Still ogling that $50,000 sedan
in your neighbor's driveway?
Your auto fantasy needs a serious
upgrade.
A new batch of ultra-luxury, ultra-powerful
sedans are hitting the scene.
Conceived during the late 1990s,
prices for these prestige-obsessed automobiles can run over
a hundred grand.
"It was a very go-go period,"
says Rex Parker, a vice president at AutoPacific, an auto
marketing and consulting firm in Tustin, Calif.
"Money seemed endless and
everybody jumped in."
What do you get when your automobile
of choice tops six figures? A V-12 engine and a plush interior
with more features than you know what to do with.
"These cars are loaded to
the top with every feature imaginable," says Ed Hellwig,
senior road test editor for Edmunds.com.
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And several of the features border
on decadent. A massaging back seat, a mini-fridge in the armrest,
a surround-sound audio system and a voice-activated phone
are just a few of the features that you can enjoy in a $100,000-plus
luxury sedan.
More powerful versions of sedans
by BMW, Mercedes, Audi and, believe it or not, Volkswagen
all belong to this exclusive club.
No financing incentives
New models from Maserati and Bentley are also on the way.
All, except the new Maserati Quattroporte, have V-12 engines
under the hoods. The V-12 engines make these big, heavy cars
surprisingly nimble.
"They do add a lot of horsepower
with a V-12 engine," Hellwig says. "They're smoother
and quieter and there's something about a V-12 that makes
it top of the line."
How fast are these cars?
According to Mercedes, its S-600
sedan can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. But you'll
pay for that power. The manufacturer's suggested retail price
for a Mercedes S-600 sedan tops $120,000.
It's a good thing the buyers of
these cars don't need any help in the money department. You
won't find zero-percent financing deals on cars this prestigious.
"Obviously, a lot of people
pay cash. Why? Because they can," Parker says.
Not economical
A downside to these extremely luxurious cars is gas mileage.
All the prestige in the world doesn't hide the fact that these
big, heavy cars are horrible gas guzzlers. There's nothing
impressive about getting 13 miles per gallon when you drive
a car in the city, even if you are behind the wheel of a Mercedes
S-600.
Of course, if you've got the cash
for that kind of car, you're probably not sweating the price
of gas.
Subtle distinctions
For all the extra perks inside and all the extra power under
the hood, many of the cars in the $100,000-plus club look
a lot like their much cheaper counterparts.
Cover up the badge on the trunk
lid and it's almost impossible to distinguish the BMW 760Li,
which starts at $117,200, from the BMW 745Li, which starts
at $73,300.
To really make your car stand out
in the crowd, you'll need to spend some serious cash -- $300,000
and up.
Creme de la creme
Welcome to the world of ultra-elite sedans, the world of Rolls-Royce
and Maybach. These cars are popular with celebrities and athletes.
"If you want to arrive in
grand style, this is the way to do it," Parker says.
"Anyone can show up at a club in a BMW 5 series."
Over 19 feet long with 22-inch
wheels, you're bound to turn heads when you arrive in a Rolls-Royce
Phantom. Phantom owners select their own leather and wood
interiors. And thanks to sheepskin floor mats, even their
feet get pampered.
The Maybach 62 sedan comes with
every interior comfort imaginable. With a refrigerator in
the rear console, pulsing rear seats that can be cooled or
heated, a 21-speaker audio system and a DVD player with twin
monitors, this car is designed for folks who like to leave
the actual driving to someone else.
Maybach enthusiasts that prefer
to slip behind the wheel themselves may want to opt for the
Maybach 57, which has a shorter wheelbase.
Cars in the $300,000-plus club
are meant to turn heads. These cars are a good fit for celebrities
and athletes that enjoy being in the spotlight.
"Their livelihoods come from
attracting attention," Parker says. "Here's a great
way to attract attention. Go down the street in one of these
puppies."
