Motor Trend declares victor in epic BMW 3 Series versus Cadillac ATS battle
09-27-12, 07:05 PM
#17
I thought the Caddy was $45K as tested.
I recently did an angry Mini review of the 3.6L luxury AWD car at a crappy dealership.
I had a chance to take a near loaded 3.6L premium AWD car and Thad had a sticker of just over $52K.
I had a lovely 25 minute go at the car on mostly side roads. The only real downer on the otherwise pleasant
Drive is the tranny software just ain't right. If you are going 35 and punch it you hear a lot of RPMs but not
much thrust till the thing kicks into the right gear. It also has more body roll than I want to see but it is a dahm nice car.
What really made the experience was that the sales guy from Foley really knew the car and is prepared to have
an informed conversation with enthusiasts. He pointed out shortcomings like no power tilt, telescoping wheel and
that nobody wants run flats. He knew the car comes with an iPad and said those were really intended for the 75
Year olds that need help learning Cue. When he realized the car was not for me he moved toward brand discussion, pointing out hat the next CTS should have a back seat more to my liking and that he has hopes of seeing the twin turbo 3.6L engine in that car.
I would add that some of the driver aids are cool. The lane departure gizmo vibrates the seat under your leg corresponding with the side of the car where you are crossing a lane. Get to close to the car in front, more vibrations.
A cool thing with the center stack is the lower half flips up to stash your iPhone and to connect it.
The upgraded seats in the performance and premium trim cars are a welcome upgrade from the luxury model.
Another Caddy did right was let you have RWD or AWD with the various motors and trims (more like BMW is doing). It kills me that Lexus has not offered AWD in the GS hybrid.
I recently did an angry Mini review of the 3.6L luxury AWD car at a crappy dealership.
I had a chance to take a near loaded 3.6L premium AWD car and Thad had a sticker of just over $52K.
I had a lovely 25 minute go at the car on mostly side roads. The only real downer on the otherwise pleasant
Drive is the tranny software just ain't right. If you are going 35 and punch it you hear a lot of RPMs but not
much thrust till the thing kicks into the right gear. It also has more body roll than I want to see but it is a dahm nice car.
What really made the experience was that the sales guy from Foley really knew the car and is prepared to have
an informed conversation with enthusiasts. He pointed out shortcomings like no power tilt, telescoping wheel and
that nobody wants run flats. He knew the car comes with an iPad and said those were really intended for the 75
Year olds that need help learning Cue. When he realized the car was not for me he moved toward brand discussion, pointing out hat the next CTS should have a back seat more to my liking and that he has hopes of seeing the twin turbo 3.6L engine in that car.
I would add that some of the driver aids are cool. The lane departure gizmo vibrates the seat under your leg corresponding with the side of the car where you are crossing a lane. Get to close to the car in front, more vibrations.
A cool thing with the center stack is the lower half flips up to stash your iPhone and to connect it.
The upgraded seats in the performance and premium trim cars are a welcome upgrade from the luxury model.
Another Caddy did right was let you have RWD or AWD with the various motors and trims (more like BMW is doing). It kills me that Lexus has not offered AWD in the GS hybrid.
09-28-12, 05:33 AM
#20
Super Moderator
The abysmal auto boxes in the E90 328i/xi were GM-sourced, the rest (325i, 330i, 335i, 335d) were ZF . I know for a fact the new autos are from ZF, and I believe the manuals are the same. BMW typically only uses Getrag or ZF for their manual trannies.
09-28-12, 05:44 AM
#21
09-28-12, 06:15 AM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
I think its disgusting every time a new car comes out it is billed and titled as 3 series killer and it doesn't kill ****. Its old and tiring. Lets just welcome the ATS to the fold.
Saw it, its rather bland to me and looks way to much like the XTS, CTS but it has great proportions. Price is just ridiculous to me, the CTS seems like such a better value.
Saw it, its rather bland to me and looks way to much like the XTS, CTS but it has great proportions. Price is just ridiculous to me, the CTS seems like such a better value.
09-28-12, 06:43 AM
#24
Lexus Champion
09-28-12, 06:54 AM
#25
Lead Lap
I think its disgusting every time a new car comes out it is billed and titled as 3 series killer and it doesn't kill ****. Its old and tiring. Lets just welcome the ATS to the fold.
Saw it, its rather bland to me and looks way to much like the XTS, CTS but it has great proportions. Price is just ridiculous to me, the CTS seems like such a better value.
Saw it, its rather bland to me and looks way to much like the XTS, CTS but it has great proportions. Price is just ridiculous to me, the CTS seems like such a better value.
09-29-12, 09:25 PM
#27
Pole Position
Isn't the XTS a FWD car? Probably the target audience will be Avalon and ES owners?
09-30-12, 06:38 AM
#28
I believe the XTS is targeted to the now departed DTS customers, 75 year old men.
I have been saying that I expect the XTS to be popular with limo companies as it is a roomy, comfy ride car that will be ok on gas.
I have been saying that I expect the XTS to be popular with limo companies as it is a roomy, comfy ride car that will be ok on gas.
09-30-12, 09:29 AM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
10-01-12, 07:38 PM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
Well done to Cadillac, they have gotten as closer to a 3 Series than Lexus could do with the IS.
Also, not sure why everyone is raving about CUE, Lexus has been doing touchscreens for a long time.
Also, not sure why everyone is raving about CUE, Lexus has been doing touchscreens for a long time.