Our pick: exotic four-seaters

July 28, 2010 - PRLog -- We’ve chosen a mixture of pure luxury cars from the greatest names in motoring as well as some with an altogether sportier nature despite their interior space.

Maserati GranCabrio (2010–) http://www.autotrader.co.uk/carmakes/maserati

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful four-seat convertible than the recently introduced Maserati GranCabrio. Based on the GranTurismo, it shares that car’s characterful, powerful 4.7-litre V8 engine and spacious interior.

The only real downside on the practical front is that the fabric hood impedes into the boot space, leaving little luggage room for the four people up front.

The GranCabrio is more of a cruiser than a true sports car but that’s no bad thing. Running costs are as high as you would expect from an exotic Italian thoroughbred.

Our pick: 4.7 V8

Rolls Royce Phantom (2003–)

More road presence than Westminster Abbey and just as solidly built. Its 6.75-litre V12 is as quiet as a church mouse too.

There isn’t a more luxurious way to be whisked around in the back of a Phantom and it’s far more enjoyable for the driver than you might think too. The extended wheel base version may be overdoing it somewhat though – it’s so long that it’s required to carry lights on its sides, like an HGV.

No two Phantoms leave the West Sussex factory the same, such are the customisation options offered. There are some tasteless ones out there, you have been warned. Other than that there’s little else to look out for, as reliability appears to be strong. Just ensure it has a full Rolls Royce service history.

Our choice: Standard wheelbase

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (2004–)

This supercar can genuinely carry four people and their luggage. Its cabin is beautifully tailored in the finest leathers and while it’s snug and intimate, it’s also very comfortable.

Its ride is much more supple than the rest of the Ferrari range, cosseting its occupants on long journeys. But fear not, its perfect weight distribution means that its handling is also sublime when you’re in a hurry, when its 532bhp V12 engine should come in handy too.

Reliability should be good as long as it’s religiously serviced every 6,000 miles. Check all the electrics work too as they can be temperamental.

Our pick: HGTC package

Bentley Azure (2006–)

To give you a sense of the Azure’s size, each of its rear wings is longer than an entire Smart car. You sit as high as you would in an SUV, yet once you grow accustomed to its size, the Azure is amazingly fun to drive.

The twin-turbo 6.75-litre V8 engine offers phenomenal pulling power from exceptionally low revs, giving effortless acceleration with zero fuss. It even likes going around corners. It also rather enjoys a drop of super unleaded, with average fuel consumption of 13.7mpg.

Each Azure is hand built in Crewe to parent company Volkswagen’s exacting quality standards so reliability should be very good.

Our pick: Azure T

Maybach 57/62 (2003–)

There has never been a car more focused on comforting its rear seat passengers than the Maybach. Whether you choose the enormous, 5.7-meter 57 version or the gargantuan 6.2-meter 62 with its fully reclining back seats, those on the back will never feel anything other than pampered.

Many of the Maybach’s parts are shared with the smaller Mercedes S-Class meaning it actually feels rather cheap inside, considering the astronomical price, and there have been reports of serious electrical problems, which could be costly in such a complex car.

This, and a very poor image due to its overt flashness, means used values have plumeted, making the Maybach a relative used bargain.

Our pick: Maybach 62

Aston Martin DB9

The most beautiful Aston of recent times also happens to have two (very small) rear seats. They aren’t really suitable for adults, but smaller children will fit in relative comfort.

By Aston Martin standards, the DB9 is very popular, meaning there are plenty of cars to choose from and prices keep coming down. However, don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest in the expectation of bagging a bargain – DB9s need regular and expensive pampering to keep them in tip-top shape. Interiors can be poorly finished so check for squeaks and rattles and accident damage can be expensive to repair. Make sure no corners have been cut.

Find a good one though and the DB9 is a glorious grand tourer, with power and style in abundance.

Our pick: DB9 coupe automatic

Mercedes CL (2000–2007)

The CL is effectively a two-door Mercedes S-Class and inherits that car’s superb engineering and air suspension, which allows supreme straight-line comfort yet taught cornering.

The standard CL500, with its 5-litre V8 is more than adequate for most people, but for everyone else there is also the supercharged CL55 AMG, or the CL600 and CL65 AMG, both of which feature a twin-turbo V12 engine, with servicing and fuel bills to match.

A full service history is essential when buying a used CL and make sure you check all of the electrics as they are prone to glitches. Interior quality can also be iffy so make sure nothing is loose or missing inside.

Our pick: CL500

By Owen Ready