Consumer Reports’ Pick of Luxury Sedans

ConsumerReports.org has once again embarked on a wave of tests this time with the goal of helping consumers choose the best luxury sedans available.

Toyota’s luxurious Lexus ES350 and sporty Infiniti G35, though vastly different from each other, have topped Consumer Reports’ luxury sedan ratings. Sedans listed in the $30,000 to $40,000 range have various combinations of luxury and sporty appeal. The sleeker models tend to be quieter, roomier, and provide smoother handling and drivability. Sporty models, on the other hand, tend to have minimal interior space, ride firmly, and are easier to handle.

Consumer Report has made the BMW 3 Series and G35 its example of sedans that focus on sporty driving but provide minimal interior space. On the other hand, the Lexus ES350 emphasizes not only quietness but also comfort. There are also other sedans like the Acura TL with its top-of-the-line Acura exhaust system that offers a good balance of performance, comfort, handling, and drivability.

The high-end V6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat, while not included in the luxury segment, are also praised for their performance and amenities, as well as their low cost.

According to Consumer Reports, good buys for this category include the Acura TL, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and the sporty BMW 3 Series. But for those who want high performance at lower cost, the Acura TSX is a great alternative. Another capable sedan is the Cadillac CTS which will soon have a restyled version for 2008. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, despite being a sporty and agile competitor, has unfortunately proven not entirely reliable. It will also have a redesigned version in the summer of 2008.

Consumer Reports has chosen the Lincoln MKZ, the Lexus ES350, the Nissan Maxima, the Saab 9-5, the Buick Lucerne CXS V8 and, of course, the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the Infiniti G35 for its test run. All of the chosen cars have features such as heated leather seats, powerful engines and moonroofs. Likewise, stability control is a common feature in this class with the exception of the Lincoln MKZ which does not provide it.

The G35 was significantly updated for 2007. The rear-wheel drive G35 was provided with a moonroof and power adjustable steering wheel as options. It costs $35,140. The all-wheel-drive G35x that includes a navigation system is priced at $39,400.

For Toyota, its ES, which was based on the Camry, was also redesigned for 2007 and cost $41,289 and offers optional features including cooled seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and a navigation system. The Nissan Maxima was also facelifted for 2007 and given a continuously variable transmission. The Maxima 3.5 SL is equipped with stability control, memory seats, a moonroof, and also an electrically adjustable steering column. It costs $33,715.

Aside from the name change, the Zephyr now MKZ received a larger engine for 2007. It was also equipped with heated and cooled seats, a moonroof, and 17-inch wheels. Its price is $32,675 and it is the least expensive vehicle of the group tested.

The Saab 9-5 2.3T is equipped with an automatic transmission, backup sensors, and xenon headlights, resulting in a price of $38,635. Consumer Reports has also tested a higher-tier Lucerne CXS with a V8 engine that is different from the CXL V6 tested in 2006. The new CXS has a different type of suspension tuning, stability control, and a different set of tires. Your other options include remote start, a moonroof, park assist, and chrome wheels, heated and cooled seats. It has a base price of $38,935.

And according to Consumer Reports, all of the group vehicles included in the group have been confirmed as reliable based on subscriber survey results and are therefore recommended for consumers looking for quality sedans to purchase.