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Personal Finance > On Wheels
Gas mileage: The best and the worst
May 30, 2001


By Jerry Edgerton
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GAS MILEAGE:
LUXURY CARS

 

 
model
city/hwy
 
 
Infiniti G20
24/31
 
 
Audi A4 1.8T AWD
22/30
 
 
BMW 330ci
21/30
 
 
Saab 9-5 Aero
21/30
 
 
Mercedes-Benz CLK320
21/29
 

BEST MILEAGE AMONG LUXURY CARS

Infiniti G20
From Nissan's luxury brand but, costing in the mid-20s, Infiniti G20 barely at a luxury price, the G20 is fun to drive with great handling through the curves and corners. But the suspension is also tuned for a comfortable ride on the straight stuff. The styling is ho-hum, and -- as you might expect from so fuel-efficient a car -- acceleration is less than breathtaking.

Audi A4 1.8T AWD
Audi A4 1.8T AWD This Audi Quattro was one of the first to offer the full-time all-wheel drive, feature that's increasingly popular among luxury and near-luxury car shoppers. With sleek styling and good safety crash-test scores, this Audi is among the most attractive luxury models for under $30,000. The car also offers some luxury service perks like free maintenance and roadside assistance for the first four years.

BMW 330ci
BMW 330ci Despite a more powerful, 3.0-liter engine for 2001, this BMW coupe still stays in the high-mileage derby. As befits a BMW, it has impeccable road manners and great handling in tight spots. Also typical of the BMW 3 series, rear-seat space and cargo room are tight. All the BMW 3s now come with an all-wheel-drive option, though that would cut into gas mileage.

Saab 9-5 Aero
Saab 9-5 Aero The turbocharged engine in this Saab provides the happy combination of high mileage and lots of punch when you stomp on the accelerator. The Saab comes with lots of standard equipment ­- from a premium stereo to safety enhancements like traction control and side-impact air bags. And all Saab models now come with the OnStar system from their corporate parent General Motors, which locates your vehicle and calls for help when you need assistance.

Mercedes-Benz CLK320
Mercedes-Benz CLK320 This Mercedes is getting into the real luxury price range, which starts at over $40,000. But the sleek, sporty look of the two-door coupe plus the wood-and-leather luxury of the interior should make you feel like you got your money's worth. It comes with a V8, but for higher mileage opt for the V6 engine. Only automatic transmission is available, but it has a clutchless manual control for those who still like to shift for themselves. And the car offers Mercedes' own TeleAid version of roadside location and assistance.

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