Runner-Up Luxury Cars

Several more luxury sedans are top-rated

We found the strongest recommendations for the Lexus ES, LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but several other cars are worth consideration for those with deep pockets.

A strong contender in the upper end of the luxury class is the Audi A8 (*Est. $70,690 to $120,100), which is a top choice at Edmunds.com, one of the best luxury vehicles for 2008 at KBB.com and recommended by Consumer Guide. According to reviews, the Audi A8 basically does everything well; if it suffers from drawbacks, they would be price and fuel efficiency -- about 16 to 17 mpg in mixed real-world driving. All-wheel drive is standard, along with a 350-hp V8. A 450-hp 12-cylinder engine is available in the Audi A8 W12 (*Est. $120,100) and a 450-hp V10 powers the Audi S8 (*Est. $93,300). Many reviews concur with TheCarConnection.com editors who say the A8 drives like a smaller sports sedan: "This full-size sedan whips from one curve to the next with ease. It stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs."

In the eyes of some experts, the Audi's stiffer suspension gives the A8 a somewhat less comfortable ride than the Lexus LS or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and other reviews say the Audi A8 isn't quite as agile. All reviews agree that the interior design is superior, although many say the exterior style is becoming rather dated, and the prestige factor does not live up to the car's high price. A redesigned Audi A8 could debut in 2009 as a 2010 model.

The BMW 7 Series (*Est. $76,800 to $124,100) also resides in the upper echelon of the luxury car segment. The BMW 750i (*Est. $76,800 to $79,900) and long-wheelbase 750Li (*Est. $79,900), powered by a 360-hp V8, are the most popular models. A 438-hp, 12-cylinder 760Li (*est. $124,100) is the low-production, highest-prestige model. Reviews say the BMW 750i is one of the sportiest luxury sedans. Edmunds.com says the BMW 750i remains the driving enthusiast's choice, "thanks to its typical BMW traits of spirited acceleration, communicative steering and agile handling that make it feel like a car two-thirds its size." High technology is everywhere in the full-size BMW, which can become daunting for some drivers. KBB.com gives the BMW 750i its Recommended rating, but warns that drivers must relearn many controls: "Just about every feature, from the gearshift lever to the temperature control to the starter, operates differently than in a standard sedan."

Jaguar's top luxury car line is the XJ series (*Est. $63,835 to $94,085), comprised of five models starting with the 300-hp V8-powered XJ8. A supercharged version of the same 4.2-liter V8, rated at 400 hp, powers the XJR and top-of-the-line XJ Super V8. Motor Trend put the Jaguar Super V8 up against three other luxury sedans in a comparison test, but the Jag came in third place, ahead of the Lexus LS 600hL, but behind the Mercedes S550 and ultra-expensive Maserati Quattroporte. Most reviews find the Jaguar's performance thoroughly modern and competitive, but some say the traditional "old-world luxury" interior and exterior styling seem rather staid. TheCarConnection.com comments: "The XJ looks dowdy from some angles." Reviewers are impressed with the Jaguar XJ's unusual all-aluminum structure, which contributes to more agile handling thanks to lighter overall weight. The Jaguar XJ is a Best Bet at Cars.com and is a Recommended pick at KBB.com.

Those who want a luxury Mercedes at a lower price than the S-Class should consider the sleek and sporty Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (*Est. $67,950 to $93,550). Based on the E-Class chassis, the 382-hp CLS550 and 507-hp CLS63 AMG offer exclusive styling called "four-door coupe" by Mercedes. While "four-door coupe" is a contradiction in terms, it represents a new styling trend in the auto industry: a low, sleek sedan with a silhouette of a luxury coupe. Reviewers are unanimously impressed by the strong performance, comfortable cabin and sophisticated styling of the CLS, although they note that the rear seat loses ease of access and interior space to the sloping roofline. However, some reviews have a hard time justifying the car's high price. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz E550 (*Est. $51,200 to $85,300), Kelley Blue Book says, "the CLS-Class' significant price premium doesn't buy much more than unique styling and greatly reduced rear-seat accommodations."