88 Votes

So What IS The Best Looking Small Premium Sedan?

Agent001 submitted on 2/2/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 2:53:45 PM

152 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: www.autospies.com

Yesterday I posed the question- 'Is it just me, or are BMW's designs making the competitors products look old fashioned?' and we got a lot of good feedback.

So I thought it would be appropriate to ask - 'So What IS The Best Looking Small Premium Sedan?'

I'll give you the list and my choices in order of preference so you can do your own.

One stipulation, on this list we're all assuming each has been properly decked out with sport, appearance or premium packages and that they all have nice wheels installed.

And we're only talking EXTERIOR design...The interior should not come into the equation.

Here we go!

1. BMW 3-Series
2. Cadlllac CTS
3. Lexus IS-Series
4. Mercedes C-Class
5. Infiniti G35
6. Audi A4
7. Volvo S40

We're looking forward to see your picks!

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

You need to do a full list...not just pick one

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:04:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Like this:

1. BMW 3-Series
2. Cadlllac CTS
3. Lexus IS-Series
4. Mercedes C-Class
5. Infiniti G35
6. Audi A4
7. Volvo S40

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:05:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

LOL, hahaha, Autospies The Donald you are truely comical
— EnvyofyouRS5 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:51:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

I respect everyone's opinion but for exterior look only, overlooking cramped interiors and issues of practicality, I select from best to worst as follows:

1. CTS
2. C-Class
3. 3-Series
4. A4
5. IS
6. G35
7. S40

It sure looks like an overwhelming majority here sends Volvo S40 back to the drawing board.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 8:07:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

just exterior styling

3-series- smooth, clean looks, the best, the sports car of the group
audi a4- a very clear-cut, car, this is good, but the bimmer is great, the luxury car of the group
caddilac cts- edgy, cheiseled flanks, the smartest car of the group
c-class- smallish. youthful styling though. the funnest car of the group
g35- not to my liking. the weakling of the group
IS- dopey. the retard of the group
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 9:28:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

well, considering that the 3-series outsells EVERYONE in the category, i'd say you're just plain WRONG.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 2:30:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Only talking about the sedans:

1. Audi A4 - the latest one is brilliant.
2. Merc C-Class - sports version looks good.
3. Cadillac CTS - great looks, but lacks the sophistication of the top two.
4. BMW 3-Series - rear lighs alone ensure it can't be at the top.
5. Volvo S40 - great scandinavian looks. not pretty anough.
6. Lexus IS - the old had character. this one is quite bland.
7. Infinity G35 - as a coupe, it's amazing, but the proportions are just wrong on the sedan.

Note: Exterior styling only.
— tifoso471 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 2:48:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

CTS
— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:04:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10

A full list? Yah, I'll get on that ASAP *cough*
— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:06:16 PM | | Votes: 4

1.A4
2.CTS
3.IS
4.3er
5.C-class
6.S40
7.G35

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:04:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -13

1. BMW 3-Series - THE BEST CAR!!!
2. Cadlllac CTS
3. Mercedes C-Class
4. Infiniti G35
5. Lexus IS
6. Audi A4
7. Volvo S40
— bmwfan1513 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:06:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -15

haha i love how everyone hates bmw for making a great car with ok styling and puts it at the bottom of their lists just because they're tired of admitting its good
— BMWM (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:21:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

1. BMW 3-Series
2. Lexus IS
3. Caddy CTS
4. Audi A4
5. Infiniti G35
6. MB C-Class
7. Volvo S40
— BMWM (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:23:00 PM | | Votes: -10

BMWM...if u admit that the 3series has "ok" styling...why is it still top of your list?...i thought the list was on styling alone.

1. CTS
2. G35
3. 3series
4. IS
5. C-class
6. A4
7. S40
— sholemon (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:19:52 PM | | Votes: 4

2003 was a better year for design for bmw,the headlights are up to par, they certainly have infinity and lexus and volvo.

Cadilacc has some stunning designs all around mainly front of Mercedes .
Merc needs to innovate a little better in their design fascia from grill to better headlights, lines are still better than the competition.

Audi's new a4 with s-line package will really shine, their revolutionay thinking and designs are clearly leading by example (everyone is going to use LED as an integral look sooner than later)
— EnvyofyouRS5 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:03:58 PM | | Votes: 1

1. BMW 3-Series
2. Mercedes-Benz C350
3. Cadillac CTS
4. Audi A4
5. Volvo S40
6. Infiniti G35
7. Lexus IS
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:21:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10

1. Infiniti G35
2. Mercedes C-Class
3. Lexus IS-Series
4. Cadlllac CTS
5. Audi A4
6. Volvo S40
7. BMW 3-Series
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:33:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

1. Mercedes C-Class
2. Audi A4 (2009)
3. Infiniti G35
4. BMW 3-series
5. Cadillac CTS
6. Lexus IS
7. Volvo S40
— audirevolution (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:37:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

It all depends on spec: However,

MB C Class
Audi A4
BME 3 Series
Volvo S40
Cadillac VTS
Infinti G35
Lexus IS
— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:52:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

Lol, should of read the article properly, i admit :P

*BMW
— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 3:53:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

BMW 3series - Brilliant design
Audi A4 - Fresh design
Cadillac CTS - Luxary design
Mercedes C-Class - Athletic design
Volvo S40 - Subtle design
Lexus IS - Boaring/safe design
Infiniti G35 - Boaring/safe design
— 1itsallaboutcars (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:00:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12

josh:

the IS is no design legend. it's predictable, safe and attractive. and like every other lexus it'll look like an old toyota when it's 5 years old.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 2:33:08 PM | | Votes: 0

. BMW 3-Series
2. Cadlllac CTS
3. Mercedes C-class
4. Lexus IS
5. Audi A4
6. Infiniti G35
7. Volvo S40
— BMW4me4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:01:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12

3
cts
g
c
a
s
is
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:25:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10

1. Cadillac CTS
2. Mercedes-Benz C350
3. BMW 3-Series
4. Audi A4
5. Volvo S40
6. Lexus IS
7. Infiniti G35
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:44:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

1. Mercedes
2. BMW
3. 4 way tie
7. Cadillac
— campy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:45:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

1. BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class (tie)

3. Cadillac CTS
4. Audi A4
5. Lexus IS-Series
6. Infiniti G35
7. Volvo S40
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:49:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

1.G35
2.IS
3.C class
4.S40
5.A4
6.3-serie
7.CTS
— STJ88 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:51:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

1. Lexus IS-Series - fresh style. Clean lines, L-Finesse design really improved on the ricer look of the previous generation. My proof is in the impact it has done to Lexus sales. IS sales skyrocketed when they redesigned it. It feels fresh and ready for another 3-4 years.
2. Audi A4 - I would never own one, but wow, they are gorgeous. They strike you at every angle. Audi caught a good formula with the A4 since its introduction, and each minor tweak makes this car more and more beautiful.
3. Infiniti G35 - So much nicer than the previous generation. The front is so much more agressive, and the Vibrant Red just pops. Everything about this car screams performance. All we have to do is wait for the G37 ;).
4. BMW 3-Series - If we were comparing series to series, the 3 series has the best line. I'm just not a fan of the sedan. The lines look very disproportioned and doesn't flow. The tail lights look cheap and slightly tacky, but it is still a beautiful car. The coupe is my favorite, but since we are comparing sedans, I can't be biased.
5. Cadlllac CTS - not a huge fan. I've always liked the shape and design of the CTS, but the new one doesn't really feel like an innovation. It feels like a refresh, and even though they cleaned it up a bid, I was starting to get bored with the car.
6. Mercedes C-Class - not a fan. AT ALL. This car doesn't scream sport, it doesn't scream luxury, it doesn't scream finesse, it doesn't scream anything except ugly. I think the edges look very jagged, and the car looks very skewed. I don't know exactly what Mercedes was trying to do with this, or the direction they were planning on going, but it looks like a lot of scrapped ideas taped together.
7. Volvo S40 - no matter how ugly I think the Mercedes is, the Volvo is just there. It evokes no emotion out of me. Looking at this car bores me, it is very plain, very bland, and I just don't know to say. Volvo is sort of a Limbo company, they're not quite luxury, but they are too expensive to be a mid-scale car. Volvo is an enigma, and I haven't been able to grasp their direction since Ford bought them.
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 4:53:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -16

the C-Class looks like the new Accord
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 2:56:55 PM | | Votes: 0

1. Audi A4 (the new one) - clean and modern
2. C class Sport, not Elegance
3. CTS - bold
4. IS - interesting
5. 3 series - blandsville, contrived
6. G35 - not a fan
7. S40 - this isn't even a small premium sedan, it's based off the Ford Focus. Plain.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:14:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

G35, IS, New A4, C, 3.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:19:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

No SAAB 9-3?
— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:21:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

before that weirdo facelift, its a nice car.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:26:10 PM | | Votes: -2

actually, lexus folks just AUTOMATICALLY DEBOOST YOU on principle, just 'cuz you're such a silly klown.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 5:06:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

1. Audi A4
2. CTS
3. Infiniti G35
4. CTS
5. BMW 3 series
6. MB C-class
7. S40 (how?)
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:32:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

* new A4
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:42:30 PM | | Votes: 3

1. a4(new one)
2. c350
3. 335i
4. g35
5. is350
6. cts
7. s40
— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:35:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

None of those cars are "small".
A BMW 1-Series or an Audi A3 would be "small"...
— AgentOrange (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:37:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

your should go with the flow buddy ;) come on make your list up!!!!!
— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:43:37 PM | | Votes: -6

1. Lexus IS
2. Infiniti G35
3. BMW 3-Series
4. Mercedes C-Class
5. Audi A4
6. Cadillac CTS
7. Volvo S40

(I'm going to get de-boosted because I put Lexus first instead of Audi or BMW, just watch)
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:42:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

party pooper!!!!!!!!!!!!j.k.
— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 5:49:48 PM | | Votes: -13

Rosko2, you have no room to talk. The A4 was #1 on your list. Did you know the A4 is a rebadged Volkswagen Passat? I don't know about you, but I would rather have a rebadged Toyota than a rebadged Volkswagen. (By the way, which Toyota is the IS 250/350 rebadged from?)
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:02:01 PM | | Votes: -8

"Did you know the A4 is a rebadged Volkswagen Passat?"

Are you stupid now?

The A4 has nothing to do with any Volkswagen. Why do you think they can't put in the 3.6 V6, but they can in the Passat? The A4 also has real quattro AWD (Torsen differential) because of this, as opposed to the Passat's inferior Haldex (4Motion) system.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:23:33 PM | | Votes: 3

The A4 is in no way related to the VW Passat - the A4 shares little with any VW, bar a couple of engines.

And Lexusis350, we all know Rosko is a fool, but don't respond to his idiotic statement - everyone with a sane mind here knows the Lexus and Infiniti aren't rebadged anythings, but you should know that replying with Audi=rebadged VW won't win you any friends and provides exactly the answer Rosko wants you to give.
Just to clear things up over the Audi-VW link...
A3 - based off the VW Golf. The most related Audi product
TT - shares basic floorplan with VW Golf, but has a completely different frame, suspension, interior and exterior, with different metals and materials (It is 59% by weight Aluminium)
A4 - Unrelated to any VW, bar 3 engines 1.8TFSI, 2.0TFSI, 2.0TDI), of which 2 were Audi developed.
A6 - Same as A4
A8 - Has very little in common with VW Phaeton, ie has aluminium spaceframe, different AWD system, different interior, different engines (No 4.2 TDi for the Phaeton) etc
Q7 - Only shares 17% of parts with the Porsche Cayenne, even fewer with the Touareg
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:46:28 PM | | Votes: -1

Wow, S4. That was uncalled for. Am I stupid now? Ever heard of a thing called netiquette. Just because you love Audi doesn't mean everyone has to. Why can't the A4 be a Volkswagen? You tell me what Toyota the IS is compared to. There isn't one. The closest thing it comes to is the Corolla. They don't even make the Altezza anymore. If the IS is a Toyota, the A4 is a Volkswagen, even if it doesn't resemble a Volkwagen. The IS doesn't resemble a Toyota. I think I make a valid point.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 12:06:04 AM | | Votes: 0

"Just because you love Audi doesn't mean everyone has to. Why can't the A4 be a Volkswagen?"

What are you even talking about?

It's not that the A4 "can't" be a Volkswagen. It's that it ISN'T. I was simply pointing out the facts. Like Rupert said, the A4 is not related to any VW. The only thing it shares with the Passat is the 2.0T engine.

"You tell me what Toyota the IS is compared to. There isn't one."

Exactly! I know that! Read my post! I didn't say a thing about the IS in my post!

"They don't even make the Altezza anymore. If the IS is a Toyota, the A4 is a Volkswagen, even if it doesn't resemble a Volkwagen. The IS doesn't resemble a Toyota. I think I make a valid point."

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING AOBUT? Now you're just rambling. I have NEVER, EVER said the IS is a Toyota. You must be thinking of someone else.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 1:04:28 PM | | Votes: 3

*ABOUT.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 1:04:47 PM | | Votes: 1

"It's not that the A4 "can't" be a Volkswagen. It's that it ISN'T. I was simply pointing out the facts."

You're right. And the IS ISN'T a Toyota. But what I was trying to prove is that if Rosko can call the IS a Toyota, then I can call the A4 a Volkswagen even if there isn't any truth to that statement. There wasn't any truth to his statement either. Basically, I'm giving him a taste of his own medicine. Make sense? And I know you never said the IS was a Toyota. I re-read my post and it was a bit confusing. I understood what I was trying to say, but I can see how others wouldn't.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 2:48:40 PM | | Votes: 3

Alright, now that that's settled...

Only a fool would say that about the IS (or A4).
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 7:23:54 PM | | Votes: 2

1. 3-series
2. CTS
3. C-Class
4. IS
5. S40
6. A4
7. G35 (sorry just doesn't stand out)

This was a really tough list. They are all winners in my book.
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:01:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

No matter how much you tell them Rupert, the ignorant Americans won't accept the truth.
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 9:17:37 PM | | Votes: -2

1. 3 series (Great sport look)
2. Lexus IS (Nice elegent look)
3. Audi A4 (Fresh young look)
3. Infiniti G35 (Slightly better than the next 3)
4. Cadiilac CTS (Same boring look as previous generation)
5. Mercedes C (Old car look)
7. Volvo (How did this enter the looks competition)
— t_sotello (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:19:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

1. New A4
2. CTS
3. IS
4. C-Class
5. G35
6. 3 Series sedan / current A4 (both boring)
7. S40
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:25:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

I was probably de-boosted because of what I said about the 3 Series, right?

Well, I think most here know that I love BMW. I just the E90 design is very boring. It needs an update, and will be getting one soon.

It's also because all of the cars ahead of it are so close in their attractiveness (?). It would be hard for me to put the 3 Series sedan (and B7 A4) any higher.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 10:30:53 PM | | Votes: 0

I got deboosted for liking BMW. Theres no order!
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2008 8:33:42 PM | | Votes: 2

Lexus IS
Audi A4 - 2009
Cadillac CTS
MB C-Class
BMW 3 Series
Infiniti G35
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:25:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

1. Lexus IS
2. Cadillac CTS
3. BMW 3 Series
4. Infiniti G35
5. Audi A4
6. MB C-Class
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 6:28:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12

Slowest in class.
Least powerful, one of the heaviest.
0-60 in 8 seconds...smoking.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:31:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

And could you come back when you're old enough to drive and have independent thought?
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:32:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Dad should be getting something else. If he still wants a Lexus, I would go with GS. Now that car looks fine even though I'm not a lexus fan at all.

IS250 is not the best in class. ANd if you call that "powerful" what else have you driven? Oh..sorry.. You don't have ur license yet.
— Hwany (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:56:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The IS250 looks great but is anemic, the IS350 has the 'power' you speak of.

This is about looks remember, not performance.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 9:43:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Josh: you are an idiot and i want you to drop dead.
— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 2:10:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

hey guys, the thread IS about LOOKS, not performance.

and the IS250 does perform, in the ECO arena. it prob'ly returns the HIGHEST mpg in this class. one happy owner reported he gets mileage comparable to 4-banger camrys, even while cruising at 70 mph.

the IS250 also BETTERS the IS350 (and others) in slalom times.

comes $4-5 a gallon gas, josh and his dad will be laughing at all YOU guys, who worship 0-60 times but are too dense to consider cornering speeds and mpg. (i know, i know, in europe some ALREADY are paying those prices.)
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 5:33:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

1. Audi A4 – new one

2. Mercedes C-Class –Exterior only, the rest of the car is crap

3. Cadillac CTS – Mean looking front-end

4. BMW 3 series – Nice Aggressive look

5. Lexus IS – Looks kinda tall from the rear. Other than that, it’s a nice looking car. What is happening to me?!!?

6. Infiniti G35 – Doesn’t do anything for me.

7. Volvo S40 – College girl car

Somebody please tally up the results!
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:03:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

who cares anout what your dad drives or thinks?
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:48:43 PM | | Votes: 7

your dad drives a IS250 because he's not succesful.
— Hwany (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:58:24 PM | | Votes: 7

*about
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 8:00:59 PM | | Votes: -2

JoshLexus4Ever- thats 2 posts from you and both are about your daddy, its time to let go and have your own thoughts. Does daddy pick your girlfriends too?

Also the A4 is not a rebadged anything, its its own platform, nice try,maybe ask daddy next time about that before you post false info. -

p.s-my daddy told me to write this.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 8:34:51 PM | | Votes: 9

I could've bought my daughter an IS250...

But to say someone is successful because they're buying one for THEMSELF...

He probably has it on a two-year lease, no?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 10:28:03 PM | | Votes: -1

1. BMW 3-Series - the best
2. Audi A4 - great but too similar to old one
3. Lexus IS - nice, but a bit too small
4. Caddy CTS - sharp
5. Infiniti G35 - a step back from the old G35
6. MB C-Class - somehow it looks cheap to me
7. Volvo S40 (this one doesn't even belong here)

— wac77 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:19:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

Apparently nobody agrees with anybody
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:19:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

guys, the thread IS about LOOKS, not performance.

and the IS250 does INDEED perform, in the ECO arena. it prob'ly returns the HIGHEST mpg in this class. one happy owner reported he gets mileage comparable to 4-banger camrys, even while cruising at 70 mph.

the IS250 also BETTERS the IS350 (and others) in slalom times.

comes $4-5 a gallon gas, josh and his dad will be laughing at all YOU guys, who worship 0-60 times but are too dense to consider CORNERING SPEEDS and MPG.

on a cost per mile basis, i wouldn't be surprised if the IS250 OUTPERFORMS everything else on the list.

and it likely will NOT be any slower in any pt A to pt B run. how much time do you spend ACCELERATING vs. cruising at a steady speed? how much speed do you dump for curves of varying radii? considering these factors, i doubt if the IS250 has much --if ANY-- disadvantage.

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/6/2008 5:44:53 AM | | Votes: -1

JoshLexus,

What is your dad teaching you? Telling that IS250 is the most powerful and refined car in it's class? haah
— Hwany (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 7:57:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Roskco, give it up. We all know you're a 12 year old boy who only hears what his daddy has to say about Lexus because Lexus threatened your German fanboy daddy. if you've ever driven an IS, even if you've ever sat in one, you're opinion would change. They're an incredible work of art.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 12:29:04 AM | | Votes: -2

Soley on Exterior looks ( No performance, no interior, no realiability, Just my opinion:)

MB C - class

Cadillac CTS

Audi A4

Lexus IS

BMW 3 Series

Infiniti G35
— Hwany (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 8:11:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Despite some idiotic owners and wannabes like Josh, I actually like their styling. From the old IS, the current one is a huge leap forward.
— Hwany (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 10:42:10 PM | | Votes: 1

CTS
— drew630 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 8:43:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

1. BMW 3-Series
2. Cadlllac CTS
3. Audi A4
4. Mercedes C-Class
5. Infiniti G35
6. Lexus IS
7. Volvo S40

— Chip (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 9:53:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

If we're talking about the as yet unreleased in the USA 2009 A4, then that would tie the BMW for 1st place
— Chip (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 9:56:27 PM | | Votes: 2

That's more like it, Chip...

(-;
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 10:29:08 PM | | Votes: -3

BMW 3-Series: not the most fashionable design, but its the beginning of all these new design languages.etc. the cutting of the surface; connection/ disconnection of the curves....

Cadlllac CTS: cool and very powerful cuts, not exactly a small premium sedan... ...

Mercedes C-Class: there are some really sporty element s in its design language. but somehow, looks a bit old still. especially the rear.

Audi A4: the latest design, the car is a bit too big and it doesn't have the visual impact of S5 or even an A5. the body of the car is disproportional to the front.

Infiniti G35:a bit too curly to me.

Lexus IS-Series: some details of this car are 30% smaller than what it suppose to be. and only few years since released, already feel really old, at least to me.

Volvo S40: no comments
— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 2/2/2008 11:56:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

"Audi A4: the latest design, the car is a bit too big and it doesn't have the visual impact of S5 or even an A5."

How could it? The A5 and S5 are coupes. They are built for style. This also applies to the G35/G37 and BMW E90/E92.

"Infiniti G35:a bit too curly to me"

LOL, what?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 1:07:51 PM | | Votes: 1

1. Cadlllac CTS
2. Infiniti G35
3. Lexus IS-Series
4. BMW 3-Series
5. Mercedes C-Class
6. Audi A4
7. Volvo S40
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 12:30:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

1) Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 (tied)
2) Cadillac CTS, Audi (tied)
3) Audi A4

10000) Bm W 3 -serious (last place)
— Homer008 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 12:36:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Actually '4' comes after '10000'.
— Kinger (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2008 8:08:35 AM | | Votes: 1

I think the new A4 will look great (haven't seen it yet in the flesh) The Lexus IS looks very good, so does the C class. I hven't seen the CTS yet (or haven't noticed it yet) to say much. The 3 series for sure is not the styling leader. It isn't terrible, but nothing amazing.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 1:18:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

BEST A4 G35 C350

MIDDLE 335i CTS

BOTTOM IS S40
— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 2:15:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Just saw the CTS the other day on the road. Up until now i was a bit skeptic of the design, i thought that press was just being kind to GM to help it out in it's so far less than successful luxury division. But was i in for a shock. The car is magnificent, better than anything in the segment, and even much better than my previous favourite in the segment the G35. This car is just awesome cool.

My list:
CTS
G35
IS
3 Series
A4
S40
— farabira1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 4:11:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

My List(based only on Exterior looks).

1. Lexus IS Series
2. BMW 3 Series
3. Infiniti G35
4. Mercedes C Class
5. Cadillac CTS
6. Audi A4
7. Volvo S40

also add Acura TL. That would be somehere in between for me.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 4:38:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

1. c-class
2. g35
3. a4
4. is
5. 3
6. cts
7. s40
— bmur (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 5:41:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

The NEW A4 w/ the sport package is beautiful, both inside and out. And the LED lights are pretty neat too. Saw them on a S6 recently, I was surprised how bright they were in daylight.
— israr316 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 6:55:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

i ve seen A5 and S5 on the street, i was surprised with the brightness as well. but i cant stopping feeling that they are actually a bit too bright. they take too much attention from other drivers.(me)
— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 8:57:23 AM | | Votes: 0

Why wasn't the Acura TL included in this comparison? And why did most of the ones that didn't have the bmw (with its plain interior) in the top 3 get deboosted? This site is so biased that it loses credibility.
— Blakura (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 11:17:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

The volvo S40 should not be part of that list.
The S40 is more in the A3 and MB B-class market segment.

The S60 is intended to compete with the 3er, c-class, a4...
— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 11:22:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Bud sadly, the S60 would also be at the bottoms of all of our lists. Volvo needs to step it up in the design department--we've seen what they can do with the C70 and C30, now how about the sedans?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 1:10:25 PM | | Votes: -1

Sedans
Cadillac CTS
Infiniti G35
Audi A4
BMW 3-Series
tie- Lexus IS
tie- Mercedes-Benz C350
Volvo S40

Coupes - I know, this wasnt the ? but I am adding it!
Cadillac CTS Concept
BMW 3-Series
Infiniti G35
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 11:51:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Last night while going home(on the 5N and the 91, california) at aroudn 3.00am I had the oportunity to see a C63 amg with michigan plates, and the onle thing that I can say is that it was gourgeous, it was black on black, and the side vents made it look really mean, i had the chance to ride along for about 5 minutes, it was only him and I on the freeway so i had the chance to see every angle ,I think the M3 sedan is not going to be a match for the C63, I fell in love, i took some pics but since it was rainy and i was so exited they didnt come out nice, only one but it is one of the wheels....
— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 12:20:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

click on my name I'll put them anyways
— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 12:21:24 PM | | Votes: -1

Oh, I don't know, the M3 sedan with DSG will be something else...
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 1:11:36 PM | | Votes: 0

true on the tranny but on the body style, you got to admit that the C63 looks like a killer
— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 1:26:02 PM | | Votes: -1

They both look stunning. I actually prefer the looks of the M3 coupe over both, but I'm not sure about the sedans because I haven't seen either of them yet.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 7:26:40 PM | | Votes: 1

THE BEST-EVER LOOKING/PERFORMING SEDAN HAS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE AKA BMW 3 SERIES.
THERE ARE NO SUBSTITUTES!!!!!!!
— razzy23 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 3:47:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Notice a recurring theme of those who placed the G35 first?.....they put the 3er last. I find the hatred amongst G35 fans for the class standard pretty amusing.

The new CTS is a sharp looking vehicle, so is the 09 A4.

— kablaam (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 3:55:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I totally agree with the above post. its a NISSAN boys!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
— razzy23 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 4:04:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Morris Minor (1964) slames em all
— sailnfl (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 4:20:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

1. CTS = bad azz grill, very sharp sedan
2. A4 - looking better, better every model, love those headlights
3. 3 series - still sexy
4. IS - the baby GS, still sexy
5. C-class - without AMG this car should be next to volo, not as sexy as its big brothers
6. G35 - never liked the sedan/the coupe will be #1 in my book
7. S40 - never heard of this car, lol Acura TL/Saab where are they?
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 4:44:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

BMW 3-SERIES
MBZ C-CLASS
AUDI A4
CADILLAC-CTS
VOLVO-S40
I GUESS IS AND G35
— KEVINBSL500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 6:04:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

1. Lexus IS
2. Audi A4
3. Cadillac CTS
4. Mercedes C class
5. Infiniti G35
6. Bmw 3 series (hideos boring design, front ok, rear ugly)
7. Volvo S40
— DD0007 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 6:13:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Nissan Maxima(in placement of the volvo)
infiniti G35
CTS
C-CLASS
A4
3
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 7:25:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

a4 - understated yet elegant
c class - except for the bland rear
3 series - the coupes, not the sedan
is
cts
— zyrl (View Profile)

Posted on 2/3/2008 11:00:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

1. 3 series-perfectly proportioned, perfect sport/luxury mix
2 (tie) A4-typical Audi, understated but sporty and timeless, CTS-bold, fresh and head turning
3. G35-interesting, is the best word I can use for it
4. S40-excellent design, esp. for Volvo
5. IS-compared to the first, it's a masterpiece; compared to the competition, nothing special
6. C-class-7 years, and this was the best they could manage? Better luck next redesign
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 5:44:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

^ Will 009 delete this innapropriate comment? Of course not.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 9:45:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

1. G35
2. BMW
3. IS
4. The rest!
— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 10:55:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

why cant you just post apoll so people can vote?
— 2ndbimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 12:42:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Here's my list.

1. New (B9) Audi A4
2. Cadillac CTS
3. Infiniti G35
4. Lincoln MKZ
5. Current (B8) Audi A4
6. Mercedes C-class
7. BMW 3-series
8. Lexus IS
9. Saab 9.3
10. Volvo S40
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 1:03:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

So you think a Lincoln MKZ looks better than a 335i Sport? Seriously?

Some people just dont get it?
— Chip (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 3:22:51 PM | | Votes: 6

The Lincoln MKZ and Saab 9-3 aren't even on this list.

And honestly, you think the Lincoln (an unabashedly re-badged Ford Fusion) looks better than the BMW? Is that a joke? You can actually see that it has the same side profile of its Ford cousin.

One more thing... the new A4 is the B8. The current model is the B7.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 7:29:50 PM | | Votes: 2

I don't think that we were limited to the vehicles on 001's list. Another blogger also listed a vehicle not on the original list.

As for getting the model designation wrong on the new A4 .... sorry, my bad.

As for the MKZ, I know it is based on the Ford Fusion platform, but it is not a clone of the Fusion. (More powerful engine, more sound deadening, slightly different steering and suspension calibration, different grille, different interior, etc.) Besides, I still like the looks of the MKZ.

Even though I listed them in descending order or preference, I could live with the looks of any of the top eight vehicles. The only vehicles on my list that I actually disliked were the Saab and Volvo. (I didn't like the Acura TL, either, but I didn't want to make the list any longer than it was.)
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2008 10:37:49 PM | | Votes: 0

My List:

1. Cadlllac CTS
2. Infiniti G35
3. Audi A4
4. Lexus IS-Series
5. BMW 3-Series
6. Mercedes C-Class
7. Volvo S40
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 1:21:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

1. Cadlllac CTS
2. Lexus IS-Series
3. Infiniti G35
4. Audi A4
5. BMW 3-Series
6. Mercedes C-Class
7. Volvo S40

Get smart, use some technology to create an auto-talley voting button scheme for questions like this. :)
— klipprand (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 2:05:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Anyone here that doesn't rank the CTS in the top 3 for looks is either blind, stupid, or a liar.
— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 2:13:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

1.A4(09)
2.G35
3.CTS
4.IS350
5.3 series
6.TL
7.C class
8.9.3
9.S40
10.MKZ
— lajohn24 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 4:18:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Am I the only one who's noticing that everyone---EVERYONE---who made a list is de-boosted?

We can't agree on anything, can we?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/4/2008 7:31:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

1- G35 (One of the main reasons why I drive one!)
2- CTS (Huge improvement over the 1st. gen!)
3- 3-Series (Very good looks, as usual...)
4- IS (good looks, though a little too feminine for me)
5- C-Class (Improvement over last gen, but ahh.. )
6- S40 (OK looks...)
7- A4 (don't like too much)
— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2008 10:48:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

1. IS
2. CTS (most-improved in this category)
3. 3-series
4. C-class
5. A4
6. G35 (I don't get the appeal of this one)
7. S40 (cheap, cheap)
— djasondds (View Profile)

Posted on 2/5/2008 2:13:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Count my vote for the Audi A4. I'd have put it on the Mercedes C-class, but only on the previous model. The C no longer appeals to me now that it has adopted Asian styling queues.
— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2008 4:25:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It's always easier to describe what you don't like than what you like.

The CTS has faddish styling that will be dated in a few years. Part of it is that Cadillac does not have the design continuity that the other makes mentioned have.

When I first saw the 'Art & Science' design theme (that's what Cadillac called it, I still don't know what they mean by that) I thought hmmm, Subaru XTC updated. And nobody in his right mind thought the XTC looked nice back then. It still doesn't and neither does any of the current Cadillacs.
— tundraboy (View Profile)

Posted on 2/7/2008 6:39:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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