By: Star Motoring Staff
Johannesburg - As the countdown continues to our Best of the Best awards ceremony on December 7, our judges have been hard at work sorting through the lengthy list of cars launched in South Africa in 2015.
At the end of each year our publication's team of motoring journalists selects an overall winning Best of the Best vehicle as well as victors in the categories of Small/Budget Car, Family Car, Performance Car, Luxury Car, and Adventure Vehicle. There is also a Best-Styled Vehicle voted for by readers.
From the more than 70 all-new or upgraded vehicles that have been launched in SA this year, we've come up with a shortlist across numerous categories.
These are the luxury cars, use the links at the bottom of the story to see our finalists in other categories.
LUXURY CARS
Audi A6/A7 upgrade
Four years after their launch the A6 sedan and its swoopier cousin, the A7, have been given a midlife update. Technology tweaks include new USB interfaces for connecting external media devices, while the extra-cost options list now offers safety items like adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, a head-up display and night-vision assist.
The lusty S6/S7 versions come with air suspension, combining sharp handling with a cushy ride.
Maserati Ghibli
A suave Italian spin on the sports-sedan genre, the Ghibli oozes exclusivity and it’s difficult to believe that under those seductively sporty lines is a roomy and practical four-door sedan. If you’re prepared to pay a premium for prestige and style, then this racy sedan is a most enjoyable way to splash out.
A Ferrari-built 3-litre V6 engine whisks this Italian along at a righteous pace, and Maserati’s chassis engineers have struck a fine balance between agility and ride quality, even with the standard non-adjustable suspension (Skyhook adaptive damping is optional).
Mercedes S-Class Coupé
Formerly known as the CL, Merc’s new S-Class Coupé is the same technological tour de force as its four-door counterpart, but wrapped up in a drop-dead gorgeous two-door body. Here’s a 5-metre long grand tourer brimming with hi-tech features including night vision, and a suspension which tilts left and right to carve turns better.
Mercedes V-Class
Yes it’s a seven-seater bus (or eight, optionally) and you probably think it should be listed in the Family Car section. But step aboard the new V-Class and you realise this is no garden-variety people-mover which happens to have leather seats and a few gadgets.
This is a millionaire’s minibus with all the swanky trimmings you’ll find in a Benz luxury sedan. It’s also supremely practical with its multi-adjustable seats, while the top-spec Avantgarde model lays on the convenience of electronically-operated side doors and tailgate.
Star Motoring
OTHER CATEGORIES: