#45 BMW 328i xDrive – Ultimate compact executive saloon

The BMW 3 Series has, in more than three decades, been the enduring symbol of entry-level luxury and practicality all over the world. Recently, the 3-series underwent a major transformation, with major improvements. For instance the new 3-series is larger and better looking than the model it replaced. The beautiful 3-series is available in various versions with different trim lines. The model I will be focusing on is the BMW 328i xDrive. This particular saloon comes packed with lots of features and four-wheel drive as standard.

BMW 328i xDrive

Appealing design

The 328i xDrive has an aggressive poise, characterised by a wide forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. Next to the grille are the signature twin headlights with corona rings. LEDs, visible at the top of each headlight, are positioned to act like ‘eyebrows’. The headlights merge with the kidney grille to give the BMW 328i xDrive a continuous look from each side of the front.

Headlamps 

The old central air intake system has been replaced by a new larger dual air intake system, located underneath the headlights. The new air intakes not only channel more air to the engine, but also give the saloon a sporty look. The double swag line, which is consists of two lines that run from the front to the rear, give the 328i xDrive a stunning look. 

Aggressive front look 

The BMW 328i xDrive rides on 17-inch Star-spoke wheels, that incorporate 225/50 R17 run-flat safety tyres. At the rear it has some BMW 5 series design characteristics. The saloon has similar L-shaped rear lights, low-set reflectors (on the far edges) and vertical lines flowing out of the rear lights to the wheels.

Efficient twin turbo power unit 

Efficient engines

The BMW 328i xDrive features an all-new 2.0-litre Twin Turbo four cylinder power plant. The new four-cylinder unit replaces the old six-cylinder engine that was fitted in the outgoing 328i. Output is pegged at 180 kW (245 hp) and 350Nm of torque. The BMW 328i xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Majestic profile 

Top speed for this dynamic saloon is electronically capped at 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption is pegged at 6.4 litres per 100 km. Mated to the engine is a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive in the BMW 328i can vary the power from the engine between the front and rear wheels with split-second speed. This ensures that the saloon has lots off traction, improved safety and handling on any surface.

Large alloy rims 

The BMW 328i xDrive rides on a double joint front axle suspension and an advance five link rear axle suspension. Both suspension set ups ensure maximum grip on any road surface and reward the saloon with the celebrated 3-series handling dynamics. The BMW 328i xDrive saloon uses lightweight sliding-calliper brakes with large vented discs. The brakes are integrated to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. DSC ensures that the 328i xDrive remains stable and safe at any given time.

Dynamic handling and stability 

Stunning interior

The BMW 328i xDrive posh interior is adorned by various materials. All trim surface options can be combined with either a cloth or one of two leather upholstery colours.  The interior has the traditional BMW ‘driver-focused’ cockpit where driving controls and other important controls are easily accessible to the driver.

Driver focused cockpit 

The instrument dial has four circular dials (fuel gauge, speedometer, rev counter and oil temperature gauge) which feature a black panel display.  An iDrive monitor, with high-resolution display, is positioned on the horizontally-structured instrument panel.  The monitor has no folding mechanism, allowing the entire dashboard to retain its flat, smooth lines.

Comfortable front seats 

Positioned centrally on the centre console is the iDrive Controller. It’s easy to reach for both the driver and the front passenger. The BMW 328i xDrive front seats are nicely shaped and supportive. Automatic climate control is standard in the while buttons located underneath the armrest adjust the front seats. A compartment for mobile devices, which also contains a USB/AUX-IN socket, is fitted as well.

Split folding rear seats 

The BMW 328i xDrive huge size is devoted to boosting rear legroom. The saloon now has 15-inch extra legroom and an extra eight millimetres of headroom. The rear storage has been increased to 480 litres. The rear seat fold nearly flat in a 60/40 split to reveal a large opening to the boot.

Rear design 

Verdict

The BMW 328i xDrive combines impressive performance and exceptional design in every detail. The addition of the xDrive all-wheel drive system improves the acclaimed 3-series dynamic handling capabilities even further. The 328i xDrive proves that BMW still churns out ultimate driving machines. 

By: Austin On 02:31

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#44 Cadillac CTS – Unique design; sheer luxury

The Cadillac CTS replaced one of the longest running American luxury cars; the Eldorado. At its debut back in 1953, the Eldorado was one of Cadillac most expensive vehicles. The car featured a 335 hp (250 kW) V8 engine, wire wheels, chrome touches, wraparound windshield and the distinct rear tail fins, which were a hallmark of American design back then.

Cadillac CTS 

The Cadillac Eldorado continued to be in production from 1953 to 2002. The Cadillac CTS offers top notch luxury and sophistication just like the Eldorado. Blending all-American style with European-inspired handling, the Cadillac CTS has been a popular choice with luxury saloon consumers for more than a decade. Within that period, there have been three generations.

Cadillac Eldorado 

Despite numerous shortcomings in terms of interior design and quality, the first CTS remains a fair choice for a used luxury saloons buyers. The second-generation CTS, which featured substantial improvements to its interior, is a much more appealing car. The most recent generation of the CTS has grown in both size and sophistication, and now it can compete well with its European and Japanese rivals.

Design

The current Cadillac CTS is longer, lower and more athletic. Cadillac’s signature bold vertical lighting elements, including the front signature LED lights placement, evolve with headlamps that flow up and with the lines on the bonnet. The headlamp housings incorporate crystalline LED light daytime lights in the upper and lower forward corners. At the lighting elements within the tail lamp housings offer a distinctive rear signature for the CTS when illuminated.

Front LED lights 

LED lights within crystal like tail lamps structures give the rear a crisp, uniform look. A chevron-shaped centre high-mounted stop lamp is inset in the leading edge of the boot lid for a more elegant look. The Cadillac CTS features numerous chrome detailing just like the original Eldorado. The chrome is visible on the grille, windows surrounds, door handles and the rear trapezoidal tail pipes. The Cadillac CTS rides on standard 17-inch rims. Optional 18- and 19-inch rims are available.

CTS' profile 

Performance

The Cadillac CTS is available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and an available 3.6-litre V-6 unit unlike the first Eldorado’s 6.0-litre V8 engine. The 2.0-litre twin turbo unit churns out 203 kW (272 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. The mid-spec 3.6-litre V6 delivers 239 kW (321 hp) and 373 Nm of torque. The more potent twin turbo charged 3.6 litre unit delivers 313 kW (420 hp) and 583 Nm of torque. An eight-speed automatic sends power to either the rear (RWD models) or all the wheels (AWD models). Fuel consumption ranges between 8.5 litres to 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres depending on the power unit fitted.

Last Cadillac Eldorado 

Ride

The Cadillac CTS’ near 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear wheels makes it a great handling saloon. The saloon’s dynamics on the road are further boosted by the front MacPherson strut front and rear five-link independent suspension. The driver guides the 1700 kg saloon on the road via a variable-assist power steering. The electric steering offers precision cornering at low speeds and exceptional control at high speeds. The saloon’s low mass and optimal brake sizes give great stopping ability thanks to the standard Brembo front brakes.

Cockpit 

Interior

The Cadillac Eldorado was renowned for its luxurious interior. The Cadillac CTS continues with the same principle. The roomy, driver-focused interior blends technology and hand-crafted appointments. The one-piece wrapped upper instrument panel flows from the base of the windshield down to the base of the centre console. The distinct ‘Cadillac brow’, which houses the CUE infotainment and other function buttons, spreads across the centre console. In front of the driver is a blend of analogue gauges and a 5.7-inch driver information centre display.

Comfortable front seats 

The comfortable front and rear leather seats feature heating and ventilation. Rear passengers enjoy plenty of head and legroom thanks to the large wheelbase. Distinct LED ambient lighting in the instrument panel, door panels, foot wells, door map pockets, various storage locations and the front door sills gives the interior a poshy feel especially at night. Sound is delivered to the interior by a standard 13 speaker Bose Surround Sound system.

Striking rear design 

Verdict

The Cadillac Eldorado was one of the hallmark models for the American auto manufacturer. If the designers of the first Cadillac Eldorado could see its modern incarnation, the CTS, they would be a happy lot. The more modern Cadillac CTS looks, performance figures and luxury make it a formidable challenge for its rivals. Just sad that it is only available for left hand drive countries. 

By: Austin On 07:23

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