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.

BMW builds a fine ride, they're a bit more "sporty" if you will... well at least mine is compared to the similar vehicle (W126 vs E23).

Never been an Acura fan, pal had one for a while... run well until they need to be serviced then you have some work to do. Lexus is similar, I maintain an older second Gen LS400 and boy! It's a chore. The car isn't designed with home PM in mind. Very irritating.

I've ridden in a G35, they're slick. Sat in an IS and Audi. Only ridden in an E32 735iL, nice ride there. Rode in a CL500, very nice. Ridden in the 5.7 300C, not the 6.1... very cool. So is the Charger.

In any event, I wouldn't take some editor's word upon what vehicle to purchase. If you're seriously considering them, drive them all. Then you can weigh/balance the pros and cons of each.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Car and Driver gave the Car of the Year award in 1971 to the Chevrolet Vega.
And history proved them to be probably the WORST car of that year....

And who are MSN autos anyhow, as an authority?

Of all the cars above mentioned, in their survey, there's only one I would prefer to be in, in the mother of all accidents. That is the big Mercedes.

I'm certain the BMW 3 series would be the most fun of the lot to drive, and Lexus the most reliable. But so what?

What makes a car the best anyway? Not all of these cars are meant for the same kind of buyer and budget anyway, just loosely grouped as "Luxury" cars, so it's kind of an untidy grouping of cars put together to compare to each other.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

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.

What the heck is THAT supposed to mean/prove?

Jim B

My faith in ANY magazine's reports ( Car & Driver, Road & Track, etc.) was lost a loooooong time ago.
They tend to get all hyped about new gadgets and often miss the points of greater importance to the consumer.
Their " Long Term " Evaluations ( 50 k miles ) also do not reflect the " real world ", as I would only consider that mileage of interest to the person leasing a car for 3 or 4 years.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

MSN Auto serches. Umm guess who is doing the searching?

It proves that a lot of younger people that typically buy 3 series and G35's and Acura's are doing seraches on them.


I mean do you have any idea on how many 18 year olds probably search BMW 325I over the net? The numbers must be off the chart.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I think the only car on that list that is worthy of any accolade is the Lexus IS...the Infiniti G35 also deserves some recognition, but it is somewhat dated already...the rest of the group are simply uninspiring monotonous model updates...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

It seems to me that the only true "luxury" cars listed are the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Chrysler 300. I consider the others being classified more as sports sedans than luxury cars. Yeah, they may be luxurious, but do they have that luxury car ride? Probably not.

Of those other makes mentioned, the "luxury" models would be the Acura RL, Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS430, and Audi A8.

Actually, I was lazy and did not even bother checking out the site When they say "top" luxury cars, it is the top/most popular cars that are searched for on MSN...not exactly "top" as in best in class...ha ha...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

I also suspect most S class buyers wouldn't spend half the day searching around in order to save a few bucks. An S550 is about $100k out the door, go to the dealer and bargin. If you need to save a couple of grand that badly you cannot afford one.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Oh I want a new S550 in a very bad way. I looked at a black on black one yesterday when I was getting parts. Wow just wow! I am seriously going to try and make the purchase of an S550 happen in the next 5-8 years.

MB has those front loaded leases. I like them, because if you are independent like me your income doesn't come in nice weekly checks. So the idea of paying up front in one shot sounds good.

I wouldn't lease though. I'd probably put $50k down and finance the rest.

$100k is a lot to tie up in a car though, just once in my life I want to enjoy a new S. No PO to hack it up, everything new and fresh.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The new S is a bit pricey. I liked the S350 in the 220 body and hope that they bring it to the new 221 body. $64,000 for an S class is a steal. Leases only really make sense if you don't keep cars for long. If you have a credit union a 7 year loan might make the payment look more attractive. A payment of more than $1000 a month is difficult to justify no matter how much money you have in the bank.

In my opinion the 220 quality wise was a bit of a let down in comparison to the 140. I have yet to see a 221 in the flesh. What did you think of the fit and finish and quality of the construction? Is it up to par with the 140's?

I agree, the interior on the W221 is flawless. It is exactly what I would expect from MB, they bumped the quality up a lot. The price also jumped to, so far the S550 base price just over $90k. THe one I looked at had a sticker of $95,755. So you probably won't get out of the door under $100k. Hp is up the S550 has almost 400! I think in the hgh 380 range.


MB was selling the S350's cheap because it was the last year of the W220 body. I wouldn't expect a $60k S class again.

The new S600 is extremly fast, probably one of the fastest if not the fastest sedan in the world.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I dont think you can compare mercedes even as high as the S class with Bentley and Ferrari. Apples and oranges. Secondly I would take a 2006 Acura TL over a C class of the same year. They are the same price range. Also it is unfair to compare a S-class with a TL since the S class costs maybe twice as much if not more. This article and some opinions are skewed a bit.

Hmmm I think you can compare Mercedes to the likes of Ferrari and Bentley. If your looking at quality rather than price. All three cars are well constructed "best of the best" for their paticular style of car. I watch the British car show Top Gear and recently one of the hosts traded in his Ferrari on an SL55 AMG.

The Japanese were the ones who invented the "for the same price" logic in shopping for cars. Both Kia and Hyundai make some nice cars "for the price" but you don't see them selling very well do you? I compare cars to their logical counterparts. Price is only important for people who can't afford to drive whatever they want.

As for the Acura I think you would regret your decision in 5 years when you started looking at the difference in resale. In 7-10 years an Acura is a throw away car. There are 20 year old 126's and 107's on ebay easily fetching between 10K and 20K. How many 20 year old Acuras go for that much?

Mercedes-Benzes are actually better engineered than anything else on the road. The expensive exotics command such prices because some of them (if not all) are completely hand crafted and are also sold with top drawer service levels and in limited quantities. As for initial and even long term quality, none of those can hold a candle to an MB. Everyone knows that Lamboghini's break down before you even start them the first time - even the newer ones built by Audi/VW have quality issues. Same goes for Rolls Royces. In fact in a funny move, two of the car magazines I received for this month had comparison tests comparing the new S-Class to the Rolls Royce Phantom. That surprised me because if the S-Class can whoop the Phantom's butt, then what would the Maybach do to it?

And oh, by the way, Kia and Hyundai have been selling very well with great yearly growth. Indeed, price is only important for people who can't afford to drive whatever they want, but that statement applies to the vast majority of people.

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1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, 103K miles - garage queen
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, 89K miles - daily driver
2007 Hyundai Sonata Limited, 31K - daily driver