We took a little vacation from San Diego to Sedona, via Prescott in our new
530.
The Sports package would have been a nice addition, but the standard
suspension performed FABULOUSLY. The relatively traffic-free roads in the
mountains around Prescott & Jerome were the most fun I've had in a car (Ok,
There WAS that drive-in with Nancy).
The lack of traffic made for virtually care-free driving & the 530 did it
well. Granted, my Wife's 325 handles better because of its size, but the
530 is SO freaking comfortable.
The steptronic worked phenomenally as well. I used it in manual mode most
of the time while in the mountains, but gave it a try in fully automatic
sport mode on the last leg of the mountain drive. I was really surprised
that is did as well as it did. Downshifts were done quite well under
braking. The computer seems to have done a good job in interpreting my
driving style.
Best news was that my wife didn't puke even once! Got a bit queasy, but no
chunk action.
As for the open road part: We got about 24 mpg & and cruised at a minimum
of 85mph. Most open road cruising was done at 90-100mph, closer to 95.
Just for fun I took it up to 130mph. Smooth as silk & as quiet as my old
2000 Maxima was at 65. The brakes were great as well. I tested them only
once when my radar detector gave me a "K" alert.
Five miles on a gravel road was handled with ease & no apparent damage.
My only wish was that I had the new 530's ARS & Variable steering. Those
were a dream on the car I tested, but the damn interior of the new 530
wasn't NEARLY as visually attractive as my '03. My wife & I continually
remarked how comfortable & attractive our 530's interior was & how much it
contributed to the overall enjoyment of the trip.
Here's a pic I took in Yarnell, just West of Prescott:
530.
The Sports package would have been a nice addition, but the standard
suspension performed FABULOUSLY. The relatively traffic-free roads in the
mountains around Prescott & Jerome were the most fun I've had in a car (Ok,
There WAS that drive-in with Nancy).
The lack of traffic made for virtually care-free driving & the 530 did it
well. Granted, my Wife's 325 handles better because of its size, but the
530 is SO freaking comfortable.
The steptronic worked phenomenally as well. I used it in manual mode most
of the time while in the mountains, but gave it a try in fully automatic
sport mode on the last leg of the mountain drive. I was really surprised
that is did as well as it did. Downshifts were done quite well under
braking. The computer seems to have done a good job in interpreting my
driving style.
Best news was that my wife didn't puke even once! Got a bit queasy, but no
chunk action.
As for the open road part: We got about 24 mpg & and cruised at a minimum
of 85mph. Most open road cruising was done at 90-100mph, closer to 95.
Just for fun I took it up to 130mph. Smooth as silk & as quiet as my old
2000 Maxima was at 65. The brakes were great as well. I tested them only
once when my radar detector gave me a "K" alert.
Five miles on a gravel road was handled with ease & no apparent damage.
My only wish was that I had the new 530's ARS & Variable steering. Those
were a dream on the car I tested, but the damn interior of the new 530
wasn't NEARLY as visually attractive as my '03. My wife & I continually
remarked how comfortable & attractive our 530's interior was & how much it
contributed to the overall enjoyment of the trip.
Here's a pic I took in Yarnell, just West of Prescott:
![[thumb]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumb.gif "Thumbs Up [thumb]"){kind=icon}
I hope that station had premium. [fake]