Unhaggle has the scoop on tempting deals on the Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Infiniti Q50.Handout / Lexus / Mercedes-Benz / Infiniti Every month, Graeme Fletcher combines manufacturers’ incentives from Unhaggle.com with resale value, dependability and overall ratings to find you the best deal for your money in new cars. This week, we look at sports sedans with all-wheel-drive. The hot deals are on the 2019 Infiniti Q50T Luxe, Lexus IS 300 and Mercedes-Benz CLA 250. 2019 Infiniti Q50 2019 Infiniti Q50 Handout / Infiniti Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $44,995 Manufacturer Incentive*: $4,000 Unhaggle Savings: $500 Total Savings: $4,500 Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $2,185 Total Before Tax: $42,680 — lick here for exclusive local pricing The 2019 Infiniti Q50 model range has been streamlined — the 2.0L four-cylinder engine and hybrid model have been dropped. A well-equipped cabin supports the Q’s avant-garde looks with a dual-screen infotainment system dominating the centre stack. The eight-inch upper screen is accessed through steering wheel-mounted controls or central controller and looks after the driving information and navigation. The lower seven-inch screen is touch-sensitive and takes care of the infotainment and phone functions. It works nicely, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are conspicuous by their absence. The other letdown is the leatherette wrapping the power seats — it’s not great vinyl. The Q’s backseat has enough space for two adults to ride with headroom to spare and it has a roomy 382-litre trunk. While forward collision warning with auto braking is standard the rest of the desirable safety equipment is bundled up in the all-encompassing Sensory, ProAssist, ProActive package. It adds a whopping $7,800 to the Luxe’s sticker, which is regressive thinking and well behind the times. All Q50s get a derivative of Infiniti’s 3.0L twin-turbo V6. In the case of the Luxe it produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm (the same V6 produces 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque in the Red Sport 400!). The grunt reaches the road through a slick seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode and a good all-wheel-drive system. By monitoring an array of inputs the AWD system sends up to 50 percent of drive forward when needed. Once up to speed it reverts to rear-drive for fuel economy considerations. The combination delivers a 5.8 second run to 100 kilometres an hour and a posted average fuel economy of 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Q50’s fun side is found in the quick steering, sporty suspension and P225/50R18 tires. The combination keeps the body flat through corners, which inspires driver confidence. It also hangs in well beyond expected limits. The Infiniti Q50T Luxe arrives with a generous combined Unhaggle discount of $4,500. It leaves a sticker of $42,680 after it’s applied. 2019 Lexus IS300 2019 Lexus IS 300 Handout / Lexus Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $43,550 Manufacturer Incentive*: $2,212 Unhaggle Savings: $1,500 Total Savings: $3,712 Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $2,215 Total Before Tax: $42,053 — lick here for exclusive local pricing The 2019 Lexus IS carries over. The confusion is found in the naming of the IS 300. The IS 300 rear drive model has a 2.0L turbo four while the IS 300 with all-wheel-drive featured here gets a 3.5L V6. The cabin is marked by its quality — the fit and finish is as good as anything offered. However, while IS 300 has many high-end amenities, including eight-way power front seats, a seven-inch infotainment system and an audio package with 10 speakers, many of the desirable features are missing. The notables include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a heated steering wheel. Finally, the NuLuxe vinyl upholstery is not up to much. Move rearward and there is room for two adults as long as the front seats are not moved all the way back and a 306L trunk. The IS 300 arrives with rain-sensing wipers and the Lexus Safety System+ as standard fare. The latter includes pre-collision with auto braking, dynamic cruise control, lane departure warning with keep assist and auto high beams. Unfortunately, to get blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert requires the $1,950 Premium package. As mentioned, the IS 300 with all-wheel-drive is powered by a 3.5L V6. It twists out 290 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque and drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. On dry roads the AWD system sends 30% of the power to the front wheels and 70% to the rear wheels. When the need arises it can send up to 50% of the power forward to help prevent wheelspin. It is seamless in operation under all driving conditions. The combination delivers a run to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a posted average fuel economy of 10.9 L/100 km. The IS 300 AWD blends ride comfort with agility nicely. The suspension cushions a rough road while keeping the body flat when pushed through a fast on-ramp. The steering
Origin: Three sporty sedans with up to $5000 off the bottom line