USED CARS - Luxury Cars

In reviews, the BMW M5 (*est. $81,200) often wins as the best performing luxury-car in the premium class. Critics love the 500-horsepower that is available with the push of the "power" button (in standard form the engine is rated at 400 horsepower). The M5 is all-new for 2006 and returns after a year's absence. The new BMW M5 wins an award as "Smart Choice Highest Retained Value" at Intellichoice. At CNet, reviewer Mark Markovich writes that the 2006 BMW M5 is a dream come true for speed freaks, calling the V-10 engine a "mechanical and technological tour de force."

The engine found in the M5 has an award winning design based on a Formula One engine. It's won the International Engine of the Year award for two consecutive years. The M5 is equipped with a special seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG), and a six-speed manual will be available later. At Edmund's Inside Line reviewers claim the engine and powertrain flexibility is "unforgettable."

The suspension is made entirely of aluminum and is described as "capable" by reviewers. Electronic dampening is adjustable by the driver. Overall critics rave about the M5 , claiming it is in a league of its own. It wins when pitted against Cadillac and Mercedes competitors in comparative tests at Car and Driver and Motor Trend.

Safety equipment for the BMW M5 includes standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and traction control. Depowered air bags are standard, as are head and side airbags. As you might expect given the supercharged V-10 engine, EPA fuel economy estimates are dismal -- about 12 mpg/city, 18 mpg/highway.

Affordable luxury sedan: Infiniti M35

The Infiniti M35 (*est. $40,840 to $43,640) is well equipped for the price, according to reviews. The M35 uses upgraded interior materials like rosewood trim, a 7-inch LCD navigation screen, voice-recognition, leather seats and a host of other luxury amenities. The M35 is often described as "spirited," with a powerful V-6 engine and crisp transmission. Reviews say the Infiniti M35 is a blast to drive, and it wins first place in a comparative test at Motor Trend. Reviewer Ron Sessions claims, "When the road is yours and yours alone, you'll want to be behind the wheel of the Infiniti M35." For 2006, the Infiniti M35 wins an award at Autobytel as "Best New Luxury Car" and in CNet.com's technology-focused review, editors declared the Infiniti M35 their top pick among 2006 cars.

The Infiniti M35 narrowly edges out the Acura RL in Motor Trend's review, though testers don't have any harsh criticism for either car. When it comes to luxury sedans, critics admit much of the decision-making process is subjective and aesthetic. Each person has their own idea of what a luxury car should feel like, so reviewers encourage test drives for top cars like the Acura RL, Infiniti M35 and Lexus LS430 .

Safety equipment for the Infiniti M35 includes standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and traction control. Front-head and side-impact airbags, along with front and rear side-curtain airbags are standard. EPA fuel economy estimates are about 17 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway.

All-wheel drive luxury sedan: Audi A6 Quattro

In luxury-car reviews, critics say the Audi A6 (*est. $43,970 to 53,770, depending on model) is roomy and has a beautifully finished interior. It was all-new in 2005, with changes that included a new stiffer body structure. Most A6 models are all-wheel-drive and the AWD Quattro with an optional V-8 engine is especially well liked in reviews. The A6's Quattro's excellent traction on wet or snowy roads makes it sought after in wet climates.

The Audi is also praised for luxury amenities, and Edmunds.com claims that no automaker is better at delivering these touches than Audi. The interior features wood trim on all models and available leather interiors that are universally praised in reviews. Automotive.com describes the interior as "light and airy." The Audi A6 Quattro features lots of high-tech comforts including keyless engine start, Bluetooth cell phone with voice controls, rear parking sensors and an adaptive air suspension.

Standard safety features for the Audi A6 include electronic stability control, 4-wheel antilock brakes, side and head-front airbags, and a dynamic head restraint system. Fuel economy is about average for its class, in the high teens for city driving, and mid 20's on the highway.

Another Audi, the pricier Audi A8 (*est. $ $68,130 to $118,190) is praised as a superb driving machine. A V8 engine with 335 horsepower provides the power, and the transmission is a six-speed automatic. A 12-cylinder engine is also available. All-wheel drive is standard. The A8 offers lots of passenger space and an outstanding interior. The Audi uses a system called Multi-Media Interface (MMI) to handle tasks such as navigation and suspension adjustment. Reviews say MMI is simple to use, unlike some competitor's systems (notably BMW's iDrive).

The Audi A8's air suspension automatically adjusts itself to changing road conditions. Reviewers especially like the interior, and at Automobile Magazine, one reviewer quips that the special Audi A8L model has "the sexiest sedan interior in the world." In government fuel economy tests, the A8 ranges from a low of 15 mpg/city, 21 mpg/highway for 12-cylinder models to a high of 17 mpg/city, 24 mpg/highway for the V-8 engine.

Luxury sports sedan: Acura TL

The Acura TL (*est. $33,325 to $35,525) was completely redesigned in 2004, and at that time, Acura made a serious effort to create a real sports sedan with high-end luxury materials and the latest in convenience and tech goodies. Buyers are limited to selecting between the manual or automatic transmission, and whether or not to order the navigation system; you don't get to pick and choose options as much as with other sedans. Fortunately, Acura includes a bunch of frills that would normally cost extra on other sedans, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a surround-sound audio system and both side-impact and head curtain airbags. Other standard features include a power moonroof, XM Satellite Radio (though you still have to subscribe to the service), and Bluetooth-enabled hands-free cell-phone connection.

Reviews say the Acura's firmly tuned suspension does not compromise the smooth ride. Handling is very good. The engine is a powerful 3.2-liter V-6, with 270-horsepower (up from 260 last year). A six-speed manual transmission is available, and in reviews, testers praise the driving experience of this combination. Car and Driver's review praises the Acura TL 's styling, quipping "Boy, is this car a looker." They like the Acura TL's quick acceleration, noting that the 0-to-60 time of 5.8 seconds is better than most cars in this class. Reviews say Acura's manual-transmission shifter is one of the slickest available.

Consumer Guide praises the Acura TL's acceleration, steering, handling and build quality. Edmunds.com awards the Acura TL honorable mention in 2005 as the "Most Wanted Sports Sedan under $35,000," claiming that "This ultracapable sedan offers lots of bang for the buck" and "It's a blast to drive." They especially like the Acura TL sedan's mix of value and luxury, and their final words read: "If you plan to spend over $30,000 on your next sedan, we'd definitely suggest a visit to your local Acura dealership."

Standard safety features include electronic traction and stability control, 4-wheel antilock brakes, depowered airbags, and head and side air bags. In crash tests, the TL scores excellent 5-star marks for the driver and passenger in front impacts, good 4-star scores for front side impact tests and all excellent 5-star scores for rear side impact tests.

Other Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti and Jaguar luxury cars

The Acura RL (*est. $49,100) is Acura's flagship car and was included in our Fast Answers in the last version of our report. For 2006, an important new feature is the addition of a crash-avoidance system. According to Consumer Guide, this system, "signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seat belts if it determines a collision is unavoidable." The Acura RL features a 300-horsepower V-6 engine and sophisticated all-wheel drive system. This system, dubbed the Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) is able to send extra power to the individual wheels as needed during fast cornering for the best possible handling. Reviews say the interior is very quiet and includes wood trim, a first-rate audio system, power sunroof and a standard navigation system. The Acura RL comes in only one trim level, and there are no options.

In a multi-car review at Inside Line, the Acura is described as "not the fastest or the flashiest," but it easily wins the editors' highest rating. Although its Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive may sound more like a marketing gimmick, editors say that it works extremely well. The Acura RL subsequently posted the best cornering scores. While the Acura didn't perform as well as other cars on Inside Line's track tests, it was the best "road-trip" car, which speaks well of the Acura's day-to-day manners. Trunk space is a little small, however, and a few controls are oddly placed, but Acura still wins overall. With top safety ratings, loads of standard features, a "10-Best" award at Car and Driver in 2005, and with wins at both Motor Trend and InsideLine, the Acura RL deserves a test drive. Crash test results in government tests are impressive, with the Acura scoring top 5-star ratings in all tests.

The BMW 5-series (*est. $42,495 to $51,795) was new for the 2004 model year. Reviews say it drives great and has a roomier interior than the model it replaced, but some critics say the BMW lacks "soul." This car accelerates briskly and handles well, according to reviews. At Edumunds.com they call the 5-series "one of the most satisfying midsize sport sedans/wagons you can buy". However the 5-series also includes the electronic control system dubbed "iDrive," and in reviews, critics don't like this feature, which is a joystick-like device set into the center console that operates the air conditioning, stereo and other functions.

New engines became available in 2006 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, and 4.8-liter V-8. Standard safety features for the 5-series include electronic stability control and traction control, ABS, seat belts with advanced features, side and head airbags for the front seat passengers, rear seat head restraint, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Fuel economy is average for its engine sizes.

The BMW 7-series (*est. $71,800 to $118,900) is one of the best performing large cars on the road, but it is regularly criticized by automotive experts in reviews for its quirky styling. Critics also do not like the hard-to-use "iDrive" feature. Experts praise the BMW's extremely high build quality, though, saying it looks and feels superb. Powerful V-8 models feature dual-variable valve timing and a two-stage intake system for more performance. A 6.0-liter V-12 is also available, but still falls short of the power of some competing vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.

An additional feature for the BMW 7-series is called "Auto Crash Notify". This feature instantly notifies emergency authorities if the vehicle is involved in a collision. Crash-test results for the 7-series are not available.

The Cadillac CTS (*est. $29,270 to $35,570) was first introduced in 2003. At that time it was a brand new design, and was one of the first new GM cars to use the new "Sigma" vehicle platform. It also was the one of the first Cadillac models to benefit from a new design philosophy, which includes the availability of a manual transmission.

The CTS is fairly well liked by critics. It is a rear wheel-drive car that is larger than most similarly priced competitors such as the BMW 3-series. V-6 engines producing either 210 or 255 horsepower power the standard CTS. A six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission are available options.

A special version of the CTS , the CTS-v (*est. $50,675) uses a massive V-8 with 469-horsepower. Critics say the CTS and the CTS-v represent a credible challenge to imported luxury cars, but are not quite the best of the best. In recent tests, however, the CTS-v has been doing better and better when compared to competitors from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The Cadillac CTS and CTS-v both get good -- but not the highest -- government crash-test ratings, except for rear-passenger side impacts.

The Cadillac DTS (est. $41,195 to $49,695) is a new vehicle for 2006. It replaces the older Cadillac DeVille. In reviews, critics consider it sophisticated and true to Cadillac's heritage (large and comfortable). Luxury features include leather upholstery, OnStar, heated power front seats, heated rear seats and automatic climate control, among others. An available option is GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which adjusts shock damping to match road conditions.

Available engines include the standard 275-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8, and an optional 291-horsepower V-8. A four-speed automatic transmission is used to deliver power to the rear wheels. Standard safety features include electronic traction and stability control, 4-wheel antilock brakes, seat belts with advanced features, side and head front air bags, rear seat head restraint, auto crash notify and a tire pressure monitoring system. In crash tests, the new Cadillac DTS scores excellent 5-star marks for the driver in front impacts and good 4-star scores for all other tests.

The Cadillac STS (*est. $41,020 to $47,520) was all-new in 2005. There is not much change in the STS for 2006. The Cadillac STS is frequently praised by critics for its balanced driving experience. In reviews, it is noteworthy as offering luxury and performance at a lower price than competitors.

Engines include a powerful 255-horsepower V-6 and an optional 320-horespower 4.6-liter Northstar V-8. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available. The Cadillac STS is loaded with high-tech features, including active climate control, Bluetooth wireless cell phone connectivity and a heads-up information display. Standard safety features include electronic traction and stability control, auto crash notify and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Infiniti Q45 (est. $58,100) is a luxury car with a long history. The Q45 name has been around since 1989 and the Q45 was last redesigned in 2002. It received a minor makeover for 2005, with an updated exterior. Responsiveness is improved with changes to the transmission. Luxury features include rain-sensing wipers. The Q45 is described as fast and luxurious in reviews. The Infiniti Q45's engine is a powerful 340-horsepower V8. A five-speed automatic that includes a manual-shift mode is used to deliver power to the rear wheels.

Jaguar's mid-sized S-Type (*est. $45,330 to $51,830) has not won over the critics. Critics note that besides styling, it does not stand out in any one category. It is less roomy and has a lower resale value than the Lexus LS 430 and Mercedes E-Class , which are similarly priced. And it is less sporty than competitors like the BMW 5-series . However it does win praise at Edmunds.com where they describe it as "a beautifully styled sedan."

Although BMW and Mercedes have the upper hand when it comes to cutting-edge technology, the 2006 Jaguar S-Type remains a desirable alternative for those looking for something a little different in this category. The S-Type is powered by either a 235-horespower 3.0-liter V-6 or a 300-horsepower V-8. A six-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the rear wheels is standard. Models equipped with the 4.2-liter V-8 boast 300 horsepower and come standard with the same six-speed automatic.

Jaguar's XJ-Series (*est. $ $61,830 to $115,330) is the traditional Jaguar luxury car. It combines an aluminum body, air suspension and a V-8 engine with a luxurious interior. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. Especially noteworthy is space for rear-seat passengers, as a long-wheelbase version has extra inches of rear legroom. Safety equipment for the XJ includes standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. Depowered airbags and front head and side-impact airbags are standard.

Lincoln, Mercedes and Volkswagen Phaeton Luxury Sedans

Lincoln's Town Car (*est. $42,055 to $50,525) is simply not competitive in the luxury class, experts say. This large, rear-wheel-drive car has plenty of room and a smooth ride, but is bettered by many other cars in its price class on handling, build quality, styling and resale value, say reviews. Crash test results, however, are excellent -- 5-star scores for front passengers in both front and side impacts. In government fuel economy tests the Town Car earns estimates of 17 mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (*est. $50,050 to $60,900) is extremely competitive, with a velvety ride and historically high resale value. In reviews, critics praise these roomy five-passenger cars, but they did not win enough praise for a place in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. Safety equipment includes standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and traction control. Front head and side-impact airbags are standard. Crash test results are excellent, with 5-star scores for front and rear side impacts and good 4-star scores for the driver and passenger in front impacts. In government fuel economy tests, the E-Class with a gasoline engine earns estimates of 19 miles per gallon city, 27 miles per gallon highway. Models with the available 3.2-liter turbodiesel engine earn a class-leading 27 mpg/city, 37 mpg/highway.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (*est. $64,900 to $127,950) was subject to a minor overhaul in 2004, and is considered a no-compromises luxury sedan. Some models now offer a powerful V-12 engine with almost 500 horsepower. An all-wheel drive system is available on some models, and it is so sophisticated that it is capable of directing power to the wheel with the most traction. The S600 can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in a blazing 4.5 seconds.

Crash test results for the S-Class are not available. In government fuel economy tests the S-Class earns scores that range from a low of 16 mpg/city, 22 mpg/highway for the powerful S55 AMG model to 17 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway for models such as the less powerful S350.

The Volkswagen Phaeton (*est. $66,700 to $101,300) is a massive car that features all-wheel-drive and either an 8- or 12-cylinder engine. It comes loaded with "wow" inducing features such as vanity mirrors with two degrees of magnification and an air conditioning system that can maintain four distinct temperature zones within the car. Critics have noted that it doesn't quite match competitors in structural rigidity and feels somewhat ponderous on the road.

Super-premium luxury cars

There are three models of super-premium luxury cars offered in the United States. These are the Rolls-Royce Phantom (*est. $328,750) , the Bentley Arnage (*est. $ 212,990 to $243,990) , and the Maybach 57 and 62 ( *est. $335,500 to $375,000 and $386,500 , respectively).

BMW owns Rolls Royce, so, the Phantom is powered by a 453-horsepower 12-cylinder engine based on an enlarged BMW 7-Series powerplant. Otherwise, this massive 5-seater was all-new for the 2004 model year. Experts note that it is flawlessly built, but they criticize its blocky styling.

Mercedes-Benz owns the Maybach line (Maybach was an obscure company that produced luxury cars in Germany between the World Wars). Both Maybachs are powered by twin-turbocharged V-12s producing 543 horsepower. The 57 is 18.5 feet long (about the same as the Rolls-Royce), while the 62 is stretched to more than 20-feet for limo-like room. Because they feature rear-seat center consoles, the Maybachs seat only four. In a Maybach review at Car and Driver, testers said the Maybach 57 is the quietest car it has ever tested at 70 mph.

Bentley, owned by Volkswagen, is the relative lightweight in this price class. It is smaller than the others at slightly less than 18-feet long (still, that's about the size of a large SUV or pickup). This five-seater features a V8 with either 400 or 450 horsepower.

The supply of any of these cars is extremely limited, and they aren't options for most people, so we did not include them in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. No automotive reviewer has ever compared them back-to-back, so we cannot say which has superior performance.

Important Features: Luxury cars

The following is what experts say about choosing a luxury car. Most of the vehicles in Consumer Search Fast Answers can be optioned to meet at least the majority of the criteria below.

• A luxury car should ride smoothly, but it should not have its suspension set so softly that it wallows when cornering or braking.

• The car should be large and accommodating, with enough interior room for five adults. A commanding presence also earns respect from other motorists and is desirable in this class.

• A top luxury car should be able to accelerate to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, brake from 70 mph in less than 200 feet, and corner at .78g or better before its tires lose their grip ("g" here means gravitational force; a higher value means you can corner at higher speeds).

• A full complement of comfort and convenience features should come standard, including air conditioning with automatic climate control; five-speed automatic transmission; power windows, door locks and mirrors; keyless entry; advanced multi-speaker stereo system with CD player; leather seats; remote security system; anti-lock brakes and traction control.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Prices from Shopping.com
4	Infiniti M35	(*est. $40,840 to $43,640)
4	Acura TL	(*est. $33,325 to $35,525)
3	Lexus LS 430	(*est. $56,525)
3	Audi A6	(*est. $43,970 to 53,770, depending on model)
3	BMW M5	(*est. $81,200)
2	Audi A8	(*est. $ $68,130 to $118,190)
2	Cadillac STS-v	(*est. $41,020 to $47,520)
1 each	Acura RL , Cadillac CTS , Cadillac DTS , Chrysler 300c , Infiniti G35 , Lexus GS430 , Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG , Mercedes-Benz CLS Class , Mercedes-Benz S550, Mercedes-Benz E Class , Toyota Avalon

The Acura TL and the Lexus LS 430 were chosen as best in more reviews than any other cars with four picks each. The Acura TL also is a winner in the Sports Sedans category elsewhere on this website, but since it has many luxury touches, it makes it to Fast Answers as a luxury car as well. The Lexus LS 430 scores two wins at Intellichoice including Best of Luxury Class and Best Overall Car Over $23,000. It also racks up wins at Consumer Guide, Car and Driver, and Kiplinger's. The Infiniti M35 , Audi A6 and BMW M5 scored three picks each, with a noteworthy award for the M35 at Autobytel where it is deemed "Best New Luxury Car" and a Best in Class award for the M5 where it is crowned "Smart Choice Highest Retained Value". Among the luxury class, there simply isn't as much to criticize, and aesthetic, subjective measures can matter more than performance scores to many buyers.

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