Cadillac style, the gorgeous and classy Range Rover, and the mystique of Jaguar…who wouldn’t love to drive any of these beauties. But absent an immediate industry comeback and greatly fattened wallet, the price may put them out of reach for many. Our primary criticism of the 2011 models so far would have to go to the luxury car makers for one reason. With customers willing to pay the luxury price tag, it would appear that manufacturers of luxury priced vehicles simply fail to make much effort in fuel efficiency. Whether the people with the money to buy these vehicles will flinch when gas prices rise will be something to observe, particularly when they fill them with the premium gas that’s recommended.
Cadillac has one of the best looks in crossovers, but compare the price tag and operating costs, and you may find that a fully loaded model from a lesser expensive competitor could do the job
2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo AWD Premium
Looks: One of our favorite crossovers
Drive: Critics have claimed that the base engine disappoints due to the fact that the SRX is heavier and larger than most crossovers, but it met our expectations.
Gadgets: In true Cadillac style, it’s loaded with the best. But unless you have the money and relish the prestige associated with Cadillac or one of its other luxury Euro cousins in the crossover category (Lexus RX 350, Audi Q5, BMW X3 & X5, Mercedes GLK), consider taking a look at some of the lesser expensive crossovers (Chevy Equinox, GMC Traverse), and get them fully loaded for a closer comparison.
Fuel Efficiency: 15 MPG City; 22 MPG Highway
Base Price: $52,360
Total price with delivery charges and test vehicle’s upgrades: $55,555, including trailering package, rear seat entertainment system, roof cross rails, all weather floor mats, pet guard cargo net.
Most drivers would never have the occasion to fully appreciate the off road capabilities of the Range Rover Sport HSE.
2011 Range Rover Sport HSE
Most drivers would never have the occasion to fully appreciate the off road capabilities of the Range Rover Sport HSE.
Looks: It’s simply gorgeous and classy—the definition of luxury. But its pristine look is misleading; this one capable on roads the Grey Poupon guy wouldn’t think of being on.
But there’s a good reason that Queen Elizabeth choose the Range Rover when driving the hills and dales of her private kingdom, and those that can afford it will love just knowing what it’s capable of.
Drive: The performance version of the HSE, it comes with a choice of naturally-aspirated or supercharged V-8 engines, a six-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. In spite of having a curb weight just under 6,000 pounds, it has excellent acceleration in the critical 20-to-50 mile-per-hour range and boasts 7.2-seconds zero-to-sixty. Most drivers would never have the occasion to fully appreciate the off road capabilities of this one, meaning that you’re paying for a lot of things that you may never use.
Gadgets: Land Rover’s terrain response system modifies throttle, transmission and suspension response according to the driving surface: road, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, or rock crawl.
Fuel Efficiency: 13 MPG City; 18 MPG Highway
Base Price: $59.645
Total price with delivery charges and test vehicle’s upgrades: $68,495 with premium audio package, luxury interior package and vision assist package.
2011 Jaguar XF Premium
The 2011 Jaguar XF Premium has been called the best looking sedan on the road today.
Looks: Designed by the same designer as the Aston Martin Leather, it’s been called the best looking sedan on the road today for good reason. Outside, its subtle curves and wide fenders support all the mystique of Jaguar. Inside, wood and aluminum (all standard) are everywhere.
Drive: The 85hp 5.0 Liter V8 makes allows it to pass its inferiors on the highway with confidence. Steering and suspension work together to make the car feel much smaller than it is.
Gadgets: loaded, but nicely tucked away delivering the clean and simple look of luxury
Fuel Efficiency: 16 MPG City; 23 MPG Highway
Base Price: $56,500
Total price with delivery charges and test vehicle’s upgrades: $57,375 (just the transportation and handling charge; all the luxuries were standard)
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