The sun beats mercilessly as we step outside; blinding, boiling, we fumble for the car key, hear a soft beep, confirming the doors are unlocked, and slip inside. The engine fires up confidently and, within seconds, a blast of cool air envelops us. As we sink into the plush yet supportive seat, we reach for the steering wheel, feeling the firmness of the wood, the suppleness of the stitched leather.
Shifting into gear, we roll onto the street, enjoying the envious stares as we pass by. There’s something about our set of wheels that makes us feel, well, a bit like we’ve risen above mere mortal status. Is it the drop-dead gorgeous styling, the living room-like comfort, or the array of high-tech “infotainment” technology at our fingertips? Perhaps it’s the reassuring resonance of the powerplant under the hood.
It’s not always easy to define what makes a car, truck, or crossover slip into that enviable class called “luxury.” Maybe it’s like what they say about art: You know it when you see it. And as the vehicles we’re reviewing here clearly illustrate, there’s no room for poseurs.
In a crowded market, where there are plenty of brands and a seemingly endless supply of new models to choose from, these are clearly among our favorites. And after reading these reviews, and perhaps heading to the showroom for a test drive, we’ve got a feeling you’re going to agree.
Porche Panamera Platinum
To test drive a Porche Panamera Platinum visit:
Porsche of Farmington Hills
37911 Grand River Avenue
Farmington Hills, Mi 48335
www.farmington-hills.porschedealer.com
248-471-0800
Porsche Panamera Platinum. Articulate it slowly and gently, and the three words blend into melodious alliteration, describing an exquisite automobile in a class of its own.
The Panamera Platinum Edition is the crowning touch when it comes to the Porsche Panamera line. With distinctive features that are Porsche and Porsche alone, the Panamera is at once both sporty and a four-door, full-size luxury vehicle.
The Panamera Platinum Edition is available in a choice of models: Panamera, Panamera 4 with all-wheel drive, and Panamera Diesel, and in five exterior colors. Black or white are offered as standard. Basalt black metallic, mahogany metallic, and carbon grey metallic are optional.
Sophisticated to its core, the Panamera offers many design features that allow owners to express their individual style. These include a selection of leather and two-tone interior packages, and a number of other color and material combinations to provide you with a signature look — be it ultra-sporty or an exquisitely crafted, refined interior.
Nineteen-inch Panamera turbo wheels, park assist (front and rear), bi-xenon headlights, power steering plus, automatically dimming mirrors, a SportDesign sterling wheel, heated front seats, and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) — including a navigation module — are standard, as are bi-xenon main headlights. The Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) is available as an option, and allows more illumination of the road at tight bends and turns.
While comfort and speediness are key, Panamera also takes care of those who consider the journey to be the best part. For these individuals, the 11-speaker sound system delivers a total output of 235 watts, surrounding you with the beauty of crisp, clear sound. An autochanger is available on request; in conjunction with the optional universal audio interface (USB), it is possible to store up to 10,000 MP3 files for immediate playback. Integrating audio, navigation, and communication functions with a seven-inch high-resolution touchscreen, or separate rotary pushbutton controls, the PCM system is the height of Porsche technology.
They say it is impossible to improve on perfection, but with the Panamera Platinum Edition, Porsche has done just that. Beauty, speed, and durability are standard, and it remains a pure pleasure to drive.
Lincoln MKZ
To test drive a Lincoln MKZ visit:
Star Lincoln Inc.
24350 W. 12 Mile
Southfield, Mi 48034
www.StarLincoln.net
248-354-4900
When the redesigned Lincoln MKZ was introduced as a concept car at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it turned heads — and not just because of its streamlined silhouette. Now enter the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, the first production vehicle developed by the Ford Motor Co.’s new Lincoln Design Studio, and no detail has been left to chance. In addition to Lincoln’s top engineers, the studio is also home to designers, sculptors, artists, and modelers dedicated to making a brilliant product that delivers a luxury experience.
Known for its graceful grille since its inception, the new Lincoln MKZ features a split-wing grille — a nod to the classic Lincoln, while considerably more modern and sleek.
The interior is warm and rich, with eco-friendly wood trim. An optional expansive glass roof provides panoramic views and retracts effortlessly when the outdoors beckon.
Advanced safety features and available systems include lane-keeping alerts, park assist, and collision warning with brake support. A standard eight-inch LCD touch screen displays MyLincoln Touch, Ford’s Sync system that is exclusive to Lincoln. Audiophiles are in for an aural treat with the 11-speaker standard setup, and optional 700-watt, 14-speaker THX-II-certified system upgrade.
With a choice of gasoline or hybrid, The Lincoln MKZ offers a personal experience at every level, from the powertrain to the push-button shift to the choice of interior coin holder. Everything has been designed for an open and inviting driving experience.
The Lincoln MKZ is a brighter, spirited model for a new generation, yet it’s carefully tooled with reverence to the Lincolns of old. After all, it’s a Lincoln, and stunning design is in its DNA.