Hottest Sedans of 2009
Trendsetter Remade
BMW’s new 7 Series is a full-fledged four-door that won’t be mistaken for a “coupe.” When last redesigned in 2002, its styling caused a stir among industry insiders because it looked different than anything else at the time.
The recast 2009 7 Series takes BMW design in a new direction, with a more subdued look and a fresh front end that will influence what all BMWs will eventually look like.
The new 7 Series maintains its sporting character with a 400-hp V8 engine. A new speed-sensitive, rear-wheel steering system promises nimbler cornering.
BMW continues to refine its iDrive, which has been frustrating drivers and passengers since its debut six years ago. This system uses one knob to control all functions in the car, from air conditioning to radio. By turning and pressing the knob, users select their choices from menus on a dash-mounted screen.
The new 7 Series’ updated iDrive has a larger screen, a few new buttons, and improved menus.
The systems that other automakers use vary in their learning curves. But regardless of how they’re executed, these complicated systems are changing from novelties to necessities, because of the growing number of high-tech convenience and entertainment features on premium sedans.
“High-tech by and of itself is risky,” says Tom Libby, senior automotive analyst with the marketing information firm J.D. Power. “It needs to be user-friendly as well, and the user component needs to be defined by actual customers, not factory people who think they know what the consumer wants.”
Tech Revolution
Intriguing new technology is being offered for the first time on 2009 models.
The new Sirius Travel Link system is optional on the Lincoln MKS sedan as well as several other vehicles under Ford’s umbrella. The service provides real-time traffic data, weather information, ski conditions, sports scores, movie-theater schedules, and gas prices with automatic routing to a selected station.
To get Sirius Travel Link on the Lincoln MKS, buyers must add a $2,995 navigation package. The Travel Link service is free for the first six months, but it costs $7.99 a month after that.
Not to be outdone, BMW is incorporating wireless Internet connection to display Google Maps in its 3 Series. The service requires the optional $2,100 navigation system and $750 BMW Assist satellite-based communication system with Bluetooth capability. This allows drivers to search for restaurants, hotels, service stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas and public facilities by keyword, then initiate route guidance. Drivers also can place hands-free calls to a selected point of interest via a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.
For those seeking the same kind of Web access in their cars as they can get in their homes, Chrysler is offering a dealer-installed “uconnect web” accessory on the 2009 300C and Dodge Charger sedans. This enables laptop computers and other Wi-Fi enabled devices like as Apple’s iPhone and Nintendo’s DS portable gaming system to connect to the Internet via a wireless network. The Wi-Fi module costs $499 and there is a $29 monthly fee for Internet service.
Though such amenities add to the cost of buying a car, the deals that automakers are offering these days can be a way for gadget lovers to offset the high price of advanced technology.
Let’s Make a Deal
With the economy in turmoil, the natural reaction for most people might be to hunker down. “There is a sense of caution among our buyers,” says Mark Templin, Lexus’ group vice president and general manager. “We have dealers telling us that they’ve sold cars, only to have customers call back and cancel their orders as they watch the stock market drop.”
However, those who can look past the headlines will find dealer lots rife with good deals.
For example, Lincoln is financing its MKS sedan for as low as 0.9 percent, according to Consumers’ Checkbook, whose CarDeals newsletter tracks vehicle incentives. The money saved from the lower interest rate could help offset the cost of the navigation package with Sirius Travel Link.
But true bargain hunters should consider the Hyundai Genesis, which is new for 2009. This rear-wheel-drive premium sedan rivals BMW and Lexus models costing twice as much. Hyundai is offering lease deals for as little as $399 a month.
To help clear the way for the latest models, automakers are also offering deals on 2008 versions of their cars. Mercedes-Benz is offering 3.9 percent financing on 2008 S-Class sedans and giving dealers $10,000 in what it calls “marketing support” on each one: This can translate into a discount if dealers pass it along to buyers. BMW is providing 0.9 percent financing on the 2008 7 Series and an extra $7,500 in marketing support to dealers.
