seanguyen
10-06-2005, 11:57 AM
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the second quarter of 2005.
The BMW 3-Series returned to the top of the list of most popular luxury cars on MSN during the second three months of 2005. The Infiniti G35 and the Acura TL round out the top three luxury models.
Four of the ten vehicles listed are European, with three coming from BMW. Following the first-place 3-Series is the 5-Series and 7-Series. The Audi A4, in the eight position, is the only other European brand represented.
Acura and Infiniti each have two models in the top ten, with the redesigned GS giving Lexus one spot on the list.
The Cadillac CTS is the only domestic vehicle to make the top ten.
The list of the top ten luxury cars on MSN Autos is based on total visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the second quarter of 2005. Here is the complete list:
1. BMW 3-Series
Descendant of the mid-'60s 1600, the BMW 3-Series is considered by automotive enthusiasts to be the first compact sedan offering sports car performance. The 2006 3-Series is all new, featuring fresh styling, more powerful engines and a roomier interior. The new 3-Series is offered as the 325i Sedan and 330i Sedan— a coupe and convertible version will follow next year.
2. Infiniti G35
For 2005 the G35 sedan received a restyled exterior including hood, trunk, bumpers, headlight lenses and dual circle taillights. Both coupes and sedans feature redesigned instrument panels, new consoles, and an increase to 280 horsepower. The G35 Coupe and Sedan with 6-speed manual transmission get a boost to 298 horsepower.
3. Acura TL
The TL sport sedan was completely new for 2004, with updated styling, a refined chassis and a 3.2-liter 270-horsepower V6 engine teamed with an available 6-speed manual transmission. A DVD-Audio surround sound audio system and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity are standard.
4. BMW 5-Series
The 5-Series was completely redesigned last year with unique exterior styling that draws from the 7-Series, as well as the controversial iDrive system. The new 5-Series is larger but lighter than the previous generation due to extensive use of aluminum. The 545i is powered by a 325-horsepower V8, with the 525i and 530i powered by inline 6-cylinder powerplants. Available technology includes active steering, which varies the steering ratio based on vehicle speed, steering angle and other factors.
5. BMW 7-Series
BMW's flagship, the 7-Series was completely redesigned for the 2002 model year with all-new styling, a 325-horsepower V8, and high-tech advances including the iDrive system. A revised 2006 7-Series features significant design changes, and the 750i and 750Li replace the 745i and 745Li, powered by a new 4.8-liter 360-horsepower V8.
6. Lexus GS
The redesigned 2006 GS is offered as the GS 300, powered by a new 245-horsepower 3.0-liter V6; and as the GS 430, powered by the Lexus 4.3-liter V8, which is rated at 300 horsepower with 325 lb-ft of torque. The GS 300 offers all-wheel drive for the first time and also includes the Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Management system. Look for a hybrid version of this sport sedan to arrive sometime next year.
7. Cadillac CTS
The CTS is Cadillac's entry-luxury sport sedan, designed to compete with the best European sport sedans. For 2005, CTS has a new instrument cluster, 16-inch painted wheels, 16-inch machined wheels, and three new exterior colors. A new 210-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 is the standard engine; however for the ultimate in performance, the CTS-V boasts a 400-horsepower V8 borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette.
8. Audi A4
The A4 gets a new look midway through the 2005 model year, adopting the bold grille found on the new A6 and A8. The wagon version of the A4, the A4 Avant, is one of the most popular sport wagons on the market. All A4 body styles—sedan, cabriolet and avant—are available with Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system.
9. Infiniti M
The Infiniti M is a new mid-luxury sedan added early in 2005 as a 2006 model, built on the same FM (front mid-engine) rear-wheel-drive platform used for the G35 and the FX. The all-new M is offered in V8-powered M45 and V6-powered M35 versions. Described as the most technically advanced vehicle ever from Infiniti, the M offers a lane departure warning system, intelligent key with pushbutton starting, adaptive front lighting system, rear view monitor, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, intelligent all-wheel drive, Bose Studio Surround Sound System, and rear active steering.
10. Acura RL
The RL was completely redesigned for 2005, featuring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), as well as the most powerful engine ever put into a production Acura. A number of new technologies debut on this luxury sedan, including the first use of live traffic information displayed in the navigation screen.
The BMW 3-Series returned to the top of the list of most popular luxury cars on MSN during the second three months of 2005. The Infiniti G35 and the Acura TL round out the top three luxury models.
Four of the ten vehicles listed are European, with three coming from BMW. Following the first-place 3-Series is the 5-Series and 7-Series. The Audi A4, in the eight position, is the only other European brand represented.
Acura and Infiniti each have two models in the top ten, with the redesigned GS giving Lexus one spot on the list.
The Cadillac CTS is the only domestic vehicle to make the top ten.
The list of the top ten luxury cars on MSN Autos is based on total visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the second quarter of 2005. Here is the complete list:
1. BMW 3-Series
Descendant of the mid-'60s 1600, the BMW 3-Series is considered by automotive enthusiasts to be the first compact sedan offering sports car performance. The 2006 3-Series is all new, featuring fresh styling, more powerful engines and a roomier interior. The new 3-Series is offered as the 325i Sedan and 330i Sedan— a coupe and convertible version will follow next year.
2. Infiniti G35
For 2005 the G35 sedan received a restyled exterior including hood, trunk, bumpers, headlight lenses and dual circle taillights. Both coupes and sedans feature redesigned instrument panels, new consoles, and an increase to 280 horsepower. The G35 Coupe and Sedan with 6-speed manual transmission get a boost to 298 horsepower.
3. Acura TL
The TL sport sedan was completely new for 2004, with updated styling, a refined chassis and a 3.2-liter 270-horsepower V6 engine teamed with an available 6-speed manual transmission. A DVD-Audio surround sound audio system and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity are standard.
4. BMW 5-Series
The 5-Series was completely redesigned last year with unique exterior styling that draws from the 7-Series, as well as the controversial iDrive system. The new 5-Series is larger but lighter than the previous generation due to extensive use of aluminum. The 545i is powered by a 325-horsepower V8, with the 525i and 530i powered by inline 6-cylinder powerplants. Available technology includes active steering, which varies the steering ratio based on vehicle speed, steering angle and other factors.
5. BMW 7-Series
BMW's flagship, the 7-Series was completely redesigned for the 2002 model year with all-new styling, a 325-horsepower V8, and high-tech advances including the iDrive system. A revised 2006 7-Series features significant design changes, and the 750i and 750Li replace the 745i and 745Li, powered by a new 4.8-liter 360-horsepower V8.
6. Lexus GS
The redesigned 2006 GS is offered as the GS 300, powered by a new 245-horsepower 3.0-liter V6; and as the GS 430, powered by the Lexus 4.3-liter V8, which is rated at 300 horsepower with 325 lb-ft of torque. The GS 300 offers all-wheel drive for the first time and also includes the Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Management system. Look for a hybrid version of this sport sedan to arrive sometime next year.
7. Cadillac CTS
The CTS is Cadillac's entry-luxury sport sedan, designed to compete with the best European sport sedans. For 2005, CTS has a new instrument cluster, 16-inch painted wheels, 16-inch machined wheels, and three new exterior colors. A new 210-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 is the standard engine; however for the ultimate in performance, the CTS-V boasts a 400-horsepower V8 borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette.
8. Audi A4
The A4 gets a new look midway through the 2005 model year, adopting the bold grille found on the new A6 and A8. The wagon version of the A4, the A4 Avant, is one of the most popular sport wagons on the market. All A4 body styles—sedan, cabriolet and avant—are available with Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system.
9. Infiniti M
The Infiniti M is a new mid-luxury sedan added early in 2005 as a 2006 model, built on the same FM (front mid-engine) rear-wheel-drive platform used for the G35 and the FX. The all-new M is offered in V8-powered M45 and V6-powered M35 versions. Described as the most technically advanced vehicle ever from Infiniti, the M offers a lane departure warning system, intelligent key with pushbutton starting, adaptive front lighting system, rear view monitor, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, intelligent all-wheel drive, Bose Studio Surround Sound System, and rear active steering.
10. Acura RL
The RL was completely redesigned for 2005, featuring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), as well as the most powerful engine ever put into a production Acura. A number of new technologies debut on this luxury sedan, including the first use of live traffic information displayed in the navigation screen.