Dispute of excellent workers - Mercedes C 320, BMW 328, Volvo S60
Four generations BMW of the third series for the duration of last quarter of century served as the standard of prestige sport sedan. By present autumn appeared immediately three strong aspirants to this role: Audi A4, Mercedes C and Volvo S60.
The newest Audi A4 we could not draw to the tests, since there is no this model still in the Moscow salons. The previous generation Mercedes C (W202) as its predecessor Mercedes 190 V 201- m body, have already long ago they competed with the third series, but only in the nomination of the prestige sedans - sportivnosti in them it was much less. The new generation Mercedes C (W203), judging by the first estimations of European press, became considerably nearer to BMW in the plan of the satisfaction of driver ambitions. The most important technical step in this direction became refusal of the steering gear of the type "ball nut" in favor "of gear- lath". Another noticeable innovation in the construction - replacement of two-lever front suspension to the "being rocked spark plug". However, and in other respects automobile was completely renovated. Were only classical layout and part of the motor range preserved.
With model S60 firm Volvo, perhaps, for the first time
risked to be taken away to the "territory" BMW of the third series.
From a technical point of view S60 it is interesting by the fact
that it is built on the platform and the aggregates of the larger
front-wheel-drive models V70 and S80 (in this case and base, and,
especially, over-all length they were substantially shortened).
The sport nature of automobile is emphasized by the fact that
the weakest motor is 140- strong, the 2400- cubic in-line "five", in
contrast to BMW with the smallest engine 1,9 l - there is no 105 hp in
Volvo S60, at least as yet, and diesel motors, which substantially
weakens the positions of Swedish model in the fight with Mercedes and
BMW on the European market. As far as the appeared 2,5 years ago
of the last generation BMW of the third series (Yeya') is concerned,
both in the aesthetical and in the technical plan it became the
evolution of extremely successful predecessor (Yee'). In this
case the "three rubles" became more comfortable and more refined,
having a little lost in sportivnosti of behavior.
Before approaching the story about the tests of three competitors, is necessary to complain to the circumstances and to be apologized before the reader for the not entirely correct selection of the modifications of the testiruyemykh automobiles. Volvo was reached in most powerful modification T5 (2,3 l, turbine supercharger, 250 hp.) with the mechanical gearbox. Mercedes C 320 (3,2 l, 218 hp.) it is proposed only with the 5- stepped automaton, and newest BMW 330i (3,0 l, 231 hp.) we could not find and therefore they were satisfied by model 328i (2,8 l, by 193 hp.) with the automatic box. It is more right, certainly, would be select Volvo with the automaton, and BMW - with the new 3- liter motor.
As we expected, Mercedes C 320 it proved to be considerably more expensive than its rivals. Its price in Moscow, depending on equipment level, kolebletsya in the limits of 55-63 thousand dollars. Volvo S60 T5 Costs 42-48 thousand dollars, and BMW 328i - 41-46 thousand dollars. The newest modification BMW 330i will be tentatively on 2 thousand dollars more expensively.
The extrinsic ethos, interior
three
heroes of this test are excellent illustration to that, how the
automobiles of one dimensionality, preserving the indisputable
attractiveness and the present, can differ from each other. In
the appearance of each of them clearly guess the "genes" of their
firm. Appearance BMW 328i is least "revolutionary" with respect
to the previous model, simultaneously resembling its, and present BMW
of a fifth series. Mercedes C 320 striking is differed from the
previous S- class and most of all it is similar on contemporary
Mercedes S without having straight predecessor, Volvo S60 by its
appearance resembles "elder brother" - Volvo S80. to objectively
estimate the degree of the attractiveness of each of three automobiles
is practically impossible - each is good in in own way own way.
It is possible to only note that in BMW the most modest
appearance (does not mean that inexpressive), in Mercedes - most
elegant, but in Volvo - sport- sinewiest. Firm stylistics is
extended also to the formulation of interiors; however, into this in
Mercedes and BMW the noticeably specific national similarity:
the classical layout of instrument panel with the chosen housing
of the combination of instruments and traditional dark gray
upholstering. Volvo is sharply characterized by the form of
instrument panel, and by the beige color of upholstering. For
sure will be located admirers both in with restraint- solid German
style and in more cheerful Swedish. Especially as the fineness
of interiors practically at the equally high level.
Ergonomics, capacity
nothing
surprising in the fact that all three automobiles have the richest
collection of the adjustments of driver seat and steering column,
which, in turn, ensures optimum pose to the drivers of different
build. Differences were revealed in the form of seats. The
weakest lateral support proved to be in BMW; therefore to the sport
disposed buyers of the third series (but such majorities) we
imperatively recommend the factory option of sport front seats.
Lateral support of the back of seat more developed, but best of
all the driver armchair Volvo - it deeply covers softly in Mercedes C
320, but reliably retains body.
Is its deficiency, also,
in Volvo - the wide and strongly inclined front counter considerably
worsens field of view. We expected that front-wheel-drive Volvo
S60, which moreover is longer and wider than Mercedes and BMW, will
have significant advantage in the capacity of passenger cabin.
This three-dimensional gain is not very great in reality, and
the conveniently arranged driver will perceptibly squeeze the sitting
after it passenger in each of three automobiles with an increase in
190 cm. To all three it is far to the standard on the capacity
in this class VW Passat. The luggage compartments in three
competitors to the surprise are close both in the volume and in the
form, and on the overall deficiency - to short aperture of boot-lid,
which limits the possibility of loading large objects.
Dynamics of acceleration, the braking
The most impressive dynamics in Volvo S60 T5. the difference between it and tested competitors is much more than the numbers of acceleration to 100 km/h speak about this. What also is understandable - with the zero-length launch front-wheel-drive, 250- strong Volvo are more than zadneprivodnye analogs, it is inclined to the slippage of driven wheels. Antiprobuksovochnaya system, of course, helps, but also "eats" fraction of a seconds. Its turning off not accelerating the process of acceleration, but only it leads - over the fast long term - to the expensive replacement of tires. By the way, the anti-slippage with the intensive wear and tear causes the unpleasantly severe vibrations of entire automobile. But all this of trifle against the background of splendid pickup, it is possible to say - the shot, which ensures motor in the motion. Its possibilities engine begins to demonstrate already with 2500 r/min, smoothly passing to the hurricane return on 3500-4000 r/min and so to reddest zone of tachometer. Outstrippings are converted into the children's amusement; moreover requirements for the correct selection of transfer are minimum. Important merit is the fact that the smooth operation, which is easily checked by accelerator pedal, distinguishes entire this power. And only small droplet of tar into this barrel with the honey adds clutch pedal with the extended motion of start and the absence of informativeness on the effort. By the way, the performance of the change-gear lever in the form of large ball and socket joint is the clean decoration, which does not add clearness to the process of switching.
 |
Thus, entire division came out about Volvo, and meanwhile and BMW 328i, and Mercedes C 320 in the dynamics of acceleration honestly justified our expectations, after demonstrating a good thrust and the smooth work of automatic gearboxes, with the useful addition in the form of the manual control mode. As one would expect, Mercedes it proved to be somewhat more dynamic than BMW with the smaller motor. Remains only just once to recall that the more suitable analog for Volvo S60 T5 and Mercedes C 320 is BMW 330i.
It is interesting that noise from such different motors with the intensive acceleration is almost equally small, but timbre "is vocal" strongly it is not differed from each other. At the work of the brake systems of all three automobiles to cavil difficultly, let us note only that traditional "mersedesovskiy" the "foot bench-hammer" is slightly unusual for the owners of other automobiles.
Controllability, smoothness of motion "front-wheel-drive" of 250 hp can negative affect not only the dynamics of acceleration, but also on the controllability. And past experience with the "brutal'nymi" models Volvo (S40 T4 and S70 T5) sufficiently clearly this confirmed. Volvo S60 T5 Demonstrated the essential progress in this region. Steering control acquired a certain informativeness and completely decent sensitivity. Povorachivayemost' of automobile is close to the neutral, and even on the slippery winter road Volvo it did not appear excessive tendency toward the loss of the cohesion of front wheels with the coating. In spite of sverkhnizkoprofil'nye tires (225/45-17), the smoothness of motion can be estimated as acceptable.
 |
And would appear Volvo completely worthily, if not German "opposition". Both BMW and Mercedes they showed the highest level in the bond "controllability - the smoothness of motion". Both automobiles not on -zadneprivodnomu are stable on the covered with ice and with snow road. The incipient drift is instantly liquidated by electronics. Steering control is precise and is very informative, although in the central zone could be poostreye (speech it goes about two automobiles immediately - so they they are similar). And all this - against the background of the outstanding smoothness of motion. Without it is bank and swaying the body of suspension BMW and Mercedes by comparatively short, but energy-consuming motions by elastic is processed the majority of the unevennesses of our roads. Being based only on the winter ride, it is difficult even to determine, who is better of them. Compulsorily let us try to make this summer.
Sums all three stamps are well known in Russia, and for the substantial part of the buyers selection of one of the tested automobiles will be based simply on the adherence to firm- producer. The price can be another motivation: Mercedes is considerably more expensive than Volvo and BMW. as basis for the selection can serve and appearance - in each of three automobiles it in is its own way expressive and interesting. If you are the amateur of the explosive dynamics of acceleration, then your selection - Volvo. But if for you more important combination grow prettier the smoothness of motion and sharpened controllability, then selected must be between Mercedes and BMW. in conclusion it is necessary to emphasize that there are no weak or at least ordinary automobiles among the tested trinity, and after selecting any of them, you will be hardly disappointed.
Nikita Rosanoff
Outside:
The style of this entire trinity is well familiar, and
is worth to the instant only seeing any of it, as here is identified
firm, and after one additional moment - and model. Although
with the model is more complex, since the rapprochement up to the
dangerous similarity of the appearance of the gamma of important
producers - one of the most characteristic contemporary tendencies in
the design. And, for example, appearance Mercedes C has many
adoptions from the design of the flag officer of firm - model S, the
third series BMW close approached the fifth, does not lag behind these
"manifestations of nepotism" and Volvo. At the same time the
individuality of design always valued very highly, and those, for whom
it was possible to state itself in this consumer quality, they relate
to the style zealous and even it is conservative. Therefore
Volvo it is possible to examine in this company as the unique novice,
especially as the design, developed by Englishman by Pieter Khorberi
(Peter Horbery), in the comparison with the "historical" appearance
Mercedes and BMW and indeed appears svezho and it is young.
To the forward section of the automobile - "face" - stylists, according to the laws of genre, always try to give maximum uniqueness and recognizability. And here all three nominanta in a good sense are identical, since are used the historical motives of the previous revetments of radiators from those distant years, when, after unscrewing plug with the firm emblem, into these radiators poured the water. Optics also is very characteristic, although here the form varies around the theme of the dual round headlights: from those covered by general cover glass on BMW to those overflowing into each other, it is similar to the drops of mercury, headlights Mercedes. The form of the basic volume of the body of all three automobiles clearly was optimized in the wind tunnel, but, in spite of this, the individuality of each machine was preserved. In particular is original body Volvo with the prevailing "shooting through" of the relief of window stool line, which connects by a dynamic flourish the revetment of radiator and the ruby crystals of backing lamps. Silhouettes BMW and Mercedes are less vanguard, but they are memorized easily because of the small plastic special features. Thus, BMW is traditional in painting of average counters in the black color and by the very characteristic form of the reverse bending of back rest (s). Mercedes also disguises average counter, attaining visual similarity with the sport sleeping compartment, but still increases the dynamics of sidewall by the arrow-shaped cover plate, which effectively is interrupted in the very arch of front wheel. From behind all three automobiles are identified so easily as from the front, but here explicit leader - Volvo, whose unique backing lamps have three faces of surface instead of customary two and, in this connection, mysterious they gleam even in the not switched-on state.
Sum:
BMW 328 - the high-quality and
very characteristic design, which is received by the sequential
modernization of "troika". In this connection the unavoidable
portion of conservatism somewhat reduces the efforts of stylists,
directed toward reaching of the sport and dynamic means of automobile.
Estimation: 4
Mercedes- benzo C - the one-piece and easily
learned design with the clearly expressed elements of firm belonging.
However, the superfluously rectilinear use of stylistic methods
and details, borrowed from other models of family, brings the design
of model to the dangerous face of superfluously mechanical forming.
Estimation: 4
Volvo S60 - although the design of model
diligently repeats form and figure S80, C70 and V70, it preserves
originality and completely corresponds to the place for model in the
"surname" Volvo and to its new image.
Estimation: 5
Inside:
The internal space of all three automobiles -
participants in the test is organized in complete agreement with the
sport orientation of models. However, just as outside, interior
BMW is received a little more conservative. On this works a
two-colored finishing of the panel of instruments, and a somewhat
archaic form of four-spoked control. Interior Mercedes is
classical luxurious and on S -klassovski multifunctional. The
same complexity of organizing the central console and apparent
khitroumnost' of the algorithm of the buttons of the electrical
adjustment of the seats, located next to the door knob. Out of
any doubt design Volvo to the head higher than competitors. It
more contemporary and on -Scandinavian more laconic is inferior only
on the quality of the surfacing materials, used on the seats and the
lining of doors. For example, in modification S60 T5 the
alternation of black and bright surfacing materials creates the
superfluous colorfulness, which badly is combined with the refined
laconicism of the design of central console and the "space" wings of
the change-gear lever. Large plus Volvo - its family
directivity in the equipment of interior. For example, place
for the average passenger on the rear sofa can be transformed into the
children's seat, and the valuable defrosters of ventilation and
heating for the rear passengers are implanted into the average
counters. Baggage carriers BMW and Mercedes are traditionally
isolated from the salon. In Volvo the baggage carrier more
greatly resembles khetchbekovskiy, has very thorough finishing, set of
adaptations for the fixation of load, and also two knobs in side
walls, with the aid of which it is possible to lower the backs of the
rear seat and to transport lengthy load.
Sum: BMW 328 - the very qualitative
and high-quality performance of interior during the a little obsolete
plastic and tsvetofakturnom solution of the panel of instruments.
Estimation: 4
Mercedes- benzo C - traditionally high for this
firm manufacturing quality and carefulness of the selection of
materials be nearby with the supersaturation by details and certain
complication.
Estimation: 4
Volvo S60 - contemporary and laconic design is in complete agreement with class and designation of automobile.
Estimation: 5
Maxim Rakitin
Volvo S60
Our readers already know that Volvo recently
are equipped its automobiles with "music" with the highest discharge.
S60 - not exception. Head device - this
the combination of tuner and record player CD in appearance and set of
functions it completely repeats the "head" on Volvo OF THE XC
("automobiles" ¹ 12/2000). Difference - grown to 11 pieces
quantity of dynamic loudspeakers. The panel of instruments, in
the true sense of the word, decorates the central dynamic loudspeaker
of system Dolby ProLogic, which is confirmed by inscription on one of
the functional buttons. In order to estimate sounding 11
dynamic loudspeakers in salon S60, it is necessary to be stored up by
the small collection of CDS. Let this there will be fate - Foo
Fighters, classics - Ravel' and rhythm- and -blhz - Loren Hill.
The system of this class, naturally, is supplied with the
digital processor of sound and with the built-in equalizer with the
collection of the fixed tuning.
Launching. 3 channels Dolby, 11 "columns" and fate - present and heavy. As the saying goes in one advertising roller, "such basses 4 it did not hear even into the most powerful thunderstorm". The competently utilized acoustic space of salon makes possible for the low frequencies to derive striking undulating roulades, from which drebezzhat of glass strikes heart. True, the middle almost is lost after these roulades, but if we make potishe, this deficiency is removed. Ravel' sounded not more badly than in the conservatory, it was audibly even, as bow it concerns strings, but musicians fidget on the chairs. Each tool is heard out clearly and is easily learned. But completely all possibilities of "music" Volvo were opened only on R & B Of loren Hill. Famous many-voiced gospely swiftly roll over the salon, zabredaya into each hidden corner. Probably, even in "bardachke" audibly, as each dynamic loudspeaker masters "to all one hundred".
It is very it's a pity, which near at hand did not prove to be colored monitor and DVD record player. With such possibilities S60 I could become still and very good cinema for five.
BMW 328
Bavarians - people not vain, but "music" in
their automobiles they for a long time call Bavaria. Inside the
firm systems BMW "filling" from Blaupunkt and VDO. Moreover
Blau are supplied acoustic systems, and VDO are gathered head devices.
Our "bumer" was equipped with system Bavaria Business.
This means that the system consists of tuner, cassette pleyera
and D -ce1ndjera. Acoustics - high-quality of dynamics.
Are in front - separate with the crossovers (150 W), from
behind - three-strip coaxial (200 W). Tuner assumes stations FM
and AM of ranges. All information about the work of head device
is mapped onto long and wide display. It is strange, but with
the large sizes it issues only the minimum of information.
RDS with regimes PTY, TA and TF. stations are located in 24 cells of 4 memory banks and are tuned in the automatic and manual regime. With the automatic tuning the tuner tries "to snatch out" stations and to arrange them consecutively from the lowest frequency to the highest. Cassette part is not hidden under the decorative cover. The nest of cassette is illuminated on entire perimeter, and next to it are located the buttons of ejection and switching on of the system of noise reduction Dolby B it works this Bavarian economy clearly and it is smooth. Control of the record player of cassettes is completely logical. The search for necessary disk and path on D -ce1ndjere, located in the baggage carrier, occupies schitannye seconds. Pendulum mechanism successfully fights with the failures, which appear on the numerous unevennesses.
BMW 328 again proved that VDO and Blaupunkt is created the sound, oriented to classics. From the disk Ravelem it began to palpitate shower and began to shake knees, so it "scolds". To thank for this is necessary of dynamics with clearly expressed "middle" and slightly mute bass. Fate also sounds well, but in these compositions there is no necessary drayva and pressure. Thus, Germans made special "music" for the judges of excellent.
Mercedes With 320"
There were the times, when in MV were
established the radio tape recorders of firm Becker. Simple
design and excellent sounding gladdened several generations of the
owners of "geldings". Present "Mercedes" preserved and
increased the glory of the sonic technique of predecessors.
In the S- class there is all - the tuner with AM and FM
by ranges, cassette pleyer and D -ce1ndjer in "bardachke". In
the testiruyemom automobile of 8 dynamic loudspeakers. On 2
separate - in the front doors, 2 - in the rear and 2 - in the rear
shelf. In its design the head device of "tseshki" greatly
resembles its ancestor, that same Becker. Everything is very
simple, functional buttons are grouped in one place, service - in
other. True, it is not very convenient, that the buttons are
too "close" to each other, and by feel always it is impossible to
activate necessary function.
Tuner wonderfully assumes all stations, and in the zones of the uncertain method automatically it passes into regime LOCAL. What does not be worth making in motion, so this filling memory banks, because for this it is necessary to operate with several buttons. RDS will recognize all known types of programs and automatically it is thrown to the transmission of road information, if is included function THAT. The preparation of the tape-drive mechanism of cassette for the work occupies the pair of seconds. Certainly, control fully automated. "kassetnik" works in regimes INTRO (first 10 seconds of each path), SKIP (passage of empty places), search on the pauses and alliteration. Cheyndzher in the glove box - thing is very convenient, especially if in machine two. Front passenger easily can change disks in the "roll" with six openings. Since cheyndzher is strongly fixed in "bardachke", from all its road adversities saves pendulum suspension and buffer for 10 seconds. It is separately necessary to note that in MV the quality of sounding and cassettes, and CD is very close to each other. Magnetic head with the three-layered coating practically reduces on "there is no" advantage of laser beam. But the balance of system makes it possible with the identical pleasure to listen to jazz, and fate, and "popsu". Foo Fighters, Ravel' and Loren Hill sounded almost ideally.
