Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The current 9-5 should hang on for one more year, then give way to a long-overdue replacement for 2009. The redesign uses a modified version of the new General Motors' Epsilon 2 platform that first appears at Saab with clean-sheet 2008-model 9-3s. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu also uses E2, which was engineered by GM's German Opel branch. Reports indicate the new 9-5 will be larger than the current car, though by how much is unclear. Styling is also a guess. A fairly radical 4-dr fastback had been rumored, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a conventional sedan, though with a bolder look than the current 9-5. Transverse GM-sourced V6s could replace Saab-designed 4-cyl engines, likely a 3.6 and a turbocharged 2.8, the latter already offered in the 9-3 line. Available all-wheel drive has been mentioned, but is still unconfirmed.