http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4019410

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 first quarter of 2006. Here is the complete list:
BMW is the only manufacturer to land three vehicles in the top 10 with the 5-Series and the 7-Series following in the tire tracks of the 3-Series. Infiniti placed two vehicles on the list with the Infiniti M joining the G35, while DaimlerChrysler placed two brands on the list with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Chrysler 300.



1. BMW 3-Series
Considered by many enthusiasts to be the original sport sedan, the BMW 3-Series has been a longtime benchmark in the near-luxury segment. Currently offered in sedan, coupe and convertible versions, the 2006 3-Series sedan is all new with fresh styling, more powerful engines and a roomier interior. The new 3-Series is offered as the 325i Sedan and 330i Sedan, with the redesigned coupe scheduled to go on sale in this fall, followed by the convertible next year.

2. Acura TL
The TL sport sedan was completely new for 2004, with updated styling, a refined chassis and a 3.2-liter 258-horsepower V6 engine teamed with an available 6-speed manual transmission. A DVD-Audio surround sound audio system and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity are standard. For 2006, TL receives engine control module changes to help reduce torque steer.

3. Infiniti G35
The G35 debuted in early 2002 as a 2003 model replacement for the G20, featuring more power, a roomier interior and all-new styling. Last year the G35 sedan received a restyled exterior including hood, trunk, bumpers, headlight lenses and dual circle taillights. The G35 Coupe and Sedan with 6-speed manual transmission got a boost to 298 horsepower. For 2006 the Infiniti G35 Coupe adds new bi-xenon headlights, revised taillights and available Rear Active Steer.


4. Lexus IS
The all-new IS 250 and IS 350 offer a new level of style, sportiness and performance over the previous version as Lexus adopts a two-sedan strategy with the ES 350 offered as the entry-luxury choice. The IS 250 has a 204-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 offered with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, or a 6-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. The IS 350 is the most powerful IS ever offered, with a new 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Standard equipment includes 10-spoke 17-inch wheels, dual polished stainless steel exhaust and automatic climate control.

5. BMW 7-Series
BMW's flagship, the 7-Series was completely redesigned for the 2002 model year with all-new styling, a 325-horsepower V8, and high-tech advances including the iDrive system. A revised 2006 7-Series features significant design changes, with the 750i and 750Li replacing the 745i and 745Li, and powered by a new 360-horsepower 4.8-liter V8. Exterior design changes include a new hood, grille, headlights, front bumper, and front spoiler, trunk lid, taillights, side sills, rear bumper, rear valance, and new wheel designs. Interior updates include American Walnut standard wood trim for 750i and 750Li, Titanium material trim elements, new steering wheel design, new shape for iDrive controller with leather insert, further evolution of iDrive, and detail design changes to instrument panel and center stack.

6. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan is completely redesigned, and the 2007 model is already on sale with bold new styling, spirited driving dynamics and technical innovation. The S-Class was the luxury car benchmark in the automotive world for decades and the new version aims to earn that position once again. Larger than its predecessor in every respect, the S-Class provides additional room for all occupants and the exterior design features pronounced fender arches that blend into the headlights and the front fascia. Technical innovations include anticipatory Brake Assist PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and night view assist. The S550 is powered by a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 with a 7-speed automatic transmission, and the S600 is powered by 510-horsepower 5.5-liter V12 with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

7. BMW 5-Series
The 5-Series was redesigned for 2004, and for 2006 receives updates that include two new 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engines, and all-wheel drive is offered for the first time. The 5-Series has always emphasized performance and an enjoyable driving experience, offering a variety of engine choices as well as both manual and automatic transmissions. For 2006 the 525i and 525xi are powered by a 215-horsepower 3.0-liter engine, while the 530i and 530xi 3.0-liter engine receives a three-stage induction system to produce 255 horsepower. The 550i is powered by a 360-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

8. Audi A4
The Audi A4 received a new look midway through the 2005 model year, adopting the bold grille found on the new A6 and A8. All A4 body styles—sedan, cabriolet and Avant—are available with Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi adds the A4 3.2 quattro 6-speed manual sedan and 3.2 CVT multitronic FrontTrak versions for 2006. The S-line replaces the sport package and the S-line Sedan includes 18-inch 5-spoke quattro GmbH wheels, sport suspension, brushed aluminum interior trim, restyled front and rear bumpers, S-line logo in the grille, side sill extensions, a rear spoiler, and a 3-spoke perforated leather-covered steering wheel with triple stitching.

9. Infiniti M
The Infiniti M is a new mid-luxury sedan added early in 2005 as a 2006 model, built on the same FM (front mid-engine) rear-wheel-drive platform used for the G35 and the FX. The all-new M is offered in V8-powered M45 and V6-powered M35 versions. Described as the most technically advanced vehicle ever from Infiniti, the M offers a lane departure warning system, intelligent key with pushbutton starting, adaptive front lighting system, a rearview monitor, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, intelligent all-wheel drive, a Bose Studio Surround Sound System, and Rear Active Steer.

10. Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 replaced the 300M for 2005 as Chrysler's full-size sedan with a bold new design and a return to a rear-wheel-drive platform. The 300 has been well received with particular interest in the 300C, which draws its name from the Chrysler "letter series" cars of 50 years ago. The 300C is powered by the legendary HEMI: a 340-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The 300C SRT8 is added for 2006, powered by a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI with a specially calibrated 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, performance-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes, 20-inch wheels and SRT styling that includes a lower stance, a rear spoiler, front sport seats, and leather-trimmed accents. A DVD entertainment system mounted at the rear of the center console is also added as an option for 2006.