This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.

The debut of new-generation C-Class sedans this September implies that the sportier CLKs will be updated too. They will be, of course, but European reports suggest they won't arrive until late 2002 as '03 models. Spy photos of prototypes show styling cautiously evolved from the current look, but wheelbase appears to be somewhat longer in line with Mercedes' goal of enlarging today's somewhat cramped 2+2s into more comfortable 4-seat cars. Other details are hazy, but we'd expect U.S.-bound models to retain the existing V6 and V8 engines, plus subtly modified chassis components a la the new C-Class. One European source says that all new Mercedes platforms will be compatible with the company's 4Matic all-wheel drive, but it's unclear whether Mercedes will offer that here in a CLK.
Meantime, the new 2001 CLK 55 coupe follows other AMG Mercedes in being specially fettled by the company's hot-car division, offering high-performance suspension, larger wheels and tires, and unique interior and exterior trim. Power, as the model name implies, comes from the same 5.4-liter V8 used in the E55 sedan, ML55 SUV, and the new 2001 S55, with 342 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque in this application. A convertible CLK55 was recently introduced to Europe and may join the coupe in the U.S., especially if BMW offers a new M3 drop-top. Mercedes is determined to match its German competition model-for-model, as well as to achieve a sportier, more with-it image. The CLK55 is just the latest piece of that plan.
Overall CLK sales remain quite healthy, so discounts are not common. However, earlier models are starting to show up at participating dealers in Mercedes' Starmark certified used-car program, and would be a good alternative to a new CLK, especially for those on a budget.