The 2011 BMW 5 series is the 6th generation of this successful series of executive saloons. Codenamed the F10, it possessed a more traditional BMW design penned by Adrian van Hooydonk, a far cry from the very controversial look of the 5th generation E60 5 Series. As it is the first year of the new 5 series platform, is the F10 really worth the hype?

Performance

Two engines are currently being offered for the 5 Series. The 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder turbocharged engine that is capable of producing 300 horsepower is standard equipment for the 535i. The other engine, a 4.4 liter V8 twin turbocharged engine capable of producing 400 horsepower, is to be equipped to the 550i. 2 transmission options are available: a 6-speed manual and the 8-speed automatic transmission. It must be noted that this car is the only one remaining in this class to offer a manual transmission. For safety, it possesses a range of safety technologies such as front and side airbags and active head restraints. In addition, new technologies such as night vision and blind spot detection system are going to be offered as optional equipment.

Interior & Exterior

The controversial styling (what BMW car lately didn’t had some sort of controversial styling?) is still great. While it is not as radical as the past generations of the 5 Series, it has a design that is both simple and stylish. The detailing is impressive and keeps the styling well balanced. Also, while safety figures are not yet being published, expect it to be just as safe as the car it replaces. With mainstay safety features and some new innovations, it is still a good place to be. The interior is also well adorned, and is well worthy of the price tag. The components are craftily made and placed, and the seats and luggage space just might be the best in the business.

The BMW 5 series has only been in the market for a few months, and reception from the public are pretty mixed about it. It is a totally new design, with the exterior now resembling a more conservative look. Not only that, it incorporates some styling cues from previous 5 series models. It is conservative yet stately, and conveys the image the typical BMW image. While the exterior leaves a lot of people confused, there is no denying that the interior is great. Its interior designing was simply incredible, with the materials used to construct the interior parts a major improvement over the past 5 Series. The seats are very accommodating and offer a lot of support, especially the front seats. It also offers a huge trunk space: 18.4 cubic feet to be exact.

Pros & Cons

Of course, it still has its share of faux pas. The glaring one is in the performance category. BMW cars are known to produce driver’s cars. And while the new 5 Series still handles better than most cars, some enthusiasts find that it lacks the typical BMW edge. Also, the exterior, perhaps weaned by the extreme design of the 5th generation 5 series, find it too conservative. And lastly (and perhaps it’s important to note), some people say that outward visibility for this car is bad and can even lead to accidents.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series is a bold step moving forward. And while opinions about this car is still pretty mixed, perhaps it can grow on people too the way the equally criticized 5th generation 5 Series did. It is still an excellent car worthy of the BMW badge, and it excels in just about every department. The 2011 Audi A6 (MSRP $45,200; 18 city / 28 hwy) and the Mercedes Benz E-Class Sport Sedan (MSRP $49,400; 17 city / 24 hwy) are comparable to the BMW 5 series.

Overall Rating
79 out of 100

What others say:

“The new 2011 BMW 5-Series might be a conservative evolution in terms of styling and design, but it’s a quite radical one with regard to how BMW’s most important model drives.”Car Connection

“The base 528i has fine thrust overall, but it has touchy throttle response that makes it difficult to drive smoothly at times.”Consumer Guide

“Strong turbocharged engines; capable handling; clean interior design with high-quality materials; plenty of high-tech features; respectable fuel economy.”Edmunds

“Engineers have added electrically assisted power steering and planted more power under the hood.”KBB

Specifications

The 2011 Nissan Altima is a mid-sized automobile manufactured by Nissan Motors Ltd. The Nissan Altima is primarily a family car, with 3 models available in 2 body types, Sedan and Coupe. It currently has 4 generations with the latest generation featuring a facelift and more recent innovations such as a smart key system, Bluetooth capability, and a parking camera. It continues to be a powerful sedan while possessing the handling of a sports utility vehicle. Although the 2011 Nissan Altima performs well and is relatively a good car for its class, it ultimately falls short against better competition.

Specifications

Engine & Performance

The 2011 Nissan Altima engine varies depending on the trim levels. There are 3 trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR and 3.5 SR. Both 2.5 models (S and SR) have a 2.5 L four-cylinder 175 horsepower engine while the 3.5 SR model has a 3.5 L V6 270 horsepower engine. The sedan has a continuously viable automatic transmission while the coupe has a six-speed manual transmission with CVT as an option.

Performance-wise it fares ok against the competition, sitting in the middle of the pack. It handles relatively well, and provides a smooth, comfortable drive. Fuel efficiency is average, with both sedans and coupe garnering an average of 35/33 mpg in highway/traffic conditions. The Altima can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

Interior & Exterior

As a midsize car, the Nissan Altima isn’t the sportiest among its class. The coupe is a bit sporty than the sedan and is also shorter in length and lower in height. Its wheelbase spans 2.67 m (sedan) and 2.77 m (coupe), and it has a body length of 4.84 m (sedan) and 4.59 m (coupe), while having a width of 1.79 m (both sedan and coupe). Both sedan and coupe towers over 1.4 m in height.

The Nissan Altima’s interior isn’t too shabby but lacks in space and style compared to its competitors. While the driver and passenger side offers adequate room, the back seats are cramped. Styling also isn’t luxurious, with Altima using budget-grade plastics and cheap upholstery to line its interior.

Add-ons include Bose audio system, navigation system with a 6.5-inch color screen display, a 9.3 GB music hard drive, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and a rear view camera. Individually, these add-ons are reasonably priced. The problem arises when Nissan forces you to buy these add-ons in packages, making the total price of the car more expensive than you want it to be.

Safety & Reliability

The 2011 model hasn’t been tested, but the 2010 Altima scored 5-4 stars in safety standards. It comes with dual front air bags, side-impact supplemental air bags, traction control system and vehicle dynamic control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In 2002 it received the North American Car of the Year Award. It also received the highest scores in front-impact crash safety rating conducted by the NHTSA in 2010.

Comparisons

Other cars to consider among Altima’s class include the Ford Fusion (MSRP $19,850; 22 city / 32 hwy)and Mazda6 (MSRP $20,240; 21 city / 30 hwy). The Fusion offers more space, is more powerful, and is more spacious compared to Altima while the Mazda6 beats Altima both in terms of performance and affordability. However with increased performance, the Mazda6 consumes more fuel. You can also look at the Hyundai Sonata (MSRP $19,695; 24 city / 35 hwy) and Toyota Camry (MSRP $20,195; 22 city / 33 hwy), with both offering a little more. The Sonata in particular is more spacious and more fuel-efficient than the Altima. The Altima is the sporty alternative to a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry.

Pros
• Responsive steering
• Solid construction
• Capable chassis
• Excellent safety standards

Cons
• Cramped interior, small trunk space
• Average performance
• Average price ($19,000) that skyrockets with add-ons ($30,000)

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Nissan Altima isn’t quite as roomy as some mid-size rivals, but it’s one of the sportiest-driving choices.”Car Connection

“Sedans have nicely damped body motions and direct steering. The brakes offer good stopping control, though one test model suffered from touchy pedal action. Coupes have sharper moves all around but are not as nimble as you might expect.”Consumer Guide

Acura boasts of a well-rounded midsize luxury sedan-the 2011 Acura TL.

Performance

The TL does away with excess power through its 3.5 liter V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque and is also paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. However, for a hill start assist system, a six-speed manual transmission is an option. With the EPA-estimated figures of 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined and as the automatic transmission goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while the manual does it in 5.6 seconds, the Acura TL delivers on impressive fuel economy.

Exterior & Interior

The 2011 Acura TL’s sleek outward appearance outlines its true nature as a people carrier. On the outside, it looks aggressive with an angular look along with a trunk that comes to a point in the back. Standard in the Acura TL are the 17-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlamps, fog lamps, rear spoiler, a sunroof and a keyless ignition/entry. However, 18-inch wheels can be used on the base TL, while the standard 17-inch can be upgraded to 19-inch wheels on the SH-AWD. The 2011 Acura TL can be classified into two trim levels-TL and TL SH-AWD.

The interior features add to the superb level of refinement that Acura TL can be proud of. Ergonomic and pleasing to the eye, the seats come in upgraded, soft and supple leather upholstery. But, the supreme TL SH-AWD trim boasts firmer and deeper bolstered sport seats.

Options

A journey with this Acura sedan is never dull with its premium entertainment package such as the satellite radio, ten-speaker surround- sound system with digital music storage, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. High-tech car accessories also include heated eight-way power front seats , an auto dimming rearview mirror, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a navigation system, voice control, GPS-linked and solar – sensing dual zone automatic climate control, a real time traffic and weather and an upgraded interior metal trim. The TL is absolutely big on comfort as it comes with an adjustable and side bolstering driver’s seat and the rear seats can conveniently hold taller passengers.

Safety

Safety is not an issue with 2011 Acura TL as it incorporates four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist which is reliable in panic stops, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front restraints that are intended to minimize the risk of head and neck injury, and large flip-up headrests for protecting those in the rear seats. The 2011 Acura TL has also been awarded by the federal government with the highest score in all crash tests.

Another excellent rating was given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the front, side and rear crash tests undergone by the Acura TL. During brake testing, it came to a stop from 60 mph in a distance of 122 feet. Like the Acura RL, the TL also received an impressive reliability rating. The manufacturer also provides its customers with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile power train warranty and the latest unique roadside assistance.

The Competition

For cheaper people carrier with user-friendly interior and solid build quality, others may consider the Lexus ES (MSRP $36,725; 19 city / 27 hwy). The Infiniti G37 (MSRP $35,800; 19 city / 27 hwy) is also worth a look for its thrilling driving performance in any weather situation. For more storage, the Infiniti M37 (MSRP $47,050; 18 city / 26 hwy) and Cadillac CTS (MSRP $35,345; 16 city / 26 hwy) are better options.

Pros & Cons

The 2011 Acura TL received negative feedbacks for its polarizing exterior design, small trunk and expensive all-wheel drive and technology package options, and the base TL model’s numb steering. However, the Acura TL takes pride in its longer list of advantages such as remarkable sound system and iPod integration, advanced climate and entertainment features, posh and high quality interior, reliable responsiveness of SH-AWD, high crash test scores and outstanding build quality. Also, as a Japanese car, the 2011 Acura TL comes with a great resale value.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“If the bold exterior is to your liking, the 2011 Acura TL is a solid luxury value—and the SH-AWD has true sport-sedan chops.”Car Connection

“The manual transmission is a delight, providing slick shifts and an easy-to-modulate clutch. With the automatic, drivers can use the paddle shifters to make manual shifts even with the transmission set in fully automatic mode.”Consumer Guide

“Abundant user-friendly high-tech features; spacious cabin; smart all-wheel-drive system; superb optional sound system; solid construction; excellent crash test scores.”Edmunds

Specifications

Audi is yet another luxury car who plays a major role in manufacturing and producing one of the finest and most captivating luxury cars in the world. The 2011 Audi R8 GT Spyder is even more powerful, lighter, and more captivating than its predecessors as it brings even more breathtaking performance. An ultra lightweight technology has been applied to this model accounting for its weight of only 3605 lbs (1,635 kgs). Assemblage of this very car was mostly done by hand. Its engine is made out of ultra lightweight magnesium while the cover and the large rear panels are made out of CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced polymer).

The same material is also used in the production of the other parts of the car such as the edited front spoiler, fixed rear spoiler and the newly added rear bumper. Such materials used, though very light are very durable and sturdy without compromising quality and elegance of previous Audi models. Great attention to detail has been done to the interior of this model with ultra comfy and spacious 2-seater interior. That’s roomy enough for superb comfort touring.

This model offers a lot more than that and it takes one to experience this car to fully appreciate what this car is made of. With lightweight technology, this car is bound to set new heights on luxury cars.

Specifications

*Modified Specs

In 2007, Honda launched its first turbocharged vehicle, the Acura RDX. While it was inspired by the Honda CR-V, through the years, the Acura RDX has established a name for itself. Now, the 2011 Acura RDX is gaining popularity.

Performance

Under the hood, there is a 2.3 liter VTEC four-cylinder that generates 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that comes with paddle shifters. Also, the Acura RDX delivers a strong low rpm torque. Fuel efficiency is achieved with its i-VTEC turbo engine which also uses the Variable Flow Turbo or VFT technology. Like the Acura MDX, the Acura RDX is also equipped with “Super Handling” All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for smooth and easy cornering by distributing appropriate power to the external wheels.

Exterior & Interior

Sporting an athletic, street style exterior design, the 2011 RDX still oozes with class when driving around town with its attention grabber 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, fog lamps and a sunroof. Inside, the RDX is all about offering its passengers with outstanding comfort through supportive seats in perforated-leather trim. The 60/40 split-down seats on the second row provide a substantial double deck cargo area especially for luggage and sports equipment. Drivers can now rely on an 8-way power-adjustable heated seat equipped with lumbar support and 2-position memory.

On the other hand, the passengers in front can benefit from the 4-way power adjustable heated seat. Several stuffs like a briefcase and laptop bag can be held in the deep center storage compartment found between the front seats. A premium in-car entertainment system will absolutely keep everyone in their seats.

Added Features

The five-passenger compact luxury crossover is integrated with a bunch of technology features such as Bluetooth, an iPod/USB audio interface-backed up by Acura/ELS Surround Premium Audio System with DVD-Audio and Dolby® Pro Logic™ II for an ultimate digital surround sound experience. The RDX also comes with satellite radio which allows you tune in and stay updated to both the local and international music.

This people carrier displays its sophistication with voice-activated technology which recognizes up to 800 verbal commands whether in English or French, a HandsFreeLink connectivity system which enables the person to effortlessly make and receive calls anytime from his mobile device, even while the vehicle is in motion. And the satellite-linked navigation can locate you almost anywhere in North America and the Zagat Survey ratings can even assist by finding the appropriate restaurants that can meet your craving needs.

Safety

Other than the standard airbags, Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE) body structure, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), VSA system with Traction Control and a rearview camera, the 2011 Acura RDX now offers even more features for another level of safety on the road. Added is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which regularly checks the air pressure condition in your tires.

High-Intensity Discharge Headlights are also included to provide you an intense brilliant beam of focused light for a clearer view of your surroundings. And part of the package are the front seat head restraints which are intended to restrain head motion and reduce neck injury in case of a vehicle collision. The Acura RDX not only received high scores for passing the crash testing, it also garnered a positive rating for its reliability.

The Competition

If you’re not satisfied with the RDX’s lack of seating, the Volvo XC60 (MSRP $32,900; 21 city / 30 hwy) and BMW’s X3 (MSRP $37,150; 17 city / 26 hwy) offer more passenger space. Rear legroom is also more impressive in that of Audi Q5 (MSRP $35,200; 20 city / 27 hwy) and Honda CR-V (MSRP $21,895; 21 city / 28 hwy).

Some may complain about its turbo lag and the non-flattering new look, but with its comfortable accommodation for four adults, smooth driving experience and a long list of technology features, clearly, the 2011 Acura RDX provides the best value for your money.

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Acura RDX is delightfully frisky and nimble, but it doesn’t feel as lavish as other luxury crossovers.”Car Connection

“Firm-ride suspension makes for an agile little SUV. Available AWD furnishes secure grip on wet or dry surfaces.”Consumer Guide

“The RDX’s turbocharged, four-cylinder provides strong acceleration, but lacks the refinement of a six-cylinder. Handling is agile and secure, but the ride is stiff. The interior shows good attention to detail, but some controls could be better designed.”MSN-Consumer Reports

“Sporty handling; compelling performance; well-equipped; relatively low price; strong crash scores.”Edmunds

Specifications