally Posted by redTT

The M5 and all the other euros look allot closer to their bread and butter model than HSV with the commodore. Whats your point?

BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes Benz E Class are all highly esteemed brand names that are not bought by the masses, as they are expensive.


Holden Commodore on the other hand is the best selling car in Aus and also what the Cops/taxi drivers/sales reps drive, hence it needs wings and whatnot to differentiate itself from the masses and loses the Q car appeal. IMHO HSV kits are butt ugly, with the exception of the Senator, makes the cars look incredibly tacky.

[mikmak]

Yes, its much better when the Senator justs blends in

[Aych Es Vee]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Yes, its much better when the Senator justs blends in

SOOOOOOOOOO damn cool!!!!!

I want one bad.