MSN Autos recently released its top 10 luxury cars, compiling the list from total site visits from July to September. Taking the top two spots were BMW models, as 3-Series and 5-Series were ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively.
Mercedes-Benz had three vehicles on the list, and Lexus had two. Acura, Cadillac and Infiniti each were represented by one vehicle.
The complete list, with MSN commentary, is as follows.
1. BMW 3-Series. Editors praised it for such features as its 300-horsepower, three-liter, six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive capability.
"Entry-level sports sedans are a hot item and BMW seems to have mastered the formula," MSN explained. "After getting a major overhaul for 2006, a sporty coupe joins the lineup for 2007."
"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," they continued.
2. BMW 5-Series. This series now comes in the sedan or wagon variety and features either the 230-horsepower, three-liter Six for the 528 model or the three-liter, twin-turbo Six for the 535 model.
"Ride and handling have always been exceptionally strong attributes for this luxury player, and this version is no different," editors noted. "A number of new features have been added, including a lane departure warning system and active cruise control with a ‘Stop & Go' feature."
The starting price for the 2008 model is $45,000 (sedan) or $54,000 (sports wagon).
3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The site praised the vehicle for its new all-wheel drive system and automatic transmission capability in the C300 Sport and C300 Luxury editions.
"Getting a bit of 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 four inches longer and two inches wider," the site noted.
"The revised steering and suspension is tuned to make the C-Class more agile, in hopes of competing with the class-leading 3-Series," officials added.
The price starts at just more than $31,000.
4. Cadillac CTS. Top features of the CTS include greater room and improved power and performance, the site explained.
"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," officials highlighted. "The brand's transformation continues for 2008, with the CTS's first major redesign."
5. Acura TL. Features of the new TL include improved room in the back seats, a 3.2-liter V6 engine and enhanced handling, just to name a few.
"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," the site noted.
"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. Top new features include longer wheelbase, improved power and new transmission, in addition to improvements in handling and comfort and a 272-horsepower V6 engine.
"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," the site explained. "To differentiate between the two, Toyota has made the new ES even more of a pure luxury model."
Other features include a plethora of airbags and options for a panoramic roof and pre-collision system.
"Expect this version to do even better than the Lexus ES 330," officials added.
7. Lexus IS. Editors explained the top model, the IS 350, sports a 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower V6 engine with capability to reach 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, roughly. Meanwhile, the IS 250 features 20 mpg fuel efficiency for city driving and 29 mpg for highway driving.
"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 GS sedan, the IS is longer, wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase than the previous edition," editors highlighted.
8. Infiniti G35.
"The G35 has been a hit since its introduction with the sporty-looking coupe grabbing most of the attention," officials noted. "But that may change because Infiniti has given the sedan an update for the 2007."
Some of these improvements included improved power, styling and interior, the site noted. The G35 comes in either rear- or all-wheel-drive and has Base, Journey and Sport trims available. The G35 starts at just more than $31,000.
9. Mercedes-Benz E-Class. New features on the E-Class include improved safety features and options for a clean-diesel sedan for just $1,000 more, editors explained.
"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," the site added.
10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
"Mercedes' flagship sedan is quiet, luxurious, agile, powerful and filled with a long list (of) technological features," the site explained.
Some of the various engine options include the 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 engine on the S550 model and the 604-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V12 on the S65 AMG model.
Other features are designed to help in visibility.
"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," the site added. "For nighttime driving, the Infra-Red Night View Assist can extend the driver's forward visibility nearly 500 feet."
2008 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery