With all their great features, luxury sedans all but sell themselves. To help you make the most informed decision, scroll down and take a look at 2017’s top luxury sedans:
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2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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It seems that every new model year is billed as the “most advanced E-Class yet,” but the latest offering from Mercedes-Benz truly lives up to the title. Though it unmistakably feels like the E-Class drivers have come to know and love, it’s also stuffed with a dizzying array of new technologies aimed at keeping you safe, on the road and entertained.
The highlight is Mercedes’ new Drive Pilot technology, which employs a host of radars and sensors to provide a self-driving experience that rests just a rung or two below full automation. Though it requires an occasional input from the driver for safety reasons, the E-Class is capable of masterfully motoring down the freeway of its own volition, changing lanes upon request and constantly scanning the road ahead for potential hazards. Unlike many luxury vehicles, the E-Class also comes standard with collision warning and automatic braking systems.
[su_quote]The flashy appeal of its high-tech wizardry may draw your attention, but it’s the delightfully refined driving experience and unsurpassed comfort that should sell you on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.[/su_quote]
Of course, there’s more to a luxury sedan than technology, and the 2017 E-Class features all the typical perks you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz. The interior is attractive and well-built, with quality materials and outstanding craftsmanship throughout. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, and the generous 12.3-inch infotainment screen centered squarely on the dash is an excellent and versatile addition.
The list of personalization options is downright daunting, allowing you a great deal of latitude to tailor the sedan to your every preference. As always, the design philosophy and material choices work together to deliver one of the most luxurious cabins on the market.
Not to be overlooked, the E-Class is a reliable and impressive performer as well. Though the base engine is downsized from a 3.5-liter V6 to Mercedes’ popular 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the powerplant still delivers plenty of power for everyday driving conditions.
Throttle response is quick and satisfying, and the body – redesigned to show off the sleek and curvaceous new “Sensual Purity” design language – has been lightened by more than 150 pounds thanks to the addition of more high-strength aluminum and steel alloys.
The ride is as silky smooth and responsive as ever, and the new nine-speed automatic transmission provides gearshifts that are so quick and smooth as to be virtually unnoticeable. The flashy appeal of its high-tech wizardry may draw your attention, but it’s the delightfully refined driving experience and unsurpassed comfort that should sell you on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
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2017 Cadillac CT6
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The Cadillac CT6, the prestigious U.S. automaker’s latest flagship sedan, arrived in 2016 as a much-needed breath of fresh air. In one fell swoop, the CT6 redefined what a Cadillac could be and positioned the once-stodgy automaker as a force to be reckoned with thanks to its tremendous blend of high-tech features, attractive and luxurious styling and high-octane performance.
Not a whole lot has changed for the 2017 model year, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You should always expect to get good value on your purchases, even in the luxury sedan market, and you simply won’t find a better bang for your hard-earned buck than the 2017 Cadillac CT6.
[su_pullquote]The CT6 is built on a very simple premise: take the sumptuous luxury, exacting refinement and technological marvels of a full-size executive sedan and pack it all into a deceptively light, surprisingly affordable package.[/su_pullquote] Cadillac’s flagship rolls on GM’s new Omega platform, which employs advanced aluminum and magnesium alloys to boost strength and stability while shaving crucial pounds off the curb weight.
The CT6 boasts a smooth and refined ride befitting a luxury sedan, though you may want to invest in the optional Active Chassis Package if you want to get the most out of its suspension. Among other things, the package includes magnetorheological shocks that provide an extraordinarily fluid and polished ride. You’ll find no shortage of engine options, and even the base 2.0-liter turbo inline-four provides an excellent blend of raw power and silky operation.
The CT6 also makes a striking impression thanks to an angular, chiseled front end that flows seamlessly into an elongated body that ensures maximum space in the passenger compartment. The interior is as attractive and well-built as you’d expect of a Cadillac, though it can’t quite match the superior quiet of competitors like the E-Class. Entering or exiting the car is a breeze because of the generous proportions, and the CUE infotainment system is well-integrated with an eight-inch dash-mounted touchscreen and a handy touchpad on the center console.
[su_panel radius=”2″ text_align=”center”]The 2017 Cadillac CT6 clearly aspires to be many things to many people, and for the most part, it’s an unquestioned success.[/su_panel]
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2017 Audi A6
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The 2017 Audi A6 doesn’t have the most generous of dimensions for passengers riding in the back seat. That’s hardly a make-or-break issue for most people, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s about the only flaw you’re likely to find. Though it’s going on half a decade without a true, ground-up redesign, the A6 remains one of the best options in the luxury sedan market thanks to a winning fusion of sporty styling and performance, advanced tech integration and enough elegant touches to fully warrant its luxury title.
[su_pullquote]Sitting behind the wheel of the Audi A6, you’d be forgiven for believing that you’re driving a much smaller sports car.[/su_pullquote]
The suspension is a touch stiffer than typically found in the luxury segment, but the ride is still plenty smooth to accommodate family, friends and business clients alike. Handling is delightfully crisp and responsive, particularly in Sport mode.
Engine options include a 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a supercharged V6 that, depending on the trim level, is capable of outputting either 333 or 340 horsepower. The V6 also features standard quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission, making it one of the most enjoyable drives you’ll find among luxury vehicles.
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Audi Pre Sense provides many of the driver assist and collision alert functions you’d expect of a high-end luxury vehicle, which only adds to the A6’s stellar safety ratings.[/su_pullquote]The cabin is undoubtedly among the best in its class, with a gorgeous design, top-quality materials and passenger room to spare. Audi’s MMI infotainment system makes a welcome appearance, complete with an extraordinary collection of features and a well-designed control interface built around a dial in the center console.
If you’re in search of a roomy, comfortable family sedan or a more aggressive luxury sport sedan, the 2017 Audi A6 offers the best of both worlds.
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