This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 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. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

The smaller but newer C-Class became Mercedes' most popular U.S. line in 2001, former champ E-Class slipping 10.1 percent in year-to-year sales through the third quarter. A worsening economy was an undoubted factor, but Mercedes' midranger has actually been doing quite well for what is now one of the older designs in its class.

But never mind that. All-new E-Class is due for 2003, kicking off with sedan models in fall 2002. Redesigned wagons, an all-wheel-drive option, and performance models follow later, introduction dates to be determined.

The new E-Class strides a longer wheelbase for more passenger room within little changed overall length. Styling is modernized as a scaled-down version of Mercedes' big S-Class. Current powertrains will carry over at first, but repositioned engines will lower vehicle center of gravity, which ought to improve cornering ability. That also allows for a more steeply raked hoodline that should work with other styling elements to reduce air drag and thus wind noise. Due to be phased in later are a new family of engines with direct fuel injection, which squirts gas right into the cylinders instead of feeding it from a tubular rail. The main benefit claimed is more efficient combustion that improves economy and reduces emissions. Five-speed automatic wil remain the only transmission, but a 6-speed is being developed to replace it somewhere down the road.

Other details and final pricing are still some ways off, but there should be two new features borrowed from the redesigned 2003 SL luxury 2-seater. These are front knee airbags, which up the inflatable restraint count to a record 12, and Mercedes' new "brake-by-wire" system, which modulates pressure to each wheel by computer, thus eliminating a mechanical pedal linkage. Mercedes' anti-lean Active Body Control suspension should be standard or available depending on model.

The new E-Class is said to be the basis for Mercedes' first "crossover," a high-body AWD wagon boasting an air-spring suspension with variable ride height a la Audi Allroad. It's being planned in 5-passenger and long-wheelbase 7-passenger versions, the latter with fold-flat 3rd-row seats. As yet unnamed, this vehicle will reportedly be built at Mercedes' Alabama plant alongside the redesigned 2005-model M-Class SUV, which also gets unibody construction. The crossover may also arrive for 2005, maybe a bit earlier, and should be priced at the high end of the spectrum. Engines are said to comprise a direct-injection V6 and V8 with four valves per cylinder. The above-mentioned 6-speed automatic is likely to be the sole transmission.