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.

Mercedes remains committed to diesel power, which is why the lack of an "oil burner" in the E-Class line is only temporary. The forthcoming E320 CDI sedan is expected to be certified for sale in all states bar California, where diesel engines of all kinds are currently embroiled in heated clean-air politics.
Though the E-Class should see few other changes for 2001, a wagon version of the hot E55 AMG is now on sale in Europe, and there's an outside chance that it might come to the U.S. if only to one-up BMW, which doesn't (yet) offer its high-performance M5 as a wagon. Mercedes has also introduced an E55 sedan and wagon with 4Matic all-wheel drive as a counter to Audi's high-performance S8 Quattro. With Mercedes seemingly determined to fill every sporty-model market niche, the 4Matic E55s could well be sold in America as well, though likely on a very limited basis.
Mercedes' best-selling U.S. line isn't slated for a redesign until model-year 2003. At that point the E-Class will reportedly get a longer wheelbase and more passenger room without changing length, plus sleeker styling patterned on that of the latest big S-Class. Spy reports say that Mercedes' anti-lean Active Body Control suspension will be available, though probably not on all models, and standard equipment will include new knee front airbags, giving the next E-Class a record total of 12 inflatable restraints.