The base Bonneville SE, by the way, is a comfortable, well equipped ride featuring air conditioning, power steering, tilt
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| The GXP comes close to fulfilling the Bonneville's performance role, and at a lofty price. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, a trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, remote decklid release, automatic headlights, floormats, a theft-deterrent system, fog lights, load-leveling suspension and 225/60R16 tires. SLE versions add traction control, OnStar telematics with a one-year service program, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, rear decklid spoiler, 235/55R17 tires and alloy wheels.
The "Big Daddy" GXP fulfills the Bonneville's performance role with the addition of the potent 4.6-liter (278 cu-in) DOHC V8, StabiliTrak, front side airbags, upgraded brakes, leather/suede upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12-way power front seats with driver-seat memory, Monsoon AM/FM/cassette/CD player, outside-temperature indicator, air-inflator kit, performance suspension and 235/50WR18 tires. A series of stand-alone options and option packages enable an
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| By yesterday's standards, the GXP is a great vehicle, but the playing field has become much more competitive this year. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
owner to personalize their Bonneville, however once GXP status is reached very little is left unattached. But performance and luxury come at a price; especially with three-little-letters (GXP) affixed to the front fenders. The V6 powered Bonneville SE starts at a $34,535, the V6 SLE checks out at $38,700 and the GXP rocks the world with its V8 thrust at $46,200. Including destination charge, my GXP tester was stickered at an alarming $48,305. The heavily contented, HEMI-powered 2005 Chrysler 300C is priced at $42,995. Even fully loaded with a color-LCD equipped navigation system - the Bonneville doesn't offer such an item - the Chrysler still stickers for quite a bit less than a fully-loaded GXP.
