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The new Mercedes-Benz R-Class, due out in the US this fall
2005 Acura MDX
Acura positions the MDX as a "car-like family-sized, luxury SUV." The MDX has been a success for Acura because of its versatility and family-oriented standard and available features.
Honda Pilot platform
The MDX shares its platform with the Honda Pilot. The engine is transversely mounted, with the VTM-4® 4WD system designed to handle roadways rather than off-road excursions. The MDX does seat 7.
Versatility:
Even though the MDX is larger than the ML350 in many dimensions and can carry 7 passengers, the MDX doesn't have many of the towing and off-road capabilities of the ML350. According to Acura, the MDX "can safely be taken off-road in medium-duty applications." The ML350, on the other hand, offers hill-holder and downhill-traction technology.
Much of the ML350's capabilities are the result of the vehicle being designed and built as an SUV, with a rugged chassis and drivetrain. The transverse engine and AWD drivetrain in the MDX are more car-like and reminiscent of the handling of smaller Hondas.
Transmission:
The top two gears in both the MDX and ML350 transmissions are overdrive, which contributes to improved fuel economy and to quieter operation at road speeds. However, the ML350 has seven forward speeds compared with the MDX's five-adding to the ML350's smooth operation. In addition, the ML350 has Touch Shift, which is not available in the MDX.
Form/Function:
Subjectively, the M-Class has the edge over the MDX on styling. Along with a more attractive exterior design, aerodynamic drag measured for the M-Class is less, contributing to improved fuel economy and reduced wind noise. Inside controls in the MDX seem awkwardly placed. The climate control switches and display at the center stack of controls are small.
Advantages:
MDX wheelbase, 106.3 in., ML350-114.7 in. Advantage: Longer wheelbase enhances ride, reduces choppiness, smooths ride.
The ML has greater headroom and legroom, increasing comfort.
The ML will tow 5,000 lb. with optional Class III hitch. The MDX will tow a 3,500 lb. trailer/4,500 lb. boat "four passengers and cargo." The ML has greater versatility and will pull heavier loads.
The M-Class has Electronic Stability Control (ESP), traction control with Downhill Speed Regulation, and hill-start assist. The MDX has Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control. Advantage: The M-Class was designed to be a 4WD vehicle, not a front-wheel-drive vehicle with the rear drive wheels added.
BMW X3 3.0i
Slightly smaller than the BMW X5 and the M-Class, the X3 adds to BMW's lineup of "Sports Activity Vehicles. Similar in design to the X5, the X3 product line is differentiated by a choice of two six-cylinder engines
BMW positions the X3 as fun, agile, powerful, and safe, with traction enhanced by its xDrive AWD system. Styling, equipment, and interior appointments are typically BMW. As always, BMW stresses its theme of "The Ultimate Driving Machine."
Two X3 models are available from BMW, the X3 2.5i and the X3 3.0i.
Size:
As the X5's little brother, the X3 is a little smaller. It's also smaller than the ML350, which is wider and longer. That impacts interior space, where the ML350 has greater shoulder room and cargo capacity. (Though BMW is vague about cargo capacity, third party sources indicate that the X3 actually has greater cargo volume than the X5.)
Versatility:
The ML350 has greater towing capacity, giving it the edge as an "activity"/utility vehicle expected to tote a boat or carry the family with ease.
Power
The ML350 has a stronger power train, with more horsepower and torque. These, along with a tar wider track, indicate that the ML350 could well be more fun to drive than the X3.
Sophistication:
The M-Class drivetrain also features a 7-speed automatic, countered with a 5-speed STEPTRONIC by the X3 (a no-cost option in place of the standard 6-speed manual). In addition, off-road driving with M-Class employs a hill-holder feature at start-up, something not offered by the X3.
Advantages:
The X3 has a 110.1 in. wheelbase, vs. the MLs 114.7 in. A longer wheelbase equals a smoother ride and more comfort.
The X3 is 179.7 in. long vs. 188.5. The ML has more interior space.
The ML350 is also wider by 2.2 in., and has a wider track, 64.0 in./64.1 in. vs. 60.0 in/60.7 in. A Wider track improves handling.
BMW X5 3.0i
The X5 comes with 3 engines. The V6 is the same 3.0 l. engine as the X3.
Size:
The X5 is smaller than the wider and longer ML350. As a result the ML350 has slightly greater shoulder room and much greater cargo capacity.
Versatility:
The ML350 has greater cargo volume, which adds to its utilitarian value.
Power:
The ML350's engine has greater horsepower and torque than the X5 3.0i. Along with the strong power train, the ML350 has a wider track, indicating that the ML350 could well be more fun to drive than the X5 3.0i.
Sophistication:
The M-Class drivetrain also features a 7-speed automatic, while the X5 has a standard 6-speed automatic and optional 6-speed STEPTRONIC (At added cost of $1275). In addition, off-road driving with M-Class employs a hill-holder feature at start-up, something not offered by the M5.
Lexus RX 330
The RX is the entry-level SUV in the Lexus lineup, and the RX 330 is the second generation RX introduced two years ago.
Based on an automobile platform, this "crossover" vehicle has many of the Lexus amenities-which Lexus likes to empathize even more than the vehicle's mechanicals. Based on a front-wheel-drive configuration with a transversely mounted engine, rear-wheel drive is added for the AWD RX Models.
Lexus stresses performance, ride, and convenience in the RX 330 as well as luxury and sophistication.
Both the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the Lexus RX are second-generation vehicles. Both offer a larger selection of amenities and comfort features. However, for customers seeking the performance and capabilities of a purpose-built SUV, the ML 340 is a clear choice over the RX 330. Some examples of M-Class advantages:
Purpose-built SUV
Where the second-generation M-Class continues as a purpose-built SUV, the RX 330 remains true to its foundation based on automobile platforms, suspension, and design.
Touch-Shift:
Standard on the M-Class an interactive (multimode, sequential-shift) transmission is available only with the air suspension option on the RX 330.
Power Train
Engine performance and capability are greater in the M-Class. If the ML350 isn't strong enough for a customer's needs, the M-Class offers the ML500. With the ML350, maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds greater than the capacity of the RX 330.
Chassis:
The longer wheel base (7.8 in) and wider track (2.0 in front/2.9 in. rear) of the M-Class enhance performance and comfort. In addition, the ML350's standard wheels and tires are wider, adding to traction and handling performance.
Interior space
Sometimes the important aspect of interior space is not how much there is, but how the interior components are arranged within it. If you take a test drive in each, you should notice how much lateral space you have. The ability to move side-to-side in the front seats of the RX 330 is hampered by the doors and console. The space is narrow and not as roomy as it would appear.
Interior Design:
As can be found in other Toyota and Lexus models, interior design seems to be haphazard. Brushed metallic trim and wood trim are interspersed, and they don't complement each other well. Of course this is subjective. Look for yourself.
ML Advantages:
Longer wheelbase helps to enhance comfort.
Wider exterior helps to enhance interior roominess and comfort.
Wider track enhances handling.
More shoulder room-greater comfort
Fuel Tank-25.1 gallons (including 3.4 gal. reserve) allows longer range than 19.2 gal. Lexus tank
Maximum towing capacity-ML350 provides greater utility due to higher maximum towing capacity.
Engine-Larger displacement engine contributes to greater power output and torque.
Horsepower-Greater power-improved performance
Torque-Greater peak torque available over a wide range of engine speed.
Transmission-The two additional speeds in the M-Class transmission enhance smooth operation and fuel economy (6th and 7th gear are overdrive gears): Touch Shift not available in the Lexus.
Stability control-Traction system more flexible in off-road situations.
Suspension-More durable, SUV-like than automotive suspension system.
(I have several more comparisons, including ML500 comparisons. I'll insert them as I have space. If you're considering a luxury SUV not listed here in the meantime, call me. I have the charts and specs and such.)
All-New R-Class Luxury Vehicle to be Priced Under $50,000
NEW YORK Mercedes-Benz is holding the world debut of its all-new R-Class luxury vehicle at the New York Auto Show, open to the public March 25 April 2, 2005 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. An entirely new type of Mercedes-Benz, the new R-Class combines the distinct advantages of several disparate vehicles the sure-footedness of a four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle, the performance and comfort of a fine sports sedan and the versatility of a luxury wagon. Innovative design and useful technology now make possible an automotive decathlete a vehicle that can excel at an unprecedented range of owner needs.
Seven-Speed, Four-Wheel-Drive V6 or V8 Power
When the R-Class line goes on sale in the U.S. later this year, its suggested pricing will start under $50,000. Featuring the R350, powered by a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V6 engine, and the R500, which is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 302 hp, all R-Class models come with a seven-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4MATIC four-wheel drive. Among its many options is a panoramic sunroof with nearly five feet of glass that provides an even larger sense of space.
Three Rows of Luxury
With a sharp focus on design, comfort, space and performance, the new R-Class is designed as a roomy vehicle with space for six adults three pairs of comfortable single seats in a spacious interior. The new R-Class is about five inches longer than a Cadillac Escalade and ten inches longer than a Cadillac SRX, giving it the commanding size that U.S. customers want.
In comparison to other Mercedes-Benz models, the R-Class is an inch longer than the flagship S-Class sedan. As an indicator of comfort and roominess, the new model boasts 34 inches between the first and second seat rows, and there's more than 30 inches between the second and third rows.
The R-Class cockpit features a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with brushed aluminum accents on the lower spokes. The instrument binnacle is designed with large chronometer gauges, and the console houses climate control and a modular COMAND unit that integrates audio with the optional navigation and telephone. The audio system includes AM/FM/weatherband radio and CD as well as an auxiliary plug for MP3 players.
Where's the Shift Lever?
Unlike most vehicles, there's no shift lever dominating the center console of the new R-Class. Thanks to the latest electronic control technology, a small stalk on the right side of the steering column now serves the purpose. Shifting the seven-speed automatic will be simpler than ever - lift the stalk up for reverse, push down for drive, and push a button on the end for park. Once underway, pushing one of the shift buttons on either side of the steering wheel provides Touch Shift manual gear changes.
Chassis like a Sports Car
The new platform makes use of power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel independent suspension with double control arms in the front and a new Mercedes-Benz four-link suspension at the rear. Ample braking is provided by large four-wheel disc brakes with vented discs and double-piston calipers up front. The R350 has 17-inch seven-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 235 / 65 R 17 tires, and the R500 comes with 18-inch wheels fitted with 255 / 55 R 18 tires. Either model can be ordered with an AMG sport package that includes 19-inch wheels and tires.
Mercedes-Benz Safety
The new R-Class features unit body construction with front and rear crumple zones that help protect occupants during a collision by absorbing and dispersing crash energy. More than 60 percent of the body structure is now formed from high-strength steel, and its "dual-phase" steel alloy even falls into the very-high-strength category, contributing to the protection provided by the passenger cell.
Every body panel in the new R-Class is zinc-galvanized and coated on both sides with rust-preventing zinc pigments. A six-section plastic undercladding provides protection against stones, water and dirt, eliminating the need for any conventional PVC undercoating. Substantial wheel-well cladding (1/8-inch thick) also helps protect against stones and gravel.
The new R-Class comes with two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, window curtain side air bags that span all three rows of seats, and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all six seating positions. The R-Class also comes with a number of Mercedes-Benz active-safety innovations:
ABS anti-lock brakes, which help maintain steering control during emergency braking by preventing wheel lockup.
ESP stability control, technology that has been shown in government studies to reduce single-car accidents by up to 67 percent! ESP senses skids, then reacts in a split-second to help restore control by applying the brakes on one or more wheels.
Four-wheel traction control that's integrated with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive; counters wheelspin by applying brakes individually.
Brake Assist, which can shorten stopping distances by sensing emergency braking and automatically applying full-power brake force.
The Line Forms
here...
MB Brand
Popular Mechanics "Honored Marque"
Forbes FYI "Favorite Luxury Vehicle"
C55 AMG
Automobile "50 Great Cars for '05"
E-Class
Consumer Guide "Best Buy"
Smart Money "Best New Car Value" (luxury sedans)
The Car Book "2005 Best Bet"
Kelley Blue Book "Top Luxury Model," "Top Ten Road Trip Vehicles"
NEMPA "Best All-Wheel-Drive, All-Weather Car Over $35,000" (wagon)
MotorWeek TV "Best Luxury Sedan"
Gay.com "Top Gay Luxury Car"
E320 CDI
Kiplinger's Personal Finance "Best New Car." "Best Resale," "Most Fuel Efficient" (Luxury Class)
E500 Wagon
Kiplinger's Personal Finance "Best Resale" (wagon segment)
E55 AMG
Forbes.com "Best Performance Sedan" ($50,000-100,000)
S-Class
AAA Auto Guide "Top Car over $50,000"
Forbes.com "Best Selling Luxury Car of 2004"
NEMPA "Best-in-Class All-Weather Sedan over $50,000" *
S55 AMG
Kelley Blue Book "Best Value" (Luxury category)
CLK-Class
Edmunds.com "Best Coupe over $40,000"
Consumer Guide "Recommended"
CLK Cabriolet
SmartMoney Runner-up: "Best Four-Seat Convertible"
Kelley Blue Book "Top Ten," "Best Value" (Convertible category)
Bild Am Sonntag "Golden Steering Wheel"
NEMPA "Favorite Convertible"
CLK55 AMG
Car and Driver "Top High-End Sports Coupe"
CL600
Forbes.com "Top Test Drives of 2004"
G-Class
Truck Trends "Ultimate-Performance SUV"
G55 AMG
Automobile "50 Great Cars for '05"
Forbes.com "Favorite Cars of 2004"
SLK-Class
Car and Driver "Top Ten Cars"
Popular Science "Best of What's New"
Edmunds.com "Top Convertible over $45,000"
Money "Best Do-Over"
eCityofStyle.com "Most Stylish Autos of 2005"
Auto Zeitung "Auto Trophy 2004"
SLK55 AMG
Automobile "50 Great Cars for '05"
SL-Class
New York Times "Most Wanted Convertible" (over $45,000)
Forbes.com "Best Selling Luxury Car of 2004"
German Design Council "Design Prize"
SL65 AMG
Chief Executive "Best Convertible"
Automobile "50 Great Cars for '05"
SL500
Car and Driver TV "Best Luxury Convertible"
Edmunds.com "Top 10 Sound Systems" (Cars over $30,000)
AutoPacific "Top Sports Car" (Vehicle Satisfaction award)
Kiplinger's Personal Finance "Best Resale" (Sports Car Class)
SL600
Chief Executive "Top Ten Cars for CEOs"
SLR
AutoWeek "Frankfurt Best in Show"
Autocar "Supercar of the Year"
Auto Zeitung "Auto Trophy"
Chicago Sun-Times "Best Dream Car"
CLS500
Automobile "50 Great Cars for '05"
AutoWorld "10 Best Cars for 2005" *
AMG Line
MotorWeek TV "Best Dream Machine"
ESP System
WAPA 2004 John Lynker Award
Pre-Safe System
Prince Michael International Road Safety Technology Award
E320 CDI Diesel Engine
Ward's Auto World "Ten Best Engines"
Bi-Turbo V12 Engine
International Engine of the Year "Best Performance Engine"
Seven-Speed Transmission
Popular Science "Best of What's New"
1. Yellow lights are virtually ALL set below engineering standards. This enhances getting tickets at those intersections and sets things up for the upcoming red light cameras.
2. Red light cameras. Another Texas town had to take theirs down. The company making them is going to sell them to us. A lot of money will be made by some of the mayor's cronies. Let's hope the Legislature stops this nonsense.
3. The "Safe Clear" tow away system. Don't breakdown in Houston. Carry at least $75 in cash.
4. Have you noticed the removal of the flashing yellow lights defining school zones? They've disappeared. Why? They were making people slow down, thus protecting the children at the school BUT interfering with the real reason for all of the traffic regulations-revenue collecting!
E-Class Navigation
If you have a 2004 or later E-Class with COMAND Navigation installed at the dealer, not factory installed, and you cannot get the instructions readout on your multifunction display (in the Speedo), this is a software error, and we can fix it. Make an appointment with your service advisor and bring it in.
12 Car Pileup
Some years back I got a call from Lifeflight Paramedic friend Mac Atteberry to watch the Channel 13 news that evening. A Mercedes S-Class had been hit by a train, dragged 850 ft., and wedged between 2 trains. The driver was cut out and LifeFlighted to Hermann. A few weeks later that driver walked into Star Motor Cars and bought another Mercedes S-Class. He had spent something like 21 days in intensive care, but he survived with relatively few residual effects.
He was on TV again recently. He was on Beltway 8 when everyone stopped. He stopped and didn't hit the Lexus LS430 ahead, but the sign truck hit him from the rear at a high rate of speed, sending his 2002 S-Class airborne. He hit the LS430, which rolled over. Knocked sideways, our Mercedes driver was then hit by a BMW and knocked straight again. All in all 12 cars were involved. The driver of the Lexus, after crawling out of her wreckage, said to him, "Well, it's good we both have safe cars." He bit his tongue and didn't say what he wanted to, "Lady, your car rolled over!" She showed up in our Store the next week on crutches with a cast on one leg. He walked in with no visible injuries. He said there were bruises from the seatbelt, and his hands showed evidence that he was really squeezing the steering wheel when the sign truck hit him. He now has the distinction of having been hit by a train and an 18 wheeler in high speed accidents and is still with us.
July 29, 1988-April 13, 2005
He was a very good dog
For 16 years Browning, a black and brown Miniature Pinscher, provided companionship, entertainment, security, and unconditional love for The Redhead and me. Despite his size when he was once called upon to repel boarders, he successfully ran a dangerous intruder off the property. He never showed fear. He accepted the infirmities of aging without complaint or whining. We learned a lot from him. His passing has left a void in our lives that may never be filled.
He suffered from many diseases of aging, a heart condition, a degenerative spinal disease, cataracts, and some hearing loss (in addition to the temporary loss dogs, teenagers, and husbands suffer when they are ordered to do something they don't want to do). There were times the diseases made him droopy and sluggish, and he walked with more and more difficulty. But last night on his 10 o'clock walk he smelled that his arch enemy, Maverick, a black lab, had been in his territory, his hackles went up, and he ran like he did years ago. .
One of the drugs needed to keep his heart working made it impossible for him to sleep through the night, and when he stirred at 1 a.m. I let him out in the back yard to answer nature's call. Usually he would be back at the back door in a few minutes, but he had been known to explore for half an hour before returning. But he didn't return, and he didn't respond to my calling his name. I went into the yard to find him and found him floating in the pool. Though I tried CPR, it was too late.
I like to think that this is the way he would want to go, while exploring his beloved back yard, where he spent many happy hours, rather than a slow, degrading shutdown of one system after the other. He didn't hang on until the spinal disease made him unable to walk. He didn't go blind. A couple of hours before he died he had a really good walk, received a treat, and curled up in bed with the people he loved. When he died, he was exploring the back yard he loved.
He was, indeed, a very good dog.
(From the December 2004 issue:)
Things I learned from my dog
John Moses Browning is 16. He weighs 6-1/2 lb. It's hard to get weight on him. He has a degenerative bone disease, and it causes him to limp. He looks as if he is skipping. He falls over easily and has trouble getting up. When he falls, he scrambles as hard as he can to get up, and then he continues what he was doing. He doesn't look around for sympathy. He doesn't bemoan his problems. He's the same happy-go-lucky dog he always was.
He pushes the edge of the envelope. He's not supposed to climb stairs. We have to stop him when one of us goes up.
He's not afraid of anything. He's had a running feud with a black lab named Maverick for 7 years. I've been keeping them apart. One night I was looking the wrong way, and Maverick got inside the length of Browning's leash. Before I could stop them, the rumble proceeded. Very quickly Maverick was running toward home, tail between his legs.
I have to give him several medications. Most he takes happily, but one or two must taste terrible. I carefully wrap those in cheese, and he gobbles it down. When The Redhead does it, he eats the cheese and spits out the pill. There's an art to the cheese wrapping.
Of course, being a dog, he epitomizes unconditional love. When I get home, no matter how bad the day's been, I can count on him. All of the customers might have snarled at me and cancelled orders. The Redhead might be mad at me. But Browning will be friendly, and if I pick him up, he will curl up in my lap.
So:
Ignore your problems.
Show no fear. It's okay to be afraid, but not to show it.
If you get a bitter pill, wrap some cheese around it.
Offer unconditional love, and make sure your loved ones know you love them unconditionally.
Thus ends tonight's lessons from a dog.
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.-Ann Landers
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.-Will Rogers
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.-Josh Billings
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.-Robert Benchley
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam
Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.-Sigmund Freud
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.-Ben Williams
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.-Andy Rooney
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.-Rita Rudner
Dogs need to sniff the ground; it's how they keep abreast of current events.º The ground is a giant dog newspaper, containing all kinds of late-breaking dog news items, which, if they are especially urgent, are often continued in the next yard. -Dave Barry
If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. -James Thurber
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.-Franklin P. Jones
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein
Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul - chicken, pork, half a cow.º They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!-Anne Tyler
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. -Mark Twain
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. -Phil Pastoret
You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'-Dave Barry
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein
My goal in life is to be a person as good as my dog already thinks I am.
Curt Rich April 2005
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to some-one here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals that have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together..