The Fight Is On! In the past two years, the entry level luxury sedan segment has been rapidly growing. Each luxury automaker has gained its own brand identity. The top competitors in the entry level luxury sedan segment are Acura TSX, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS, and Mercedes C Class.
However, it is up to the customer to choose upon the many different selections which suit him/her best. Everybody has different tastes, wants, and needs when it comes up to vehicles.
In my opinion, one of the most ergonomically minded entry level luxury vehicles is the Mercedes C Class which sports a conservative interior/exterior design, yet a performance oriented power train which achieves superb fuel efficiency.
Buyers who want a more performance oriented vehicle should choose the Infiniti G35 which delivers close to 300hp from its VQ power train. The Cadillac CTS also achieves superb performance.
If you solely base your opinion on interior design, the top choices would be the 2009 Audi A4, or the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Both vehicles have excessive use of quality materials and finishes, while incorporating them into a sporty yet elegant design.
If fuel efficiency is your concern, then the '09 Acura TSX should be your pick - It delivers great power from its 4 cylinder power train, without sacrificing power. The Lexus IS250 also achieves superb fuel efficiency.
Buyers who only purchase a vehicle based on its design will most likely be interested in the BMW 3 Series, or the Acura TSX, both vehicles have elegant yet sporty designs but are not too radical. (Keep in mind a large percentage of the entry level luxury sedan market consists of 50+ baby boomers.) The styling of the Cadillac CTS also implements elegantly chiselled contour lines without giving the vehicle an overly-styled look. The Audi A4 has more of a smooth ‘liquid-motion’ appearance which may chase away some buyers who prefer more conservative styling – like that of the Mercedes C Class.
Each vehicle has its own unique styling interpreted by it's brand's identity, but it's up to the buyer to decide what suits him/her best.