European Sports Sedans

Runner-up European sports sedans

Another well-regarded front-driver is the Audi A4 (*Est. $28,900 to $66,910) , which also offers the option of Quattro all-wheel drive. We're focusing solely on the sedan, although there are also convertible and wagon body styles. The base 2008 A4 sedan is powered by a lively 200-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, and the A4 3.2 has a 255-hp V-6. Neither can outshine the BMW 3-Series, but they offer attractive styling, quality materials, comfortable ride and competent handling. Critics say the back seat is cramped and power doesn't measure up to competitors'. Safety is an important part of the A4's engineering, and it earns a place as one of the Insurance Institute's Top Safety Picks. Cars.com and ConsumerGuide.com also name the A4 as a best buy.

For more power and sportier handling, there are several high-performance versions of the A4. The Audi S4 (*Est. $47,714 to $49,710) packs a 340-hp V-8 under the hood, and puts the power to the ground with Quattro all-wheel drive. The top performer is the pricey Audi RS4 (*Est. $66,910) with its 420-hp V-8. Both the S4 and RS4 are outstanding performance sedans, but they fail to beat the BMW M3 or Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG in comparison tests. A redesigned 2009 A4 has been launched, to be followed by a new S4 and RS4.

A larger Audi that may appeal more to luxury car buyers is the Audi A6 (*Est. $42,950 to $72,350) . Like the A4, the A6 is named as one of the Insurance Institute's Top Safety Picks. It's also named a Best Bet by Cars.com, which calls the A6 "an appealing alternative to more expensive offerings from BMW and Mercedes." The high-performance version is the S6 (*Est. $72,350) with a smooth and impressive 435-hp V-10 based on the engine found in the Audi-owned Lamborghini Gallardo exotic sports car. However, reviews generally favor the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG as more capable. We also cover the Audi A6 in our report on luxury cars.

The 2009 Jaguar XF , introduced in mid-year 2008, is a replacement for the aged S-Type. Early reviews claim the XF is an excellent sports sedan, combining a smooth, quiet ride with remarkable handling and strong acceleration. As mentioned earlier, the Jaguar XF Supercharged wins two four-car comparison tests conducted by Motor Trend and Edmunds.com that include the BMW 550i, Mercedes E550, Audi A6 and Lexus GS460. Motor Trend's only quibbles are "compromised rear-seat headroom, a thirsty V-8 (we see only 14.8 mpg), and narrow front seats." Two XF models are available: the XF Luxury with a 300-hp V-8 and the XF Supercharged (or SC) with 420 hp.

A smaller Jag sedan that is getting a bit long in the tooth is the Jaguar X-Type (*Est. $35,060 to $39,330) , also available as a wagon. While its 227-hp V-6 and standard AWD are an adequate powertrain, the X-Type fails to live up to the standards set by its many competitors. Reviews point out that the chassis and many drivetrain components come from the previous generation Ford Mondeo, a common family sedan sold in Europe. Lackluster sales over the past several years are one of many reasons why 2008 is the last year of production for the Jaguar X-Type.

Mercedes' smallest, least expensive and best-selling car is the C-Class (*Est. $31,600 to $53,800) , redesigned for 2008. There are now distinct Sport and Luxury models of the C300, which both share the same 228-hp V-6. The Sport has a six-speed manual transmission and optional seven-speed automatic, which is standard on the Luxury model. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and AWD is optional. The C350 is powered by a 268-hp V-6, and a super-high-performance version is the C63 AMG, powered by a very fast 451-hp V-8. MotorWeek gives the C-Class one of its Drivers' Choice Awards, and editors praise its agility, responsive steering and well-constructed interior. However, the C-Class doesn't look as good when compared with the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS 350 and Cadillac CTS. In both Car and Driver and Edmunds.com comparisons against those models, the C-Class finishes last. Edmunds.com editors note that the C350 is priced right, handles well and is quite competent, but "it was best at nothing" among the various categories in the evaluation.

The larger Mercedes E-Class (*Est. $51,200 to $85,300) is a luxury car with a performance edge that makes it particularly enjoyable to drive on twisting roads as well as smooth highways, reviewers say. The E320 BlueTec has an exceptionally clean and efficient 210-hp turbodiesel V-6; the E350 has a 268-hp V-6; and the E550 is powered by a 382-hp V-8. The top-performance Mercedes E63 AMG is a super sports sedan with a lofty price and 507-hp supercharged V-8 that accelerates faster than many sports cars. While many assume that the BMW 5-Series is the top performer in this premium class, a Road & Track comparison test places the Mercedes E550 ahead of the BMW 550i. However, both cars were beat by the superior new 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged.

An often overlooked European compact sports sedan is the Saab 9-3 ((*est. $28,445 to $41,765)) , a lower-priced and less common alternative to the BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. The base front-wheel-drive Saab 9-3 2.0T has a 210-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, while the sportier Aero gets a 255-hp turbocharged V-6. An optional new all-wheel-drive system, called Cross Wheel Drive or XWD, boosts the V-6 output to 280 hp. Wagon and convertible body styles are also available. Safety has always been an inherent part of Saab engineering, and the 9-3 is one of the few models to earn the Insurance Institute's Top Safety Pick. KBB.com says the Saab 9-3 "delivers more in performance and handling than its straight-forward appearance suggests." Its prices are reasonable, but the 9-3's aging platform is hard pressed to keep up with the refinement and higher quality of some competitors.

First introduced in 1999, the Swedish-built, mid-size Saab 9-5 (*Est. $37,685 to $38,705) has not been redesigned since its debut. It has had a few revisions and facelifts, but its aging design can't compete with more modern rivals. The sole available engine is a fuel-efficient yet powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, rated at 260 hp. While not especially sporty, the front-drive Saab 9-5 is a roomy, comfortable sedan or wagon with high levels of safety and better-than-average fuel economy, but is overdue for a refresh that won't likely come until 2010.

Also from Sweden, the Volvo S40 (*Est. $24,365 to $30,365) is a compact sports sedan with a 168-hp 5-cylinder engine in the base model, or a 227-hp turbocharged 5-cylinder in the sportier T5 model. While its base price is reasonable, reviews warn that options can quickly raise the price so that it is no longer competitive against more refined rivals. Reviews are also critical of the stiffer sport suspension option as making the ride too harsh; the base engine is called "underpowered," and the T5 model is not available with a manual transmission, although it does offer optional AWD. But with the right options, the S40 offers "a nice balance of performance, economy and affordability," KBB.com says. ConsumerGuide.com calls the S40 "a solid, capable premium compact that appeals for its big-Volvo style, solid workmanship, and safety features."

For those who find the S40 too small, the Volvo S60 (*Est. $30,975 to $33,985) mid-size sedan offers a larger cabin and more trunk space. Two turbocharged inline 5-cylinder engines are available: a 208-hp, 2.5-liter in the 2.5T and a 257-hp 2.4-liter with a higher boost turbo in the T5. AWD is available on the 2.5T. All models offer plenty of amenities, high safety standards and high-quality construction, reviews say. However, most reviews also say the S60's performance and value do not compare well with competitors such as the Acura TL, Infiniti G35, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and others.