Personal Picks: Upscale sedans

Upscale sedans is one of my favorite groups of cars. While these models are not as expensive as the top-of-the-line hardware from the best and brightest car companies, they represent a balance of performance, style, and luxury at a not quite bank-breaking price. Who am I kidding: I can't justify my buying one of these, but they're closer to my budget realities than the premium Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, or Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans. The so-called "affordable luxury" class (sounds like car PR-speak to me) is priced starting at the upper end of the family sedan market, meaning these models may not be as out of reach as you'd think. This month's magazine test category ranges roughly from $27,000 to $41,000. There are several stand-outs here, but let's go beyond the Ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers) to get down to the models that really appeal to us.

Here is the first installment of the staff's "Personal Picks" from the June issue. --Mike Quincy.

Rick Small: In this group, the Infiniti G35 really stands out as a sporty and fun car to drive. It has great road feel and a firm but sporty ride that isn't punishing. The powerful V6 delivers strong performance, sounds great, and is quicker than many V8s. Fuel economy is decent considering the high level of performance. The AWD model is a little less sporty to drive and uses a bit more fuel. I would go with the RWD model and get a set of good snow tires for the winter. The Lexus ES350 is refined and quiet but doesn't even try to be sporty. I also like the Acura TL; it has a good combination of luxury and sport.  For my tall frame (I'm 6' 4"), the TL has more room and a better driving position than the G35. The Nissan Maxima is very roomy but I would go with the Altima and save some money. Likewise, a Honda Accord EX V6 comes close enough to the Acura TL for less money.

David Champion: The RWD Infiniti G35 is just like a luxury roadster, with great handling and steering, reasonable amount of room, comfortable interior, good fit and finish, awesome power, and good mpg.

Gabe Shenhar: Out of this group, there isn't much of a question that I'm going with our Top Pick, the Infiniti G35. I won't elaborate on it anymore since enough ink and paper (as well as fuel and rubber) has been spent on its merits. But, somehow, I 'm missing something when driving the G35.

What is it? Perhaps it's that extra measure of steering feel and ride control and compliance that may speak to driving connoisseurs. That's why out of the larger set of cars in this category, my personal pick is the BMW 3 Series -- most likely the 328i. It's such a terrific driver's car that's enjoyable, yet docile. I'd probably go for the optional Sports Package for the sharper steering response and negligible loss of ride comfort. When you're in the mood, the straight-six engine pulls strongly and provides a perfect soundtrack. The agile handling, communicative steering, unfazed body motions on fast bumpy corners, and awesome powertrain (even with the automatic) can really start my day on a good note.

I realize I'll be giving up the head snapping 5.4 seconds 0-60 mph sprint of the more powerful G35, but let's be honest here: I'm WAY past the age of drag racing. I'd rather live with the more gradual throttle response of the BMW. Plus, it has a more comfortable ride and better fuel economy. But I'm justifying and there is no need to. Ultimately, when it comes to sports sedans, it's often a choice you make with your heart rather than your head.

Comments

[Dave]

I enjoyed reading this much anticipated test group of near luxury cars. In hanging around the BMW and Infiniti forums, I realized that there are a large % of people with manual transmission and sport packages. While I would guess CR reader mainly buy non-sport models, I would think there is sufficient interest in sport models. How about a test group of cars equipped with MT and sport packages?

My suggested group:

Infiniti G35 Sport
BMW 335i RWD Sport
Acura TL Type S

Caddy CTV-S
MB C350
Audi A4

Dave

[Dave]

The sport oriented group here would make an interesting alternative to roadsters and sporty coupes. Sedan are much more practical. If so equipped with manual transmission and sport packages, some of these cars might outperform the sports cars.

For example, the Boxster was tested with sport package and in summer tires. It made the emergency test at 57.5 mph, second only to the 911's 59.5 mph. If the G35 were to be tested with sport package, which comes with summer "W" rated tires, would it have outperformed the Boxster? How close would it have been in? How about braking, which I expect to have big improvements due to bigger brakes and summer tires?