2011 Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC vs. 2011 Volkswagen CC

Another segment in our “Luxury without the price tag” series – 2011 Volkswagen CC vs. 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC.

With new cars, you get what you pay for right? Well – kind of. Sometimes you get more than you pay for…or even bargained for. Volkswagen is one of those manufacturers that consistently provides more bang for the proverbial buck. The VW CC is a shining example of that value standard in providing best-in class features at a “how’d they do that?” price point.
The new 2011 Volkswagen CC is a luxury performance European sedan. The 2011 VW CC is an incredible bargain considering value, and an even greater value when considering its rivals. This time we’ll compare and contrast the 2011 Mercedes E350.
The two models we’ll be pitting against each other for this comparison will be the 2011 Volkswagen CC VR6 4MOTION vs. 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC. While the spec sheets look similar, and they’re definitely in the same class…only one shines clearly above the other when you consider what you get for the dollars that you spend.
The technical data:

	Volkswagen CC VR6 4MOTION	Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC
Engine	3.6L DOHC V6	3.5L DOHC V6
Horsepower	280 HP	268 HP
Torque	265 lb/ft	258 lb/ft
Valves	4 per cylinder	4 per cylinder
Displacement	3599 CC	3498 CC
Compression Ratio	12.0:1	10.7:1
Transmission	6 speed TipTronic	7 speed Automatic
Fuel Economy	17 city – 25 hwy	16 city – 24 hwy
0-60 Times	6.2 seconds (Est.)	6.5 seconds (Est.)
MSRP	$40,390	$51,900

The 2011 Volkswagen CC bests the Mercedes Benz in just about every category…well – besides price. A full $11,500 less expensive than the Mercedes, the Volkswagen CC certainly doesn’t compromise in any category. It’s more powerful, quicker to 60 MPH, and better with fuel economy. All the while saving you enough money to take give the whole family iPads – on a beach in Hawaii – while your new LED Flatscreen is being installed at home.
Come drive and compare the 2011 VW CC at Rusty Wallis Volkswagen. We even have some 2012 VW CCs in stock. What model(s) should we compare next? Comment and give us your suggestions.

Mercedes-Benz Planning CLC Small Sedan for 2013

Mercedes-Benz Planning CLC Small Sedan for 2013, All-Wheel-Drive AMG Version

Mercedes-Benz will soon expand upon its small-car lineup with compact sedan called the CLC. Styled after the swooping, coupe-like CLS, the front-wheel-drive CLC should debut by late 2013. According to Autocar, we can also expect a high-performance AMG version of the new CLC.
The CLC will be built on the same platform as the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive could be made available on select models. It’s expected that the CLC four-door coupe will be around the same size as a Toyota Corolla, and only a few inches smaller than a Mercedes C-Class sedan. A CLC hatchback might also be in the cards.
Autocar reports that powertrain choices for Europe will comprise 1.6- and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines with power from 121 hp to 207 hp, plus 1.8- and 2.1-liter turbodiesel engines with 108 hp to 201 hp.
Go-fast experts AMG are expected to get their hands on the CLC, creating a CLC AMG with anywhere from 292 hp to 340 hp on tap. Power will come from a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive will be standard to harness the power. Autocar says the CLC AMG will serve as direct competition with the Volkswagen Golf R.

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

The 2012 BMW 6 Series has been fully redesigned. Highlights for the coupe and convertible include sharper looks, larger wheels and a pair of turbocharged engines.
Now in its third generation, the BMW 6 Series occupies a special niche in the automaker's lineup. It's alternately been the company's flagship GT platform and an experimental canvas, the latter for former design chief Chris Bangle's polarizing exteriors.

With this year's full redesign, the 2012 BMW 6 Series largely shakes off the Bangle legacy looking a little longer, wider, shorter and sharper. The larger dimensions are attributed to a new aluminum-intensive rear-wheel-drive architecture that BMW says is 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor.

And the chassis needs that extra rigidity given the engines underhood. The old V8 wasn't exactly a slouch, but its acceleration is now matched by the more fuel-efficient turbocharged six-cylinder found in the new 640i model. For those wanting even more, the new V8 in the 650i will definitely get the job done. Slightly smaller than its predecessor, the twin-turbo 4.4-liter makes more horsepower and nearly 100 pound-feet more low-end torque. It makes for a 650i that accelerates to 60 mph just a few tenths shy of the former V10-powered M6.

Inside, the 6 Series has a beautifully sculpted cabin with a more driver-focused dashboard than that of the old model. Along with the new 10.2-inch navigation display, it's clearly evident through the attention to detail lavished on the instruments, controls and overall design that BMW has taken a good deal more time developing the interior than it did with its predecessor. As for the convertible, it continues to feature the clever rear window that's separate from the folding top and can be lowered to allow the breeze in while still keeping the sun off.

Taken all together, the 2012 BMW 6 Series shapes up to be a very impressive grand touring coupe and convertible. There are a couple of competing models to also consider, of course. With classic curves and a lightweight aluminum structure, the Jaguar XK is a competitor with character and performance in equal measures, while the Mercedes-Benz E550 offers comparable luxury for less, plus actual room for rear seat passengers. But imbued with new style and strength, the 6 Series is one of the most exhilarating luxury experiences you can have behind the wheel.

The New Mercedes B-Class

Our journey through the colour spectrum continues. Cherry Chimes is the latest Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape to feature ten fabulous tracks by some of the world’s most talented new musical artists. What’s more, you can download it for free.

Available online for eight weeks only, this exclusive mp3 compilation showcases an eclectic mix of genres. With tunes ranging from folk rap and rock ballad to gypsy jazz and Balkan beats, there’s something to get every hand tapping on the wheel.


Each Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape also comes with a specially commissioned cover designed by a select newcomer from either illustration, fine arts, graphic design, photography or installation. So not only do you get superb sounds to listen to – but a dose of visual genius to boot!

Suzuki Kizashi review

What is it? The Kizashi is Suzuki's answer to family saloons such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. However, unlike most its rivals – the Mondeo and Passat included – it comes with four-wheel drive.

At launch, the only engine option is a 176bhp 2.4-litre petrol that’s linked to a CVT automatic gearbox. Suzuki says it has no plans to offer a diesel.

What’s it like to drive? The Kizashi grips strongly in corners and resists body roll well. Unfortunately, you pay for this composure with a ride that thumps over urban potholes and generally feels unsettled at all speeds.
To make matters worse, your confidence in the car’s agility is undermined by inconsistently weighted steering.
Then there’s the engine. This is short on low-down torque, so the CVT automatic gearbox is forced to send the revs skyrocketing whenever you come to an incline or ask for a burst of acceleration.
You also have to put up with considerable wind noise at motorway speeds and some road noise over coarse surfaces.

What’s it like inside? The Kizashi is smaller than most its rivals, and this is reflected inside. Six-footers will wish there was more headroom upfront, and while things are better in the rear, you can’t stretch out in the way that you can in a Mondeo or Skoda Superb.
It’s a similar story when it comes to the boot. The Kizashi’s can swallow 461 litres of luggage, which is a decent amount, but the best cars in the class offer more than 500 litres of space, and there’s a big step in the Kizashis’s load floor when you fold down the rear seats.
The dashboard layout is harder to fault because most of the controls are logically positioned and clearly labelled. It’s just a pity the plastics are more robust than classy.
Should I buy one? Every Kizashi comes with a long list of standard equipment that includes leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth and seven airbags. However, we can’t think of many other reasons to choose one.
There are a host of front-wheel drive, diesel-engined family cars that are better to drive, more practical and much cheaper to run.