Honda Legend: Legendary Outsider

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

The current generation of the Honda Legend is a technical masterpiece. Stefan Grundhoff regrets that the Japanese flagship drives through the streets almost unnoticed.

Anyone who thinks of BMW or Mercedes when thinking of a 3.5-liter V6, all-wheel drive, automatic, full equipment and cruise control, is on the wrong track. And the early fifties, who sneaked around the black limousine at the Aral petrol station in northern Schwabing, also seems to experience his first visual contact. Because the Honda Legend looks modern and elegant, but there is nothing to suggest luxury class despite the black shimmering metallic paint.

No wish unfulfilled

The Legend leaves nothing to be desired, offers excellent performance and its luxury knows hardly any limits - but even with its manufacturer Honda it is only in the third row. They advertise with the polarizing civic or the smart jazz. But Legend - no advertising, no attention, no customers - why? There is no reason to hide the Japanese, which has not even been on the market for a year, in the sales room.

There's no getting around a bit of drumming, otherwise the current legend will end just like its predecessors - in the automotive Nippon no man's land. Japanese car developers have rarely wanted to prove themselves as much as the Honda Legend. Engine, chassis, drive and equipment - everything should fit and they wanted to show the cocky Europeans what is possible; plus a design that is well worth seeing and the issue of security, which is important not only in Europe. You can only reproach them with the design. Not that the five-meter-long Legend looks bad. But a more conspicuous outfit would do him good and a spoiler lip really doesn't belong on such a limousine.

295 hp under the hood

In contrast to its Asian competition, the 4.95 meter long and 1.9 ton heavy Legend is a true driving machine. The 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine with its 217 kW / 295 hp provides much more than just a casual glide. 0 to 100 km / h in 7.3 seconds, 353 Nm maximum torque and 250 km / h top speed are mostly only known from the German premium competition.

However, the performance is not exactly biting. Only at higher speeds does the Honda bring the expected dynamics. The engine acknowledges this with an intense howling - it doesn't have to be. The variable all-wheel drive has an important part in the proclaimed driving dynamics. The Honda can not only distribute the power variably between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear drive wheels. When cornering, it can accelerate the outside wheel by up to five percent more than the inside. The driver notices this through a particularly dynamic start-up, even in poor road conditions.

Steering could be more direct

The sporty driving is fun, although the power steering could be a bit more direct. But whoever gives the Legend the spurs, has to come to terms with an average consumption of just under 14 liters per 100 kilometers. As befits an Asian luxury sedan, the comfort equipment of the Über-Honda knows hardly any limits. DVD navigation, xenon headlights with curve function and ventilated seats ensure a pleasant interior atmosphere. The ease of use is, however, within limits. Small switches and confusing controls annoy the driver and occupants, especially on the cluttered center console. The chairs are soft and comfortable at the same time. However, the seats in the rear cannot be adjusted. With a capacity of 452 liters, the trunk is more in line with the average for its class.

Pretty high price

In addition to the comfort details, the Legend can also score points with an extremely attractive safety package. An active bonnet ensures exemplary pedestrian protection. There are also six airbags, LED taillights, ESP and ABS. In order to avoid a collision in the first place, the Legend is equipped as standard with an ACC adaptive cruise control and an accident avoidance system, the Collision Mitigation Brake System.

"CMBS" is networked with the distance radar and supports the driver. If the minimum distance to the car in front is short, the driver is informed of the situation by visual and acoustic signals. If the speed and distance remain unchanged, the seat belt is pre-tensioned and the brake is carefully activated. If the accident is unavoidable, emergency braking follows and the seat belt tensioners are activated.

With a price of 54,600 euros, the Honda Legend 3.5 V6 is not cheap, but it is cheaper than the competition. The standard equipment leaves nothing to be desired. The Legend is available in full equipment alone - with xenon lights, air-conditioned leather seats, lifting glass roof, cruise control, automatic, reversing camera and automatic air conditioning. The list of surcharges has therefore been deleted. You are only spoiled for choice when it comes to color.