European luxury
The Germans are spearheading a plethora of lavish cars with prices to match.
BMW 640i Convertible
Price: from 9.499 million baht.
Specs: 320hp 3.0-litre inline-six petrol-turbo, eight-speed automatic.
What's cool: BMW breaks away from tradition by unveiling the open-top version of the new 6-series, before the fixed-top Coupé arrives later this year. BMW's flagship 2+2 cabriolet retains the classic cloth-top, instead of using the folding hard-top variation.
Volvo S80 D3
Price: 2.699 million baht.
Specs: 163hp 2.0-litre inline-five diesel-turbo, six-speed automatic.
What's cool: Volvo fans who have missed the D5 diesel version of the S80 are now being treated with the D3.
BMW X1 sDrive18i
Price: 2.149 million baht.
Specs: 150hp 2.0-litre inline-four petrol, six-speed automatic.
What's cool: BMW's smallest SUV is now built in the country, so its price is more affordable. It's also the cheapest Bimmer now available in the Thai lineup, making itself the new stepping stone into BMW ownership.
Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI
Price: 2.15 million baht (1.98 million, introductory).
Specs: 160hp 1.8-litre inline-four petrol-turbo, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What's cool: Nearly the size of a Mercedes E-class, the Superb has a saloon-cum-hatchback body thanks to a two-stage boot lid. Like before, the Superb's trump card is the price to put all of those imported saloons to shame.
Mercedes-Benz CLS350
Price: 8 million baht (estimated).
Specs: 306hp 3.5-litre V6 petrol, seven-speed automatic.
What's cool: Mercedes' second-generation CLS spawns the usual four-door, coupé-style body that has won the hearts of buyers needing a trendy alternative to an S-class. The CLS gets the brand's latest family look.
Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG
Price: 17 million baht (estimated).
Specs: 507hp 5.5-litre V8 petrol-supercharged, five-speed automatic.
What's cool: Rather than using AMG's contemporary drivetrain components, the souped-up G-class turns to older but proven tech to suit the vehicle's go-anywhere attitude. The G55 AMG is set to become a classic.
Mercedes-Benz SLK350
Price: 7.399 million baht.
Specs: 306hp 3.5-litre V6 petrol, seven-speed automatic.What's cool: Using the same drivetrain as the CLS, this SLK is aimed at enthusiasts wanting six-pot power for the Mercedes' popular roadster. The third-gen SLK highlights a folding glass-top that can be tinted by the driver via a switch.
Audi A7 Sportback MTM
Price: 8 million baht (estimated).
Specs: 300hp 3.0-litre V6, petrol-supercharged, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What's cool: MTM, a German after-market car modifier, hopes to satisfy Audi fans who can't wait for the Thai Audi agent to sell the trendy A7. The fastback Audi hopes to snare buyers of the Merc CLS and comes with Quattro all-wheel-drive.
BMW X3 xDrive20d
Price: 3.5 million baht (estimated, in CKD form).
Specs: 184hp 2.0-litre inline-four diesel-turbo, eight-speed automatic.
What's cool: The second-generation X3 has matured with a bigger and more comfortable body and retains the proven four-cylinder diesel, albeit a 7hp hike in power. Sales start after mid-year when locally assembly begins.
Mercedes-Benz CL500
Price: 15.49-16.29 million baht.
Specs: 435hp 4.7-litre V8 petrol-turbo, seven-speed automatic.
What's cool: Flagship Benz coupe gets a mid-life facelift and a new eight-pot motor. The CL500 is an 2+2 alternative to the Bentley Continental GT. If you want more visual space, there's the AMG pack costing an extra 800k..
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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