Each of these three luxury saloons is a compelling option for high-level executives, who will be spoilt for choice. If this contest was based on pedigree and prestige alone, the Mercedes E350 would be the undisputed winner. Its other strengths are a cossetting ride and a quiet interior, which provide welcome relief after a long day at the office.
Pampering white-collared professionals with both space and pace is the 535i. In this company, its cabin offers the roomiest accommodation and its engine is the most convincing. The BMW is also a consummate cruiser, complete with the most user-friendly set of amenities.
Although not as charming as the Benz or as roomy as the Bimmer, the Audi nevertheless impresses with its class-leading performance, fabulous build quality and excellent equipment. Armed with these credentials, it is the A6 that deserves to be first in line for that directorship.
BMW 535i 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-6, 24-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 2979cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 89.6mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 306bhp at 5800rpm
Max Torque 400Nm at 1200-5000rpm
Power to weight 174.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.1 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 11.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
Size (F) 245/40 R19
(R) 275/35 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4899mm
Width 1860mm
Height 1464mm
Wheelbase 2968mm
Kerb Weight 1750kg
Turning Circle 12m
BUYING IT
Price $317,800 excl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Comfortable seats, sporty engine note, easy-to-use infotainment system
– Poor boot shape, weak air-conditioning, intrusive transmission hump
Audi A6 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves, supercharged
Capacity 2995cc
Bore x stroke 84.5mm x 89mm
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Max Power 300bhp at 5250-6000rpm
Max Torque 440Nm at 2900-4500rpm
Power to weight 172.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 5.5 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 12.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli P Zero
Size 255/35 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 8
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4915mm
Width 1874mm
Height 1455mm
Wheelbase 2912mm
Kerb Weight 1740kg
Turning Circle 11.9m
BUYING IT
Price $307,038 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Fantastic dynamics, well-appointed cabin, great attention to detail
– Cleverest gadgets cost extra, busy-looking cockpit, could be roomier
Mercedes-Benz E350 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves
Capacity 3498cc
Bore x stroke 92.9mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10.7:1
Max Power 272bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 350Nm at 2400-5000rpm
Power to weight 156.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.9 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 10.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Multi-link, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy HP
Size 245/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4868mm
Width 1854mm
Height 1471mm
Wheelbase 2874mm
Kerb Weight 1735kg
Turning Circle 11.25m
BUYING IT
Price $315,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Unmistakable road presence, perfectly pliant ride, generous headroom
– Some “random” buttons, weak steering feedback, comparatively relaxed pick-up
