Premium midsize cars are status symbols. Owning an Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, or Mercedes-Benz says to the world that you've made it. The brand names make them aspirational vehicles, but they are also some of the finest automobiles on the market, both in terms of quality and value.

The cars come replete with posh leather-appointed interiors, heated seats, excellent stereo systems, and lots of technological gadgetry. Power is ample, ride quality is excellent, and in most cases, so is handling.

Most premium midsize cars are four-door sedans, though the occasional wagon makes an appearance. They usually carry five passengers with varying degrees of backseat comfort. Engine choices run the gamut from turbocharged four- or five-cylinders, to flexible and powerful V6s, to brawny V8s. Prices range from about $30,000 to more than $80,000. Tradeoffs include high prices, possible poor fuel economy, and high maintenance costs for some brands. Unless daddy has a lot of money, most of us can't afford one of these cars until we're well established in lucrative careers.

There are several attributes to consider when purchasing a premium midsize car, most notably: drive wheels, power, size, and sportiness vs. luxury.

Cool Premium Midsize Car Features

- Lexus GS 450h offers the only hybrid powertrain in the class.

- The Volvo XC70 couples carlike road manners with SUV ride height and utility.

- Unique safety features include the Infiniti M's lane-departure warning system and the Pre-Collision System offered on Lexus' ES 350 and GS.

- The BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V and STS-V, and Mercedes-Benz CLS55 and E55 are genuine performance cars with more than 400 horsepower.

- The Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI, the only diesel offered in the class, is the fuel economy leader with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city/37 highway.

STS-V

Front-drive, Rear-drive, or All-wheel Drive?
Most premium midsize cars are based on rear-wheel-drive platforms while a few are front drive. No matter the drivewheels, however, all-wheel drive is available on the majority of the offerings. Your choice of drive wheels, as well as your choice of premium midsize car, should depend on your needs.

If you live in an area where snow is a possibility for much of the year, opt for front-drive or AWD. A real benefit of all-wheel drive is superior snow or rain traction. If you want to experience superior handling characteristics, rear-drive or all-wheel drive are the best bets.

All-wheel drive is usually a $2000 premium, so keep that in mind when ordering your car. The disadvantages of AWD vs. a two-wheel drive model include reduced fuel economy and higher insurance and maintenance costs. The higher cost of AWD is somewhat offset by higher resale value. It probably doesn't make sense to opt for all-wheel drive in Southern California, but it might be wise in Minnesota.

Power Play
All of the engines in this class will get you where you need to go worry-free. Highway passing is fairly easy, and, for the most part, fuel economy is decent. Some of the base engines are better matched to their cars, though. The Infiniti G35's 3.5-liter V6, for instance, provides better all-around power than the Lincoln Zephyr's 3.0-liter V6 but gets similar fuel mileage.

No matter how powerful the V6s, some people just want a V8. Every V8 offered in this class is a wonderful engine that will provide more power than you can use on the street in daily driving. V8s tend to be smoother than V6s and obviously faster. Keep in mind, though, that they get considerably worse fuel economy and come with higher price tags.

This is also the class for true speed freaks. BMW, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz offer vehicles that make more than 400 horsepower. Nobody really needs that much power, but it's a whole lot of fun. Of course, with rising horsepower comes soaring prices and dismal fuel economy. Fifty-thousand dollars is the minimum starting point for a 400-plus horsepower premium midsize car, and prices rise past $80,000. So, if you want the power, you're going to have to pay for it.

Size it Up
While all of the cars in this class qualify as midsize, some are bigger than others. Cadillac, for instance, has two entries in this class, the smaller CTS and the larger STS. Other cars, such as the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M, Jaguar S-Type, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are at the larger end of the spectrum. Meanwhile, the Acura TL, Lincoln Zephyr, Saab 9-5, and Volvo S60 are at the smaller end.

The main difference between the larger and smaller premium midsize cars is rear seat room. While none of these cars have cramped rear seats, you should still consider your needs. If you will often be entertaining clients or friends, a larger car is probably best for you. If you'll be driving mostly by yourself, a smaller car will be just fine.

Also bear in mind utility. If you often carry cargo, consider the wagons offered by Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Saab, and Volvo. In fact, all of these vehicles would make great alternatives to SUVs. They match SUVs in terms of cargo room and available all-wheel drive (all but the Saab 9-5 offer it), they generally get better fuel mileage, and they definitely ride and handle better. The only thing these cars can't do that SUVs can is go off road.

Sport, Luxury, or Both?
Buyers have two routes to take when deciding on a premium midsize car: luxury or sporty. While that sounds simple, it really isn't so cut and dried. Most cars in this class offer a balance of both, and different models within a model lineup aim more for one than the other. The Mercedes-Benz E55, for example, is much sportier than its luxury-oriented E350 brother. The BMW 550i, on the other hand, handles very well but is quite luxurious. The cars with the best balance of ride and handling are found in the premium midsize class.

The choice of sport or luxury is a personal one. Some people desire a smooth, coddling ride, while others want sharp, flat cornering characteristics. Generally, ride quality must suffer to make a car handle better and making a car ride better compromises handling. Those who desire a smooth ride should check out the Lexus ES 350 or the Mercedes-Benz E350 or E500. Those who want crisp handling should look at a BMW with sport suspension or a Mercedes AMG model.

As always, try before you buy. You may find that even though you like the Lexus' ride, you'd prefer better handling. Or, while you like the Jaguar S-Type R's handling and power, the ride is just too harsh. A few test drives will tell you all you need to know.

Decide on Options
Creature comforts and high-tech options abound in premium midsize cars. Features such as rear-view cameras, navigation systems, radar or laser cruise control, heated and cooled seats, keyless ignition, concierge service, lane-departure warnings, and DVD entertainment are available. Prices add up quickly as options are chosen, so only pick those that you'll really use. In some instances, the desire to have one or more of these features will limit your buying options.

Navigation systems often absorb some other controls (climate, audio, etc.), making their use more complex. Further complicating matters in some cars are modern vehicle interface systems. Audi's MMI and BMW's iDrive systems can be frustrating to learn and require additional steps to accomplish simple tasks, thus diverting the driver's attention from the road. We found the iDrive system so objectionable, in fact, that it prevented the 5-Series' inclusion on our Best Buy or Recommended lists. Needless to say, you should try these systems before committing to buy one of these vehicles.

Consider Safety
All premium midsize cars are safe. They all come with antilock brakes, front side airbags, curtain airbags, and traction control. All that have been tested received at least four out of five stars in government front and side crash tests. An antiskid system, which is designed to help the driver maintain the intended path on slippery roads, is available on all but the Lincoln Zephyr, and it's standard on most. Rear-obstacle detection is offered on all but the Acuras, BMWs, Cadillacs, Infinitis, and Lincoln Zephyr, and many of the cars that have it also have available front obstacle detection.

Some of the vehicles in this class go above and beyond in terms of available safety features. Rear side airbags are available on the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Lexus ES 350, and Mercedes CLS- and E-Class. The Infiniti M offers a lane-departure warning system, and both Lexus models have a Pre-Collision System that readies the airbags, seatbelts, and brakes when sensors detect a skid or imminent crash. All-wheel drive, which is available on the majority of these cars, can also be considered a safety feature because it helps maintain traction in slippery conditions.

Consumer Guide always recommends airbags and antiskid systems, which means the Lincoln Zephyr is the only car in this class that we find lacking in safety features. The other safety features mentioned have value, but they all come at a price. Consider your needs and driving habits when deciding which of these features are worth the extra cost.

Buy Smart
While many people prefer the image of an SUV to that of a station wagon, the wagons offered in this class are better choices than most SUVs for most people (unless towing or off-roading are part of the equation). Likewise, while many would prefer the cache of a premium midsize car, some of the better offerings in the midsize segment are almost as nice and cost thousands less.

Odds are if you buy a premium midsize car, you are going to get a fine vehicle. But some brands charge more for their premium image. Our Best Buy and Recommended picks tend toward vehicles that have a reasonable level of equipment that buyers can use, present a value proposition in terms of features per dollar, or offer superior engineering.

Read our reviews, narrow down your list to the vehicles you think you might like, and test drive them. When you've decided on a car, only choose the options that you need to keep the purchase price within your budget.

Acura RL
 Acura RLBase Price Range: $48,565-$53,100
EPA MPG Range: 18-26
Body Style: 4-door sedan
RL is a Recommended pick for its sporty demeanor and smart, efficient engineering, plus standard all-wheel drive, handsome interior, and Acura's reputation for reliability and resale value. The new Technology Package adds worthwhile safety assets, but like-priced rivals offer the V8 power and high nameplate prestige that resonate more with many buyers in this class.

Acura TL
 Acura TLBase Price Range: $33,325-$35,525
EPA MPG Range: 20-29
Body Style: 4-door sedan
This Acura is an impressive blend of sport and luxury. Its only real dynamic flaw is the tendency toward torque steer--pulling to the side--during rapid acceleration in the manual-transmission version. Still, the TL is a solid Best Buy, delivering high refinement, solid workmanship, and lots of features at hard-to-beat prices.

Audi A6
 Audi A6Base Price Range: $40,820-$53,770
EPA MPG Range: 17-29
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Some of the A6's control functions are complicated by Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) operating system, which uses one knob on the center console to take the place of conventional dashboard controls for many of the car's accessories. But this sedan's superior interior detailing, capable quattro all-wheel drive, overall refinement, and cool sophistication earn it a place on any luxury shopper's list.

BMW 5-Series
 BMW 5-SeriesBase Price Range: $43,500-$81,200
EPA MPG Range: 12-30
Body Styles: 4-door wagon, 4-door wagon
The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful, and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality. But Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and iDrive can be downright confounding. This year's new 6-cyl engines bring the 5-Series closer to top competitors, even though their horsepower ratings still can't match those of similarly priced rivals.

Cadillac CTS
 Cadillac CTSBase Price Range: $29,270-$50,575
EPA MPG Range: 15-27
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The Best Buy CTS is solid, rewarding to drive, and competitively priced. We'd pass on the low-calorie 2.8 base model, but the 3.6 offers fine dollar value, plus the response and refinement expected in this class. The CTS-V is pricey, yet undercuts most V8 imports of similar performance.

Cadillac STS
Cadillac STSBase Price Range: $41,020-$74,270
EPA MPG Range: 14-27
Body Styles: 4-door sedan
This Cadillac impresses dynamically, and the availability of all-wheel drive and a bona-fide high-performance STS-V edition are assets. AWD is a pricey proposition on V8 models, however, so kudos to Cadillac for making it a stand-alone option on V6s. Inside, STS disappoints with subpar rear-seat space and materials that are not in step with class pacesetters. On any model, extra-cost items can add quickly to the price, making an intelligently optioned V6 version the best value in this line.

Infiniti G35
Infiniti G35Base Price Range: $31,200-$33,800
EPA MPG Range: 17-26
Body Style: 4-door sedan
These Infinitis lack the brand prestige of rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes. And they don't quite match them for refinement or interior materials. But in performance, style, space, and available all-wheel drive, the G35s are good alternatives--and generally more affordable too, making them worthy Recommended picks.

Infiniti M
Infiniti MBase Price: $40,840-$49,950
EPA MPG Range: 17-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
This impressive sedan is a credible competitor to such class bellwethers as the Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Generously equipped in standard form, with convincing performance and available all-wheel drive, the Ms are Best Buy alternatives to these and other rivals at each price point on the premium-midsize-car spectrum.

Jaguar S-Type
 Jaguar S-TypeBase Price Range: $45,330-$63,330
EPA MPG Range: 17-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The best value here is a base-suspension 4.2 model, but all these Jaguars are a pleasure to drive, with appointments and features worthy of the class. On the downside, prices are steep, and resale values pale vs. BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz rivals.

2007 Lexus ES 350
Lexus ES 330Base Price: $33,170
EPA MPG Range: 21-30
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Lexus has the resources to take a two-pronged approach to the mid-$30,000 premium-car market. It points its trim, taut IS model at the performance end, and aims the bigger, more comfortable ES 350 at the luxury end. This strategy allows the ES to drop most sporty pretensions and concentrate on coddling. Few cars have so clear a mission or accomplish it so thoroughly as this Best Buy pick.

Lexus GS
 Lexus GSBase Price Range: $43,150-54,900
EPA MPG Range: 18-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Ride quality over sharp bumps disappoints, and hiding secondary controls in a drop-down dashboard pod is counterproductive. But any GS model is comfortable, cultured, and competent. Traditionally strong Lexus resale values and top-notch customer care appeal, too. Overall, the GS 300s are the smart buys here, available with all-wheel drive and giving up little everyday satisfaction to the costlier GS 430 and hybrid 450h. Lexus's boast for the GS 450h is a tall one, and not beyond believability: that it blends V8-style acceleration with levels of fuel economy and exhaust emissions usually associated with 4-cyl cars.

Lincoln LS
 Lincoln LSBase Price: $39,285
EPA MPG Range: 18-25
Body Style: 4-door sedan
LS offers a reasonable array of features, capable road manners, and the least expensive V8 in the premium midsize-car class. Slow sales reflect its unexceptional interior decor and relative lack of cachet compared to like-priced rivals, but they also mean dealers will be willing to bargain.

Lincoln Zephyr
 Lincoln ZephyrBase Price: $28,995
EPA MPG Range: 20-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Acura's TL is sportier than the Zephyr, and the Lexus ES 350 is far more refined. The absence of an antiskid system in this Lincoln is an embarrassing omission in the premium-midsize-car category. But with a smooth ride, upscale appointments, and pricing that starts under $30,000, Zephyr provides an accessible foothold on the first rung of the luxury ladder.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz CLS-ClassBase Price Range: $64,900-$86,600
EPA MPG Range: 14-22
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The CLS500 performs like its E500 sibling, but sacrifices some sedan functionality for a coupelike shape and costs about $7000 more. The high-power CLS55 relates similarly to the E55. Basically, the CLS combines E-Class virtue with dramatic design. For well-heeled shoppers who put a high value on style and can live with limited rear-seat room and cargo space, it's worth a look.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassBase Price Range: $50,050-$82,600
EPA MPG Range: 15-37
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
Contemporary and sophisticated, rock solid and confident on the road, every E-Class brims with worthwhile features and Mercedes cachet. Prices are steep, and nonlinear throttle and brake response can annoy. But overall, these very appealing cars are solid Recommended picks.

Saab 9-5
 Saab 9-5Base Price Range: $34,100-$36,195
PA MPG Range: 18-29
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
The 9-5 is a roomy, solid, good-handling car available with the added utility of a wagon body style. But it's among the oldest designs in the premium-midsize-car class, and counts among its shortcomings the absence of curtain side airbags. It's also pricey for a 4-cyl automobile, and Saab trails Japanese-brand rivals for resale value and in reliability surveys.

Volvo S60
 Volvo S60Base Price Range: $30,270-$37,920
EPA MPG Range: 18-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
These are among the most stylish, best-performing Volvo sedans yet, but compromised powertrain smoothness relative to other cars in this class is hard to overlook. The all-season capability of available AWD is an asset to this line, but it doesn't help the S60 match the Acura TL or Lexus ES 350 for overall value, or the Audi A6 and Cadillac CTS for driving satisfaction.

Volvo V70 and XC70
Volvo V70Base Price Range: $29,445-$39,545
EPA MPG Range: 18-29
Body Style: 4-door wagon
These cars are not as refined as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes competitors, and less fuel efficient than you might expect. The 2.5T has the best blend of what this wagon offers. The XC70 provides some SUV flavor without the usual SUV thirst or bulk.


Premium Midsize Car Specification Comparison
Vehicle Wheel
­base, in. ­		 Length, in. Curb Weight, lb. Cargo Volume, cu. ft. Fuel Capacity, gal. Front Head Room, in. Front Leg Room, in. Rear Head Room, in. Rear Leg Room, in.
Acura RL 4-dr. sdn. 110.2 193.6 4012 13.1 19.4 38.5 42.4 37.2 36.3
Acura TL 4-dr. sdn. 107.9 189.3 3483 12.5 17.1 38.7 42.8 37.2 34.9
Audi A6 4-dr. sdn. 111.9 193.5 3836 15.9 21.1 38.7 41.3 37.8 36.9
Audi A6 4-dr. wgn. 111.9 192.4 4167 58.6 21.1 37.6 41.3 38.0 36.9
BMW 5-Series 4-dr. sdn. 113.7 191.1 3428 14.0 18.5 37.7 41.5 37.9 36.0
BMW 5-Series 4-dr. wgn. 113.6 191.2 3847 58.3 18.5 37.6 41.5 37.6 36.0
Cadillac CTS 4-dr. sdn. 113.4 190.1 3694 12.8 17.5 38.9 42.4 36.9 37.0
Cadillac STS 4-dr. sdn. 116.4 196.3 3857 13.8 17.5 38.7 42.6 37.9 38.3
Infiniti G35 4-dr. cpe. 112.2 182.2 3505 7.8 20.0 39.2 43.8 34.7 31.4
Infiniti G35 2-dr. sdn. 112.2 186.5 3449 14.8 20.0 40.1 43.6 37.9 33.6
Infiniti M 4-dr. sdn. 114.2 192.6 3832 14.9 20.0 39.6 44.2 37.8 37.3
Jaguar S-Type 4-dr. sdn. 114.5 193.1 3760 14.1 18.4 38.6 43.1 36.4 37.0
Lexus ES 350 4-dr. sdn. 109.3 191.1 3580 14.7 18.5 37.4 42.4 36.8 35.9
Lexus GS 4-dr. sdn. 112.2 190.0 3536 12.7 18.8 38.8 43.5 37.0 36.4
Lincoln LS 4-dr. sdn. 114.5 194.4 3772 13.5 18.0 40.5 42.8 37.4 34.4
Lincoln Zephyr 4-dr. sdn. 107.4 190.5 3410 15.8 17.5 38.7 42.3 37.8 37.0
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4-dr. sdn. 112.4 193.3 3812 15.8 21.1 36.9 42.1 36.1 35.0
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-dr. sdn. 112.4 189.7 3703 15.9 21.1 39.1 41.9 37.8 35.6
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4-dr. wgn. 112.4 190.9 3990 68.9 21.1 39.6 41.9 39.3 36.0
Saab 9-5 4-dr. sdn. 106.4 190.4 3470 15.9 18.5 37.1 42.4 37.0 36.6
Saab 9-5 4-dr. wgn. 106.4 190.6 3470 73.0 18.5 38.7 42.4 38.2 36.6
Volvo S60 4-dr. sdn. 107.0 180.2 3393 13.9 18.0 38.7 42.6 39.7 33.3
Volvo V70 4-dr. wgn. 108.5 185.4 3488 71.5 18.5 39.3 42.6 38.9 35.2