47 Votes

Who Makes The Best Luxury Car For $50K? - Audi A6 vs. BMW 535i, Infiniti M45, Jaguar XF, & M-B E350 Shootout!

Agent009 submitted on 8/19/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:39:49 PM

56 user comments | Category: Reviews | Source: | SOURCE: www.caranddriver.com

On comparison tests, the cars with genetically ingrained faults—sometimes glaring, sometimes subtle and varied—will usually have confessed their sins by cocktail hour on Day One.

The editors often won’t say anything initially—each man is free to vote without persuasion or influence from his obviously ignorant peers—but we individually already know who won’t be spraying the Dom Pérignon on the podium.

This time ’round, that didn’t happen. It wasn’t until late on Day Three in the Hocking Hills of southern Ohio that various of us ceased saying, “I don’t know who’s gonna win—I like ’em all.”

“They’re all winners,” gushed assistant technical editor K.C. Colwell, who then added, “Did I just say that? I sound like one of those parents who tell their ADD-afflicted kids, ‘Just say “yes” to life—winning doesn’t matter.’”

But he was right. The last-place car in this group is a seductive gem of modern transport that any of us would love to own if we had a spare $50,000, which we don’t so won’t.

Here we’ve gathered a quintet of luxo-sports sedans, with equal emphasis on both adjectives. We included the five big names—the brands that really lead the niche.

2009 Concours Weekend Photo Gallery Live! (All photos from all Monterey shows in one gallery)

2009 Concorso Italiano Photo Gallery

2009 The Quail Event Photo Gallery

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery

AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload yourphotos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook

There are photos and then there are AutoSpies.com photos!

AutoSpies.com is ranked number one on Google search for auto shows

Read Article

Who Makes The Best Luxury Car For $50K? - Audi A6 vs. BMW 535i, Infiniti M45, Jaguar XF, & M-B E350 Shootout!

About the Author

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
— Agent009 (View Profile)

User Comments

Mitchell inquiring about the Lexus GS350 snub in 3....2.....1.....
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:03:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10

It's because it's selling so well, none are available for the press ... :-)
— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:13:39 PM | | Votes: -5

You do realize the Lexus GS outsells the "First Place" A6? More crap by C&D. The easy winner among this group is the new Merc E-Class.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 2:45:27 PM | | Votes: -1

There's nothing wrong with the new Mercedes E not placing first. However to have it dead last behind an outdated M45 and inferior car compared to the rest that's a bit biased. The Lexus GS is the better candidate to replace Infiniti. Tier 1 luxury brands with the addition of a tier 2. I've test driven all the cars in this comparison except the M45. Here are my opinions on the cars:

Jaguar XF - one of my favorite cars to have come out of Jaguar. It's the best styling and with those Aston hips you can't complain. The ride is comfortable, quiet, and the interior bits has transformed Jaguar from an old man's car to a car that can suit all demographics.

Mercedes E class - it still impresses me just like the old one did. It's luxurious, quiet, and has plenty enough power to pound up and down the motorways in any country. It's not as firm as a 5 series but this caters to those who seek luxury more than bending around a corner fast. It's a Merc so you expect that luxury.

Audi A6 - there are nothing bad to say about this car. The interior is one of the best IMO and the exterior has a conservative look that appeals to the person who doesn't want the flash of a Mercedes but still has a great deal of comfort and luxury.

BMW 5 series - Great handling saloon with sufficient luxury amenities and comfort. The 35 motor gives this car a potent start off the line and is great fun to drive.

Lexus GS (IF IT WERE IN THIS COMPARO) - good luxury car, comfortable, but lacks the spirit of a drivers car and has no wow factor, not even the slightest bit. However it's still one of my favorite looks from Lexus. GS and LS model ranges are the only Lexus I would consider. The rest seem like rebadged Toyota's to me still sorry to say.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2009 12:24:05 AM | | Votes: 1

My personal favorite out of that bunch is the M45 sport.
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:11:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

1dott, take a look at the article about the next M on the Car and Driver site, it includes pics of both the current and future one, which IMHO make it look significantly inferior/outdated to the new one coming out. Not a slam, just giving credit to Infiniti for taking this car to the next level.
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:27:00 PM | | Votes: 3

StarSearch - i'll have to agree with you on that but i love the current one way more than i like the pickings out of this bunch.
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 4:27:54 PM | | Votes: -1

I was suprised to see the E350 finish so poorly, especially since it is so new.
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:16:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The E class coupe also didn't fare well recently, I think in Road & Track?
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:28:20 PM | | Votes: 5

Another WIN for Audi's A6....No surprise here. The Audi A6 outsells the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class worldwide.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:21:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

i didn't know that. just curious by how much?
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 7:59:08 PM | | Votes: 4

That true, especially in Germany. The burgers were alienated by the Bangle 5er's looks and the drop-off in Mercedes quality and both's electronic gremlins.
— sdcarguy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 9:00:23 PM | | Votes: 3

M45 Sport
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:22:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Looking at the as tested price, the article should be $60K.
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:45:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

It looks like they tested for performance, and for the prices of those, I'd throw a Cadillac CTS-V into the ring!
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:48:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

M45 Sport!
— SVXXX (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 1:53:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It's a miracle! "Car and BMW-badgewhore Driver" didn't pick a BMW for the win!!!

M45 is the best of the bunch, when the new one comes out, it'll continue to be #1
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 2:11:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Infiniti M45 too close in size and shape to Nissan Maxima. Both built off of FM platform.
— Dr550 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 4:28:44 PM | | Votes: 0

Infiniti M35/45 Sport for sure.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 3:10:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

This is C&D they are BMW lovers, if do not belive just track any BMW related article, and even if other magazines said that the BMW is bad, they will defend the Bimmer. Do you remeber the Z8?, They wrote a lot of very nice things, but the fact is that the car was a losser....Just look for problems in Z8 in gogle and you'll see. But C&D won't admite that.
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 3:20:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

car and driver values DRIVING over all else, so they give more weight to cars with strong performance characteristics that also offer solid does of other elements like styling, refinement, etc.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 8:07:32 PM | | Votes: 0

it's not called CAR & PASSENGER magazine or CAR & YOUR MOM magazine.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 8:08:19 PM | | Votes: 0

They specifically say LUXURY as the criteria.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 2:48:14 PM | | Votes: -1

The Audi A6 is hands down the best luxury car for $50K. As C&D said, "The luxury of the Jaguar, the strength of the Infiniti, and the balance of the BMW."

This is a very fitting conclusion because, as we all know, the Audi A6 is the best-selling car globally out of the cars in this comparison test.

Audi is on a roll winning not only comparison tests (Audi R8 5.2 V10 and Q5 along with A6) but also the sales race (2.1% sales increase for Audi versus 10%+ declines for both BMW and MB) and profitability contest (over $2 billion profit on the year for Audi versus a $33 million loss for BMW and $1 billion + loss for MB)

Good to see the Americans learning what the Chinese and Europeans know quite well....Audi is indeed a brand that makes world-class cars that are on par, and in many cases better than the comparable offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 3:39:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I agree in that one GermanNut.
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 3:53:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I like the m45 and a6.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 4:23:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Totally agree with E350 finishing last. Come on it's the newest of the bunch and supposed to be best at least in one aspect Design or Power.
But it is "32 horsepower shy of three engines in this group, 57 horsepower shy of the fourth" and very few people liked the styling.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 4:43:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I dont even have to read the article. Let me know if i'm correct (or not)

1) The Audi and MB are the weakest performers.
2) The Audi and MB offer the least inspired handling
3) The Audi and MB are the highest priced
4) The Audi and MB offer the least value
5) The Infiniti cost the least
6) The Infiniti is at the sharp-end when it comes to performance.
7) The Infinti offers the Most Bang-for-the-buck
8) The BMW performs the best.
9) The BMW almost offers the most amount of value (behind the infinti)
10)The BMW is the ugliest (subjective)
11)The BMW has the cheapest looking interior.
12)The BMW has the coldest (most boring ) interior.
13)The Jaguar offers mid-pack everything.
14)The Jaguar is among the most expensive
15)The Jaguar looks the best.

I would give the nod to the infiniti but its design is long-in-the-tooth. The BMW just looks plain weird (inside and out), the MB and Audi don’t offer the performance that their prices suggest, and the jaguar is good at everything while not being great at anything. If I had to chose? It would be the BMW (reluctantly).
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 5:40:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -11

I'm almost positive everything you just said contradicts the article.

Try reading it.
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 9:01:38 PM | | Votes: 8

Actually, quite the opposite LexSucks. The Audi A6 3.0T wins because it is one of the best performers, has the best handling, and a spectacular interior.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 6:37:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

M45 did well for its age, the audi looks great in the pics
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 6:57:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Great article. I enjoyed it very much.
— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 7:56:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Agreed, it will be interesting to see where they would rank the cars after the new 5 series and M are released. Isn't the A6 also due for a revamp soon?
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 9:24:03 PM | | Votes: 0

It does seem like the criteria was performance and price. Luxury or smooth rides need not apply.

In that case, the correct car won. My brother's A6 has the 3.2 and it flies pretty good, the supercharged one would be quite entertaining I'd imagine.
They should've left out the E350 since its not supposed to be sporty, as well, along with the GS350, has a naturally aspirated engine. All the cars here are either juiced or use a V8.

Since the 535i's base price is over $50K, then they should've included the GS450h or GS460 in the comparo since the GS leans towards sport.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 7:59:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

offering a complete package was the criteria. that means performance, styling, handling, luxury, quietness, ride, technology and price. they simply picked the must successful makes in the class.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 8:01:18 PM | | Votes: 0

as the article smartly states, these are all great cars that nobody would be embarrassed to drive. so it ultimately comes down to what characteristics you value most.

personally, the only two in the bunch i'd drive are the audi and the bmw as i value performance characteristics over other qualities. might drive the mercedes, but only the AMG version or the V8 version.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 8:05:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I'd take the XF or 5 hands down. The Audi looks like every other Audi and looks outdated. Iv'e never been a fan of Audi's center consoles. Too many buttons too close togeather in one spot. Knobs also feel cheap. Personally I feel Audi has one of the worst turbo motors in the 1.8 T cars or the 2.0 T,not sure which they use now. Slow,slugish,lag are a few words to describe it along with a terrible auto tranny. Anyways back on topic. Performance wise the cars are similar enough that you will not really feel a difference in normal driving. If your looking to go to a track than you get the M,R,RS etc. My point being im not bashing Audi. They do make awesome cars. Its just im kind of sick of every Audi looking the same. Having driven the 535 and having owned a few bmw's i can say there is a certain feeling when you drive these cars. The responsiveness and balance is on point.On paper I can see how the Audi won. In real life I dont think it has anything going for it to put it on top of the Jag or Bimmer,but my personal final pick would be the Jag.
— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 8:07:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I think you've got it backwards.I would say that on paper, BMW seems to be a winner. But in every day life, Audi has the edge. And your comments about the engine and transmission are certainly not supported by the C&D article. If you think Audi knobs feel cheap, then maybe you have not owned one. I know several people who have driven BMW's for years and recently switched to Audi. The typical comment from them is "I didn't know how good Audi's are until I owned one".
— JustaCar (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 7:31:40 AM | | Votes: 0

I agree with the comment about how C&D puts a lot of weight on performance. I've read C&D, Road & Track, Motor Trend, etc. from the early 80s and C&D definitely favors the performance criteria. But when you're talking about this segment (and the segment above it composing of S-class, 7-series, LS, etc.), the majority of those buyers feel luxury, comfort, prestige, etc. are equally importance, hence, the continued success of S-class and E-class (on a world wide basis) and LS and GS (for the N American market in particular).
— nguyenvuminh (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 9:53:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

"hence, the continued success of S-class and E-class (on a world wide basis) and LS and GS (for the N American market in particular)."

Given your username, not surprised you would blindly praise the last two. The ls and gs are plummeting like rocks from a plane, esp. the gs which is close to bottom of class; the 5 series itself has moved roughly 5 times MORE so far this year. Sounds pretty sad, rather than successful.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 2:46:33 AM | | Votes: 1

The LS outsells the other premium brands in North America. The GS is due for a change next year. The 5-series sells well because of the ultra-cheap rates that help push the cars out the door. Check the sales numbers on Autospies at the beginning of each month to learn something.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 2:58:12 PM | | Votes: 0

david:

the LS (sometimes) outsells the S-class and 7-series. and it does so at 30%+ discount to those cars.

the 5-series is an amazing all-around car. that's why it's always outsold the GS by more than 5 to 1. the GS is a weak player in its class are there are bargain deals on it too.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 7:52:07 PM | | Votes: 0

As usual, you are wrong again enthusiastx11. The LS (almost) always outsells the LS and 7-Series, and not at the discounts you keep talking about. The new BMW 7-Series for example, is sold at a minimum of $15,000 discount. The S-Class, I am told, can be had with an even greater one.
Those vehicles also lose value at a much greater rate than an LS. I like all these luxury cars and would be happy to drive any of them.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2009 6:52:19 PM | | Votes: 1

Man are you clueless. The LS only outsells its competition because of the huge price difference. The GS doesn't sell sqaut and has always been an alsoran in the class. 5-Series and E-Class hold down the mid section and the LS and S hold down the upper and the S during some months this year outsold or got real close to the LS.
— Mercedes (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2009 9:13:27 PM | | Votes: 1

Jaguar XF does it for me.

:-)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2009 10:37:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I would say C&D doesnt like boring cars, but considering the old ls430 and the old e-class both won a comparison test, that theory doesn't fly. But maybe that was just temporary insanity, since now theyre putting mb (c-class, and now e-class) and lexus (gs, ls460) in last place, where they belong.

As for this test, congrats to audi, the incredibly average a6 finally won a comparo, and to BMW, still running circles around the competition 6 years later, and nissan, for managing to come in as high as 3rd, with a sedan that went stale in just minutes.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 2:37:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

For me, the list is backwards. 5th placed car would be the winner and 1st placed car would be in last place.
— wins555 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 6:12:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

5 series makes me go wild.
— cls550 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 7:37:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I understand they are adhering to a price cap but the E-Class is up against boosted 6s or V8s. The target market for the E-Class presented in this review is slightly different than that of the other cars.
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 9:22:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

considering that there is also a e550 that won it's comparison test recently, i wouldn't be too worried about the new e class. Yes the e350 needs a engine change or at least some turbo's to boost hp and torque numbers, mercedes knows not everyone is worried about the performance aspect of these cars as does car and driver. What matters to most to some people is how solid the car feels, how well it caters to the drivers needs, how luxurious the cabin is, and most of all what is the feeling you get when driving your car. And as stated in the article the underpowered e350 delivers in those areas. I doubt mercedes is too worried about the outcome of this article.
— merc07 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 12:29:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

yes, david. and LUXURY means the car should do everything well. is styling a part of luxury? is technology a part of luxury? is performance a part of luxury? etc. etc.

LUXURY is not a floating sofa that insulates you from the world. go buy an LS if that's your thing.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 7:48:46 PM | | Votes: 0

Bingo!
— Mercedes (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2009 9:11:08 PM | | Votes: 1

This is some awesome news for Audi. Not only has the Q5 dominated its competitors such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK in comparison tests, but the Audi A6 can now say that it too has won versus its rivals.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 2:00:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I would get the Jag just because they only built 13k cars last year world wide. I would guess all of the other companies listed build that in a month, if not a week.
— Timzilla (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2009 2:54:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

most people don't know that the Audi A6 outsells everything else worldwide because they have more models that DOES not come loaded, unlike the US version all Audi's are LOADED...FACT

smfh @ C/D comparing 2 V8, no GS, when all these cars have v8 n v6 counterparts...FACT
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2009 5:45:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I'd take the XF as it stands out, even among other Jaguars.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2009 11:08:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Add your Comments

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters): [img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent001.myautospies.com/images/sample.jpg[/img]

Email Me When Someone Replies To My Message

Who Makes The Best Luxury Car For $50K? - Audi A6 vs. BMW 535i, Infiniti M45, Jaguar XF, & M-B E350 Shootout!

About the Author

User Comments

Add your Comments

Submit an article

Photo Galleries

Cars

Autoshows

Latest Articles