Aramation Auto

Unlike my previous prediction, 2009 BMW 535xi (535i xDrive Sedan) did not receive a complete overhaul, instead receiving a minor spec boosts and even less noticeable exterior changes. How does it fare against other 2009 model-year competitors? Surprisingly well.

Looking at the fellow German competitors, Mercedes-Benz still hasn’t replaced its incredibly aging E-Class (due for replacement next year, hopefully), 2009 Audi A6 is still not out and it won’t be a redesign. Even the Japanese competition on this level is virtually still, with 2009 Lexus GS won’t change the fundamentals of the car (or the pretty ugly dash design)and Infiniti won’t be redesigning their M35 until probably 2010, which leaves us with Acura’s 2009 TL.

2009 Acura TL
For the first time, TL is available with Honda’s SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, making it a veritable contender against 2009 BMW 535xi. The new design is even reminiscent of the 5-Series sedan. 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD features a 3.7-liter engine making 305hp (5hp more than 535i’s 3-liter engine) that will at least bridge the performance gap that has always plagued Acura (and Honda) vehicles. Fun to drive or connecting with the road is an all-together different question as Acura hasn’t managed to engineer a vehicle on the same level as BMW on that front. At least on specs they are pretty comparable… Expect the new Acura TL SH-AWD in October 2008, with a price tag slightly smaller than 2009 BMW 535i xDrive.

When it comes to American luxury labels, Cadillac’s STS hasn’t been changed in awhile and doesn’t really offer much fight against BMW. Lincoln does have a new weapon in the form of MKS which promises to revitalize the brand and bring new customers.

2009 Lincoln MKS
Also featuring a 3.7-liter engine, MKS only makes 273hp – Lincoln does have a long way to catch up in building a high-spec engine – and Lincoln curiously doesn’t think 5-Series is a competitor (their website lists the Cadillac STS, Lexus GS350 and Infiniti G35). Lincolns are notoriously known for their slushy handling, and it’s debatable whether the completely new model MKS makes enough progress on that front. Spending over $40,000.00 (the base price for AWD model) on an unproven platform and model from a brand that’s on the verge of death is not really a message young up-and-comers want to send. At least it looks much, much better than Acura’s ill-fated attempt to make their cars look edgier and stylish.

Conclusion
If you’re perfectly fine with spending a bit more, and if you insist on a luxury label, then 2009 BMW 535i xDrive is the ultimate all-wheel drive sedan that’s practical and fun to drive at the same time. The fight may turn out different when other competitors release new models either in 2009 or 2010.

As part of GM’s centennial celebration, 2011 Chevrolet Volt was finally unveiled. Production is slated to start in 2010 for delivery in North America in 2011. Unfortunately, the most important detail of price hasn’t been revealed.

Full press release after the jump:

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