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Top 10 Most Appealing Premium Models in the 2014 APEAL Study
In each of the past 19 years, J.D. Power has looked at how appealing new vehicles are to the consumers who have purchased them. The annual J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM is designed to measure how gratifying new vehicles are to own and drive after 90 days of ownership.
The results of the 2014 APEAL Study are in. Listed below, in reverse order, are America's 10 most-appealing premium models, according to those who own them. Not only are they the most appealing premium models, they are also the highest-scoring models in the study regardless of the nameplate affixed to them.
The first of four Porsche models on this top 10 list, the redesigned 2014 Cayman is a 2-seat, mid-engine sports car that is based on the Boxster roadster. Think of it as a Boxster with a fixed roof, and you're on the right track. The Cayman is a little more powerful, but otherwise is nearly identical to the Boxster.
9) 2014 Audi A7
Based on the Audi A6, the Audi A7 is a 5-door hatchback offering greater utility at a higher price. If that doesn't sound like the right recipe for overall vehicle appeal, you're not looking closely enough at the photo above. Besides, Audi offers the A7 in a high-performance RS7 variant that can't be had when selecting the A6.
Evidently, a convertible roof makes a car more appealing. That's the case with the 2014 Boxster, which shares most of its structural, mechanical, and interior features with the closed-roof Porsche Cayman, yet ranks higher in the latest APEAL Study.
7) 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz pioneered the concept of a 4-door coupe with the original CLS-Class models, and this second-generation version continues to offer 4-passenger comfort in a low-slung, expressive body style. This year, the high-performance AMG version adds standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, along with a new, extra-powerful S-Model variant.
The Porsche Cayenne is the automaker's 5-passenger SUV, designed to be capable both on and off the road. For 2014, a new Platinum Edition version of the base model adds popular equipment, while the Cayenne Turbo S debuts at the top of the lineup providing maximum performance and a full load of equipment.
A new model for 2014, the Jaguar F-Type roadster is a spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type of the 1960s and 1970s. Pricing starts at less than $70,000, making this the most affordable Jaguar convertible in a long time. Choose between a supercharged V-6 or V-8 engine, and then select from a variety of colors, interior trims, and available features.
Chevrolet redesigned the Corvette for the 2014 model year, making it more powerful, more fuel-efficient, and more technologically sophisticated all at the same time. Coupe and convertible body styles provide buyers with choice, and a Corvette can be optioned with numerous luxury and performance upgrades.
Porsche continued to expand the 911 lineup in 2014, adding Targa, Turbo, and GT3 versions of the rear-engine, 2+2 sports car. All told, there are now 15 different variants, and a new 50th Anniversary Edition model brings the count to 16.
1) 2014 Audi A8 (tie)
The Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class tie as the most appealing models of all in the 2014 APEAL Study. Audi adds a new turbo-diesel version of the A8 while expanding availability of appealing standard and optional features.
1) 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (tie)
The S-Class is completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, and the Mercedes-Benz flagship sedan ties with the Audi A8 as the most appealing car in its segment and in the entire 2014 APEAL Study. Buyers may choose between a V-8 and a V-12 engine and between two different AMG performance variants.
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