Combining performance, comfort and technology in a stylish, powerful and agile full-size sedan might spell out the recipe for a $50,000 luxury sedan. The 2011 Ford Taurus Limited delivers this combination, and offers many of the same options as “luxury brand” models at a far better value.

 

The 2011 Ford Taurus Limited (the Taurus line includes SE, SEL, Limited and the high-performance SHO) doesn’t need to shout about its powerful, yet efficient V6 engine, agile handling and smooth ride quality. It doesn’t need to flaunt its advanced available technology including Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) and Multi-Contour seats with Active Motion. What might be appropriate to highlight in big, bright lights, however, is an MSRP of $32,155 for the full-size 2011 Ford Taurus Limited.

 

The Taurus offers the comfort of 102.2 cubic feet of cabin space and the utility of a large 20.1 cubic foot trunk. For comparison’s sake, the Acura TL sedan’s trunk offers 13.1 cubic feet of space, and the Cadillac CTS sedan’s trunk provides 13.6. It’s also worth noting that the Taurus Limited offers similar luxury and technology features as those respected cars and similar engine power, along with the choice of available advanced all-wheel drive. The Acura TL’s base MSRP is $35,605, however, and the Cadillac CTS starts at $35,345.

 

For powerful every day performance, the 2011 Taurus Limited combines a 263 hp 3.5-liter Duratec V6 with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™ transmission. For maximum comfort, let the transmission do the shifting. When you want sporty performance, use the steering wheel paddleshifters. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the “match-rev” downshifts, and that the transmission will hold manually selected gears. Any driver can appreciate that this powertrain returns up to 28 mpg in highway driving. The Taurus Limited gets a boost in acceleration performance over other Taurus models thanks to a lower (numerically higher) final drive gear ratio.

 

In the 2011 Ford Taurus Limited, luxury starts with standard perforated leather-trim and 10-way power front seats. Both of those features, you might be interested to know, are extra-cost options on the Mercedes-Benz C300 Luxury sedan, which starts at an MSRP of $35,900. The Multi-Contour front seats available for the Taurus Limited integrate a six-way lumbar support and a subtle lower back and upper leg massage, which helps prevent fatigue on long drives.

 

Along with the 10-way power driver’s seat in the Taurus Limited, the standard tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood accents ensures a comfortable driving position. A standard rearview camera (an extra $460 in the C300) and a reverse sensing system help make parking easier and safer. Even the side mirrors make the luxury roster by integrating chrome accent trim, heat and position memory, plus approach lamps for nighttime personal security.

 

In the 2011 Ford Taurus, cutting-edge technology starts with the standard Ford SYNC^® voice-activated communications and entertainment system. Setting the industry standard for connectivity, SYNC allows easy connection of MP3 and iPod^® players, memory sticks and smartphones, and controls them with voice activation. SYNC offers 911 Assist, which can use your paired cell phone to connect you with a local emergency operator after an incident that deploys an airbag. SYNC can also provide turn-by-turn route guidance.

 

“Rapid Spec” option packages available for the Taurus Limited combine popular features at high-value prices. For example, the 301A Package adds heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade – all for an MSRP of just $1,000. Heated front seats by themselves add $750 to the price of the Mercedes-Benz C300. The class-exclusive available Audio System by Sony plays through 12 speakers, delivers 390 watts of power and includes a six-disc CD changer.

 

The 2011 Ford Taurus earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Its exemplary performance in IIHS crash tests reflects the integrity of the standard Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE^®) vehicle structure and Safety Canopy^®, a Ford-exclusive protection system that features side-curtain airbags, rollover sensors and roll-fold technology.

 

Come in to see how the 2011 Ford Taurus Limited delivers luxury-class performance, comfort and technology in an affordable full-size sedan.