Extra Special
Why settle for the ordinary when you've got these special-edition vehicles to choose from?
They may not be red-hot Italian roadsters or imported custom
pickups with polka dots, but special-edition versions of high-end
vehicles can turn heads discreetly and without breaking the bank.
Three distinctive models for 2005 include the Limited Edition ES
SportDesign sedan from Lexus, the X-Type VDP Edition compact sedan
from Jaguar, and the ML500 Special Edition SUV from Mercedes-Benz.
All premium luxury flagships, they come equipped with an extra
touch of class that sets them a step above the standard
versions.
The $32,950 Lexus ES SportDesign is a five-passenger, four-door
car with lots of oomph under the hood. Lexus ensures exclusivity
with one of its paint colors, Thundercloud Metallic, and an
interior of black bird's-eye maple accents with light charcoal
or black leather seats and trim. Standard is a 225-horsepower
3.3-liter V-6 engine, five-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission, and room for 14.5 cubic feet of cargo in
the trunk. Cruise control, audio and computer buttons are
steering-wheel mounted, and the moon roof is powered to tilt and
slide.
Jaguar's bestselling X-Type adds a special model with the
VDP Edition, which raises the luxury level several notches on this
$38,745 small sedan with a 3-liter 227-horsepower V-6 engine,
five-speed automatic transmission, a split-fold rear seat, heated
10-way front leather seats, and burl walnut trim galore.
Rain-sensing wipers, stylish leather upholstery, and 17-inch Andros
tires round out the equipment.
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Higher on the financial ladder is the $47,120 Mercedes-Benz
ML500 Special Edition SUV. Equipped with running boards, fancy roof
rails, a new "matte burl birch" trim inside,
thickly-bolstered leather seats, and space for 81 cubic feet of
cargo with the second-row seats lowered, the ML500 is a top
performer. The engine is a 288-horsepower 5-liter V-8 teamed with a
five-speed automatic touch-shift transmission and permanent
full-time four-wheel drive.
Editor and consultant Jill Amadio has been reporting on the
automotive industry for 25 years.