BMW X5 2007

BMW X5 When it arrives in late November, the 2007 BMW X5 will up the ante for the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with a more powerful, 260-horsepower inline six, an available 350-horsepower V8, a new six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, a newly third-row seat that pushes seating capacity to seven, enthusiast goodies like Active Steering and AdaptiveDrive, and a more muscular appearance. What buyers won't find is last year's manual transmission, a third-row seat that's terribly spacious, or what would seem to be a must on any SAV – paddle shifters. Even so, those few points aren't enough to dull the shine of this remarkable vehicle, one that starts between at $46,595.

Whatever you do, don't call the 2007 BMW X5 an SUV. No, it's an SAV, or Sports Activity Vehicle, a leader in its segment that's built right here in the U.S (Spartanburg, South Carolina to be precise). Since making its debut seven years ago, BMW has gone on to sell nearly 600,000 of these home-built SAVs, attracting a range of buyers with six- and eight-cylinder engines, manual and automatic transmissions, a promise of the brand's Ultimate Driving Machine character, and amenities expected from a premium vehicle.

BMW sells the 2007 X5 in two variations: 3.0si and 4.8i. Starting at $46,595 (including destination), the 2007 BMW 3.0si offers buyers a 260-horsepower six-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive traction, a heated washer system joined with rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory, dual front power seats with memory and leatherette upholstery, and BMW's much-discussed iDrive central control. However, the $46,000+ price also delivers dual-zone climate control, a 205-watt sound system with an MP3 player and dual subwoofers, six airbags, and possibly the vehicles best selling point – free scheduled maintenance spanning four years or 50,000 miles

With the 2007 X5 3.0si, BMW carries on with an engine that countless fans have come to associate with the brand – the inline six. In this case, it's a 24-valve, dual overhead cam engine composed of magnesium and aluminum and featuring variable-valve timing. The use of relatively light materials helped engineers shave 22 pounds versus the 3.0-liter engine used in the 2006 X5, and also provided for marginal fuel economy gains (EPA-rated 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway). Horsepower has jumped from 2006's 225 to 260 for 2007, achieved at 6,600 rpm. Torque has also increased, measuring 225 lb.-ft. at 2,750 rpm versus last year's 214 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm.

AUDI S5 2008

Audi has been serious for decades, busily bringing us such engineering breakthroughs as the five-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, the aluminum chassis, direct fuel injection and competition-prepared diesels. It's been like science class. At least the lab projects have been impressing the neighbors and even winning races at Le Mans.

But with the 2008 Audi S5, the technoid visionaries of Ingolstadt have finally lightened up. After all, we're Americans. We're just a simple people. Speed and style are what sell.
There's a Message in Style
At the moment, official pricing for the 2008 Audi S5 has not yet been announced, though we understand $53,000 is a reasonable estimate. This would peg it to the price of a Mercedes-Benz CLK550, which the Audi S5 resembles in character far more than the $74,700 BMW 650i.

For decades, Audi has been an artistic success in America, but it's also been largely unencumbered by commercial success. It's reinvented itself over and over again, trying to find the magic fairy dust that will make people notice.

The 2008 Audi S5 will grab people by the neck and make them pay attention. It has the commanding presence of a BMW 6 Series, runs with the Audi RS4 sedan and sits there at the same price as a Mercedes CLK.

Here in America, we're simple enough to understand speed and style. The 2008 Audi S5 is a classic American coupe, ideal for a country where the distances challenge you. You know, purple mountains majesty, amber waves of grain and all that. The science nerds in Ingolstadt must take their vacations here.

The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Ups: Warm, expressive new look; tractable V8 engine; better balanced handling; carefully crafted network of convenience, performance and safety features.

Downs: Too aggressive brake action; four-wheel-drive-style drivetrain windup.

First Impression: Beautiful, luxurious and desirable, this fast highway car takes Audi to the top step of excellence.

Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $53,000

Options on Test Vehicle: Bang & Olufsen Audio System ($6,300 — includes 12 speakers, in-dash six-disc CD changer, MP3 plus WMA); Audi Navigation Plus ($2,100); Audi Rear Parking With Rearview Camera ($350); Advanced Keyless Entry/Exit ($350).

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $62,000

VOLVO C30 2008

2008 Volvo C30 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The 2008 Volvo C30 may seem like a drastic departure for the Swedish automaker famous for its sedans and wagons shaped like big blocks of Västerbotten cheese, but in reality, it's not without significant family ties.

True enough, there hasn't been a two-door Volvo hatchback sold in North America since the 1800ES coupe of the 1970s, but there's a missing link in the C30's design evolution. The Volvo 480 was a car intended for American roads but was ultimately never brought here, instead being sold solely in Europe from 1986-'95.

Like the 1800ES and 480, the Volvo C30 is a small two-door coupe that features a large glass hatch that provides a unique look and abundant rear visibility. Like the 480, the C30 also sports four bucket seats, front-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine and handling that while sporty, doesn't quite meet hot-hatch standards. Unlike the vaguely Japanese-looking 480, the C30 bears some family resemblance to Volvo's current crop of sedans and wagons -- specifically, from the front and inside where it's almost identical to the S40 and V50, with which it shares a platform. With its funky hatch and snazzy interior options, though, the C30 definitely scores higher on the "cool" meter than its siblings.

Compared to sport hatchbacks like the Volkswagen GTI and Mini Cooper S, the 2008 Volvo C30 leaves much to be desired in the fun-to-drive category. So while the C30's not quite a hot hatch, it is certainly as much of a hip hatch with its unique styling, interesting interior trappings and customizable features. Plus, the C30 will certainly appeal to those looking for Volvo safety at an affordable price (provided one goes easy on the options). That said, its numerous à la carte options can raise the price toward the $30-grand plateau, close to larger, more luxurious offerings.

For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2008 Volvo C30 is a two-door hatchback that seats four people. It is available in two software-inspired trim levels. Standard equipment on Version 1.0 includes 17-inch wheels, a 50/50-split rear seat, full power accessories, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel and a CD audio system. Version 2.0 adds 18-inch wheels, a sport body kit, a Dynaudio 10-speaker surround-sound audio system and aluminum dash inlays.

The options list for both versions is incredibly long, but adding one or more of these choices includes a $300 "customization" charge. Options of note include cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, a blind-spot warning system, power-retractable side mirrors, sunroof, park distance control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power front seats, heated seats, keyless ignition and a navigation system. A sport-tuned suspension, which Volvo calls Dynamic Chassis, is also available. Unlike other Volvos, there is a large selection of "custom" exterior colors and interior color/upholstery/trim choices.

For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2008 C30 has only one engine choice, a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder that makes 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional. Acceleration is quick, and the 0-60-mph sprint should be accomplished in the mid-6-second range, which is on par with the Volkswagen GTI. Fuel economy is estimated to be 19 city and 28 highway with the manual transmission, while the automatic should return only 1 mpg worse on the highway.

For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.

Safety

Despite being the baby in Volvo's family, the 2008 C30 doesn't skimp on safety features. Antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a whiplash protection system are all standard equipment. In addition to Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), laminated side glass is available as an option.

For more Safety information, see our Safety page.

Interior Design and Special Features

Volvo made no effort to squeeze a fifth passenger into the C30, opting instead for two rear bucket seats. Although legroom is lacking, the supportive rear captain's chairs are comfy and there's even enough headroom for 6-footers. From the front seats forward, the Volvo C30 is identical to the S40 sedan, save for snazzier two-tone color schemes and differing trim. The same slim, "waterfall" center stack provides brilliantly simple ergonomics and looks pretty cool, too. The driving position is spot-on for almost any body type, with long seats and telescoping wheel travel. Rearward visibility is excellent thanks to the all-glass hatch. Plus, Volvo offers some of the comfiest and supportive seats around, although this sporty model could use some more aggressive bolstering. The C30's cargo area can hold 12.9 cubic feet with the 50/50-split rear seatbacks up, and 20.2 cubes when both are lowered.

For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.

Driving Impressions

As with its interior, the 2008 Volvo C30 is dynamically very much an S40 coupe. Its suspension has been tuned to be firmer, but this is still a car designed with comfort and everyday drivability in mind -- and in these areas, the C30 shines. It's still a fun car to drive, but its steering, clutch, shifter and suspension are just a little too comfort-tuned compared to the Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI. Think of the C30 as a temperate hatch, not a hot one.

For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from our Editors, see our Road Tests page.

Volvo's product planners usually hit the Aquavit, but the 2008 Volvo C30 proves anything is possible if you drink enough tequila.

How else can you explain the gigantic blender?
When the Volvo guys stuffed their product-planning blender full of a new Mini Cooper S, a 1971 Volvo P1800 ES and a Volvo S40 sedan, it couldn't have been easy, but you can bet your ABBA collection it was a heck of a party. A few jabs at the pulse button, a little salt on the rim, and voilá: a Volvo for young, urban singles.
It's the Margarita Method of car creation, and the front-wheel-drive, turbocharged 2008 Volvo C30 that results is an intoxicating brew.

Priced To Sell
At a total MSRP of $27,700, our test car undercuts an Audi A3 by quite a bit, but costs a bit more than a similarly equipped Mini Cooper S or Volkswagen GTI. Base price for the Version 2.0 is $26,445, some $3,671 more than a Version 1.0. Basically you're paying for stiffer suspension tuning, a sporty body kit, a stereo upgrade, sport exhaust tips and 18-inch wheels and tires. Our test car also wore optional foglights, cruise control and the C30's signature Cosmic White over Java Pearl paint that'll cost you an extra $475.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are actually 5,000,000 build combinations and enough options to crank a C30 up past $40,000. Things like a power sunroof, a navigation system, Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and heated seats are all on the car's mile-long options list.

You can even opt for Mini Cooper-style graphics including an American or Swedish flag on the roof and doors (although we wish you wouldn't).
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.