Top Luxury Cars

Top Luxury Cars
on MSN Autos


The BMW 3-Series continues its reign for the seventh consecutive quarter as the most popular luxury car on MSN Autos.
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compiled by MSN Autos



While the wheelbase remains the same, the new CTS is a little longer and provides more rear-seat room.


Though based on the Honda Accord, the Acura TL sedan has a completely different look and personality—one that leans heavily towards performanc


Redesigned for the 2008 model year, exterior changes are highlighted by a more pronounced Mercedes emblem and a new grille.



Redone for the 2007 model year, the Lexus ES 350 has a longer wheelbase, more power and a new transmission.



Some people buy them for the comfort or features, and some just to make a statement. Regardless the reason, luxury cars are more than just an appliance to carry you from point A to point B. MSN Autos separates this segment into three categories: entry luxury, luxury and ultra luxury. Of the most researched vehicles in the third quarter, only cars from the first two categories made our list.
Leading the pack is the hot-selling BMW 3-Series, the seventh consecutive quarter that this Bavarian icon has been the most popular luxury car on MSN Autos. Its 5-Series sibling slotted into second place.
Mercedes-Benz has three vehicles in our Top Ten list, with the new-for-2008 C-Class taking third. Compared to its predecessor, this near-luxury sedan has been totally revamped with a bigger and bolder look.
Representing the domestics is the Cadillac CTS in fourth place. Receiving its first makeover since its introduction, the entry-luxury sedan features a still chiseled but sleeker look, an optional 304-horsepower direct-injected engine, and a more posh interior.
Photo Gallery: Popular Luxury Cars
The list of the top ten luxury cars on MSN Autos is based on total visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the months of July through September 2007. Here's the complete list:
1. BMW 3-Series
Entry-level sports sedans are a hot item and BMW seems to have mastered the formula. After getting a major overhaul for 2006, a sporty coupe joins the lineup for 2007. Beyond the re-skin, the new twin-turbocharged, 300-horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, and new xDrive all-wheel-drive system are now available in all 3-Series coupes and sedans. The beautifully sculpted twin-turbo 335i Coupe will leap to 60 mph in only 5.13 seconds, and eclipse the quarter-mile in just 13.70 seconds.
2. BMW 5-Series
The 5-Series is available in a sedan or a wagon and has been updated for the 2008 model year. Ride and handling have always been exceptionally strong attributes for this luxury player, and this version is no different. On the surface the 5-Series gets a refreshed look, and beneath the skin, engine choices are a 230-horsepower 3.0-liter Six (528) or the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo Six in the 535. A number of new features have been added, including a lane departure warning system and active cruise control with a "Stop & Go" feature.The 2008 5-Series starts at just under $45,000 for the sedan and $54,000 for the sports wagon.
3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Getting a makeover for the 2008 model year is the redesigned, fourth-generation C-Class. A standout styling cue is the new grille and larger Mercedes emblem-a more mature look for a machine nearly 4 inches longer and 2 inches wider. Engines are carryovers, but a new all-wheel-drive system will be available with an automatic transmission in the C300 Sport and C300 Luxury trims. The revised steering and suspension is tuned to make the C-Class more agile, in hopes of competing with the class-leading 3-Series. Prices for a 2008 C-Class starts at just over $31,000.
4. Cadillac CTS
Cadillac's aging image began to change with the CTS debut in 2003, allowing it to woo many potential BMW 3-Series owners. Though conquest sales are always nice, it's the younger age demographic that really matters to Cadillac. The brand's transformation continues for 2008, with the CTS's first major redesign. The new entry-level Caddy includes more room, power and performance. Partly developed on Germany's famous Nurburgring race track, the CTS is offered with three suspension setups and all-wheel-drive is a $1,900 option.
5. Acura TL
Acura has brought new meaning to the term well-equipped, and the TL is no different. Based on the Honda Accord, the front-wheel-drive sedan provides a luxurious cockpit loaded with comfort and convenience features as standard. Rear-seat room is impressive, and the sharp handling TL provides plenty of snap from its 3.2-liter V6. Enthusiasts may want to opt for the Type S, which has a more powerful 286-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, a firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and a more aggressive look.
6. Lexus ES 350
Also known as the luxury version of the popular Toyota Camry, the ES 350 was redone for 2007 with a longer wheelbase, more power and a new transmission. To differentiate between the two, Toyota has made the new ES even more of a pure luxury model. Ride comfort and handling have been improved, the new 272-horsepower V6 provides plenty of refined thrust, airbags can be found all over and there's a new optional panorama roof. For added safety and luxury, an optional new pre-collision system can be had along with a Premium Plus package. Expect this version to do even better than the Lexus ES 330.
7. Lexus IS
A major competitor to the BMW 3-Series, the IS is a major improvement over its predecessor, with silken lines and more powerful engines. Partly derived from the GSGS sedan, the IS is longer, wider, taller, and has a longer wheelbase than the previous edition. The top-of-the-line model is the rear-wheel-drive IS 350, which has a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 that can hustle the car to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds. For the more fuel-conscious, the 2.5-liter IS 250 offers respectable mileage at 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway.
8. Infiniti G35
The G35 has been a hit since its introduction with the sporty-looking coupe grabbing most of the attention. But that may change as Infiniti has given the sedan an update for the 2007. The re-do includes more power, sleeker styling and an improved interior. Available in rear- or all-wheel drive, the new G35 can be had in Base, Journey and Sport trims. Unlike the coupe, which for 2008 receives a larger 3.7-liter V-6 and has been retagged the G37, four tall adults can easily fit in the sedan. Prices start at just over $31,000 for the base G35 sedan.
9. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Redesigned for the 2007 model year, the E-Class has a full array of safety features that include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, Electronic Stability Program, eight airbags and active head restraints. Its suspension design and technology arrive via the S-Class, and the Airmatic air suspension on the E550 and E63 AMG provides a smooth and self-leveling ride. To increase fuel efficiency, a clean diesel sedan costs just $1,000 more than the gas-powered version, with a mpg rating of 23 city and 32 highway.



10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes' flagship sedan is quiet, luxurious, agile, powerful and filled with a long list technological features. Engine options range from the least expensive S550 with a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8, to a 604-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V12 in the S65 AMG. Owners may find the Park Assist and Infra-Red Night View Assist especially useful. The radar-based Park Assist can help the driver park by showing red, yellow and blue lines on a dashboard screen as a guide. For night-time driving, the Infra-Red Night View Assist can extend the driver's forward visibility nearly 500 feet.