What about optional engines? Volvo offers a much more satisfying 268-hp twin-turbocharged six-cylinder joined to a 5-speed automatic with "Geartronic" semi-manual shift capability. Sit down, because the $63,545 base T6 tops $70,000 when fully loaded (and I mean loaded), at $71,645. That makes it just $2,755 less than a substantially less equipped base BMW 540, but the Bimmer features a 290-hp 4.4-L V8 and a fair bit more prestige. An 18-hp less powerful twin-turbocharged Audi A6 2.7T starts at $58,830, a $4,715 savings over the base S80 T6, but offers standard AWD and the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission. What about Saab? Load it up with everything on the features list and a slightly less robust 247-hp, 2.3-L, inline 5-cylinder high-pressure turbo engine with 243 lb-ft of torque and it slots in at $60,480, $3,065 less than the lowest priced Volvo T6. It also comes with a manual transmission. Excepting the Saab, all of its European competitors drive either the rear wheels or offer standard AWD, usually preferable in this sport/luxury class, and offer standard five-speed automatic transmissions instead of four. And I haven't even mentioned any Japanese or American midsize sport/luxury competitors? Let's not get started.
Is this really fair? Truly, is it reasonable to sit down and whittle away a cars competitive advantage based on horsepower, torque and price alone? Of course it isn't. In reality all of these models offer excellent ownership benefits while being simultaneously burdened with a few irritating drawbacks. In context each needs to be individually experienced before being collectively evaluated.
Is this really fair? Truly, is it reasonable to sit down and whittle away a cars competitive advantage based on horsepower, torque and price alone? Of course it isn't. In reality all of these models offer excellent ownership benefits while being simultaneously burdened with a few irritating drawbacks. In context each needs to be individually experienced before being collectively evaluated.