Test Fest : Best New Prestige Car Over $75,000

MORE TEST FEST COVERAGE
Pick-Up	Nov 15, 2006
SUV / CUV over $60,000	Nov 14, 2006
SUV / CUV $35,000 - $60,000	Nov 13, 2006
SUV / CUV under $35,000	Nov 11, 2006
Convertible	Nov 10, 2006
Sport / performance car over $50,000	Nov 9, 2006
Sport / performance car under $50,000	Nov 8, 2006
Luxury car under $50,000	Nov 6, 2006
Family car over $30,000	Nov 5, 2006
Family car $22,000 - $30,000	Nov 4, 2006
Small car over $18,000	Nov 3, 2006
Small car under $18,000	Nov 2, 2006
The most coveted parking space in the country	Nov 1, 2006
Writers' predictions for the best new cars of 2007	Nov 1, 2006

Four incredible cars, one tough choice

In this category, three of the contenders are sedans and one is a convertible two-seater. The contenders are: the Audi S8, the Jaguar XK Convertible, the Lexus LS 460L and the Mercedes S550 4MATIC . This year's group is the most expensive in COTY history - the least costly tips the scales with an as-tested price of $122,450. All four are absolutely incredible, which is what you would expect given the hefty price of admission. But which one will I pick?

Audi S8

(Photo: Audi)

The Audi S8 is simply a fantastic car, full stop. It is also the sportiest of the entries with its quattro all-wheel drive and a powerful V10 engine. The driving dynamics of the S8 are superb, despite the fact that it is a large sedan; its handling and braking are very much up to the standard set by the direct fuel-injection FSI engine.

To balance out the performance characteristics, the Audi also offers an impeccable interior and, hands-down, the best factory-supplied audio system in the business. The optional Bang & Olufsen system produces immense power and amazing clarity through its 15 speakers (including a pair on the dashboard that pop up automatically).

Jaguar XK Convertible

(Photo: Jaguar)

Unquestionably the sexiest car in the category is the Jaguar XK Convertible. While many convertibles can't match their coupe versions in terms of sheer beauty, the Jag comes very close: it's stunning, inside and out. In terms of performance, the XK is a classic grand touring car - it offers great fun behind the wheel, but not an overabundance of thrills.

Powered by a V8 engine, the Jaguar accelerates to 100 km/h from a standing start in a reasonable 6.6 seconds. On the track, the XK performed well, if not spectacularly. Its 6-speed semi-automatic transmission, operated by steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, was very slick. On the other hand, the car's ability to make quick transitions and manage high-speed turns was less impressive.

Lexus LS 460L

(Photo: Lexus)

The Lexus LS 460L is a true limousine stacked with eye-opening features. First, the interior, where you'll find a reclining and massaging rear seat with an ottoman, a cooler for drinks, and a Mark Levinson audio system with 19 speakers. On the technology front, the Lexus includes a pre-collision safety system, radar cruise control and, most impressively, the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) that automatically parallel parks for you.

The LS 460L drives well, but it is a long car; through the slalom course, there was a fair amount of protestation from the tires. The car's 4.6-litre V8 engine is matched to the industry's first 8-speed automatic transmission keeps that power at hand most of the time.