This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark, it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price.
But the Acura's not for everyone. We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30, and the luxury-orientated Lexus ES 300.

Introduction of a new-design convertible and America's first-ever 3-Series wagon completes the current overhaul of BMW's most popular model line. All that's missing from the latest "E46" range (that's BMW-speak; previous 3s were "E36") is a new high-performance M3, and that's on deck for this fall as a 2001 model.
Initially available only as a coupe, the latest M3 retains a 3.2-liter inline-6, but with slightly greater displacement (3245cc vs. 3201) and around 343 horsepower. That's about 100 hp more than found in previous U.S.-market M3s, which were tuned for more low-end torque than Euro models to better suit our driving conditions. A 6-speed manual gearbox continues, but channels power through a new electronically controlled differential claimed to provide better traction than a conventional diff. Other changes include larger 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, standard 18-inch alloy wheels spreading eight inches wide in front and nine inches in the rear, and special Michelin Pilot Sport tires sized at 225/45 fore and 335/40 aft. Handling-oriented suspension tuning is again unique among 3-Series models, as are interior touches like white-faced gauges, more heavily bolstered sport front seats, and M5-style oil-temperature warning lights circling the tachometer. Exterior spotting points include the usual front air dam with large air ducts for engine and front brakes, side-sill skirting, flared wheelarches to accommodate the wider tires, a subtle "lip" spoiler for the decklid, hood "power bulge," four exhaust outlets, and a small slatted gill in each front fender. Standard amenities will likely include trip computer, automatic climate control and satellite navigation system, though the last may be listed at extra cost. As for performance, BMW says the '01 M3 should be as quick as big brother M5, capable of 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds.