Jordanski
Jordanski
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Tags: Acura TSX, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS, Mercedes C Class

Tag Links: Acura TSX, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS, Mercedes C Class

The Fight Is On! The entry level luxury sedan segment is growing!
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.
The Fight Is On! The entry level luxury sedan segment is growing!



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tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/21/2008 11:48:04 PM
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Was this an english essay written by a high school freshman? Surely it wasn't meant to be taken seriously.

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JordanskiJordanski - 3/22/2008 12:33:16 AM
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GTR35GTR35 - 3/24/2008 11:53:29 AMView My AgentSpace
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Hey give the kid a break. You're learning kid, but actually this segment is the same as it was four years ago so it's not really growing. You missed the Acura TL son.


ChipChip - 3/22/2008 12:11:07 AM
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I started laughing out loud by the third paragraph.....

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1995e341995e34 - 3/22/2008 12:24:46 AM
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great article. very insightful.

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BlakuraBlakura - 3/22/2008 1:34:30 AM
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This article was a little off base. Some like to compare the CTS to the BMW 5, and I'm pretty sure the TSX competes with the Volvo S40, and Saab 9-3, Lincoln MKZ, and maybe the Lexus IS250, but the TL competes in the class of cars in this "article," for Acura not the TSX. Someone's going a little far with the 1st amendment.

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JordanskiJordanski - 3/22/2008 2:24:56 AM
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I've considred the TSX in this article because the Audi A4, and Lexus IS250 also offer 4 cylinder engines.

I have failed to include the Volvo S40, Saab 9-3, and Lincoln MKZ in this article due to low volume sales and lack of intrest.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/22/2008 8:23:40 AM
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I'm afraid the A4 is a turbo 4-cylinder and the IS250 is a V6.


AudiphileAudiphile - 3/22/2008 12:16:25 PM
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JRob, Jordanski was referring to the 2009 Audi A4, not the 2008 model. At least initially, in America the Audi will be available with only a V6 engine.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/22/2008 12:25:49 PM
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then he's wrong all the way around, because I was talking about the 2008 A4 and he said he included the TSX because the A4 and Lexus IS250 are available as 4-cylinders. I pointed out that the 4-cylinder A4 is a turbo 4-cylinder that competes quite well against 6-cylinder competitors, and the IS250 isn't a 4-cylinder at all but a V6.


JordanskiJordanski - 3/22/2008 1:39:45 PM
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Isn't Audi featuring the same 1.8L I4 from it's '08 model in it's '09 model?


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/22/2008 4:56:31 PM
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"I've considred the TSX in this article because the Audi A4, and Lexus IS250 also offer 4 cylinder engines.
I have failed to include the Volvo S40, Saab 9-3, and Lincoln MKZ in this article due to low volume sales and lack of intrest."

No, you have failed (miserably) because youre pulling factpinions out of your rear and clearly dont know what youre talking about. As others have stated, the is250 is NOT a 4 cylinder; saying so makes you look completely clueless. And as for your last factpinion about the mkz, keep in mind that it's award-winning and outsells the tsx; if that's 'low volume' and 'lack of interest' then that applies to the tsx as well.


MonkMonk - 3/22/2008 2:07:16 AMView My AgentSpace
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First of all, the C is a fine car. However, I don't think you could say its "engine" is performance-oriented, at least not until the new 3.5 liter 300+ hp engine comes out next year. Also, if you want "superb fuel efficiency," you would get a Smart Car or Toyota Prius - these sport sedans certainly can't get such "superb" mileage.
I partly agree with you on your choice of the Infiniti G35 as a viable, worthy sport sedan. However, I cannot understand how you state (presumptively) that better 335i seems like a chick "show" car. This is certainly not the case - all of the motoring tests have shown this. Really, is its merits ONLY on design.
The CTS has good performance, but is no match for a G35 or 335i.

I feel you mainly base your opinions/views on the "design" aspect, failing to acknowledge an equally important area - driving experience and pleasure. And as Blakura said, you're stretching yourself a bit far.
No buyer will strictly base his/her choice on design alone. It's the whole of the car that makes sparks fly.

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JordanskiJordanski - 3/22/2008 2:20:45 AM
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When I state that a vehicle has superb fuel efficieny, I am basing my opinions of the vehicle class. Yes the milage of a Mercedes C-Class is no where close to that of a Toyota Prius, but it still is leading in its class.

The reason i've said the 3 Series has been chosen for its styling is because there are so many competitors in its segment which offer similar or better specs. Many people have said that the 3 Series has great driving dynamics, but so do the Cadillac CTS and the Infiniti G35 which have been recently updated.


WillisWillis - 3/22/2008 4:07:30 AM
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Monk,

Any realistic human being will tell you that the horsepower output and performance of the C300 and C350 are more than adequate. How much does the average person need? Moreover, how much does the average luxury consumer need? Horsepower in this niche is also about bragging rights but most owners will never fully exploit their cars performance. Marketing and car magazines don't help either with their unhealthy focus on horsepower, as if that's all that matters.

The powerful V6 Cadillac CTS is actually slower than the C350 despite having more horsepower. Should we say then, because the CTS has more horsepower than a C350 that the CTS is "performance oriented"? I don't think so. Performance depends on many things. Weight, tires, gear ratios, engine response etc.

I own a W203 C230 V6 C class and I've been toying with the idea of upgrading to a W204 C300. The performance of this model is perfectly adequate for my needs. In fact I find driving my C230 to be a blast.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/22/2008 4:49:27 PM
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"Yes the milage of a Mercedes C-Class is no where close to that of a Toyota Prius, but it still is leading in its class."

Once again you show you dont know what youre talking about. The c class's mileage is right in line with the rwd class, but by no means leading it. The 3 beats it on the highway, and the is2 beats it city AND highway. It takes all of 5 minutes to look stuff up before posting; you should try it.


DW1968DW1968 - 3/22/2008 2:09:05 AM
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A high school freshman who failed English.

It is up to the reader to decide the best way to interpret this article which suits him/her best.

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JordanskiJordanski - 3/22/2008 2:33:07 AM
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Yes DW1968, it is up to the reader to deicde the best way to interpret this article which suits him/her best: that is why i'm stating my opinion in the article above, to receive feedback from those who agree and disagree with my opinion.


JaybrnJaybrn - 3/22/2008 2:44:48 AM
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Specs and objective data are one thing, but most automotive journalists still consider the BMW 3 series as the definitive sport sedan, not taking away anything from Cadillac, Infiniti, etc. Given that BMW's flame edge style has been controversial, Id say performance and prestige leads over appearance. Plus they lease well with decent residuals.


jpnussjpnuss - 3/22/2008 3:39:54 AM
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"The entry level luxury sedan segment is growing!"
What is growing? The number of models? (no, all these models have been on the market for a long time). Sales in this segment? (so give sales numbers)

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WillisWillis - 3/22/2008 4:01:33 AM
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Can we stop giving this guy a hard time? The grammar might not be 100% correct but at least he took the time to formulate his opinions and write up this article. I also think he has several good points by the way. All this bashing is just because some fanboys happen to disagree with him.

Good job, Jordanski.

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sholemonsholemon - 3/22/2008 6:39:42 AMView My AgentSpace
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maikoazumaikoazu - 3/22/2008 8:32:31 AM
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D+
no research/data

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rumnycrumnyc - 3/22/2008 9:25:30 AM
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...thats ten minutes of my life i will never get back...

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zorbeezezorbeeze - 3/23/2008 11:10:03 AM
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You should have stopped after 2 minutes.
Now go jump off a cliff.

Seriously, unbiased individual are among the extremely low minority here.


M53RM53R - 3/22/2008 9:43:26 AMView My AgentSpace
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Sorry, but the 3er remains the benchmark in this class.

Source: Every single car magazine/website.

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ChipChip - 3/22/2008 6:39:06 PM
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Spellchecker, you obviously dont pay much attention.

EVERYONE in this segment tries to catch up to the 3-series. And everytime someone comes close, BMW pulls another rabbit out of its hat, and remains king.

Even Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear (who dislikes most BMW's) has admitted that.

His quote:

"Theyre all great cars, but they're all copies of the BMW nonetheless"


M53RM53R - 3/23/2008 3:25:38 AMView My AgentSpace
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Well havent you noticed every single new compact sedan is trying to get sportier? Just look at the sales of 3er and you'll understand. You sound like a crying baby bragging about the cars you've driven...


zorbeezezorbeeze - 3/23/2008 11:12:44 AM
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"Sorry, but the 3er remains the benchmark in this class."

Sorry to burst your bubble but it no longer is.


M53RM53R - 3/23/2008 12:21:48 PMView My AgentSpace
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Are you telling me a fully loaded 3 series doesnt stand a chance in luxury/comfort against the C class?


ChipChip - 3/23/2008 1:56:02 PM
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Spellchecker, you might be the biggest moron on this site.

The BMW 3-series is the masterpiece that it is because of the fact that its so sporty yet also very comfortable and luxurious at the same time. The C-class is a nice car, but not great. The 335i is beyond great. It out performs cars costing twice as much and is full of luxury and comfort. The comments you are making suggest that you have never driven, let alone sat in a BMW. Saying it has an easy formula to figure out is a joke, because everyone would of done that by now if it was possible. Its not, hence BMW magic.

Oh Yeah, BMW engines aren't just good. They're fantastic. And its not just magazines who love the 3. Look at their sales worldwide. You think all those people (including myself) would buy a car thats not comfortable? You're a total idiot.




tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/24/2008 6:32:45 AM
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I think some of you in this portion are in denial. The 3 is THE car to beat in the entry level class, like it or not.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/24/2008 6:08:02 PM
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Maybe you need to look up the word fact before you use it. Perhaps it's a fact that the seats caused YOU discomfort but that doesnt mean theyre going to cause EVERYONE discomfort. Those of us who arent knocking at the door of middle age years can drive or ride cross country in a 3 and arrive just as fresh as when we left; I know, I've done it twice.

You say chip is sounding like a fanboy, but youre sounding like a hater, which is just as bad. There's nothing wrong with him being enthusiastic about the 3, since there are dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens of people who'll back up that claim that it's the best and the BENCHMARK.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 3/24/2008 6:20:51 PM
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And just to back this up with a little more subjective data from comparisons, chew on this:
Edmunds sports sedan comparo data ranking....
Overall Comfort, 1st-CTS, 2nd, 335i, last, is350
Ride Comfort, 1st-335i, last, c350
Road noise, 1st-335i (4 way tie)
Front seat comfort/space/access, 1st-335i, last, is350
Driving position, 1st-335i, last-is350

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123235/pageId=132209


Now, what does that prove? That the 3 is more than just handling and power, it offers COMFORT as well.








adamsaf723adamsaf723 - 3/22/2008 10:41:18 AM
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This person obviously hasn't driven any of these vehicles.

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VISOVISO - 3/22/2008 3:00:26 PM
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The new A4 will change everything.

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SwissNativeSwissNative - 3/24/2008 12:19:09 AM
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I have driven almost every car in this discussion being a driver for various car manufactures, but own a 2007 VW Passat because of value, class, gas mileage and perormance not to mention style for the money. Best right now overall in my opinion by far or I would probably be driving a 3 series for my second pick.

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WhelanWhelan - 3/24/2008 10:31:02 AM
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I'm a little lost as to how all of these fall into the same class. The Infiniti, Lexus, Audi, BMW, MB are in one, with Cadillac and it's new lineup really making a move to join them and will by the end of this year.

For me though Acura is not really up to the par of BMW, MB, Infiniti, or the others. The hp department is severely lacking. The G35 and IS have almost another 100hp compared to the TSX 215hp 4cyl. The only engine, nothing optional here. They compete more in power with the TL, but the TL competes more with the GS, E, 5, etc. in terms of space, but even that is lacking in hp comparing the cars.

Acura has yet to establish itself with this new lineup, falling behind in a lot of categories. I know they have more mpg in their cars with less hp. But I think many of the people who buy these cars are not too concerned with mpg over the hp and other features they get.

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SingletrackerSingletracker - 3/25/2008 9:25:44 AM
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How do you get "...excessive use of quality materials..."? This guy just read a bunch of random reviews by real, bona fide, auto reviewers and cobbled together a collection of other people's opinions claiming them as his own. I believe this is called plagiarism. I know, Jordanski, it's a big word with a difficult meaning. Like "excessive"...

My favourite though is "...elegant yet sporty designs, but are not too radical..." What does that mean exactly? To call anything by Chris Bangle "...not too radical..." is a stretch but to bundle it with an Acura (can you say "beige"?) is beyond the pale.

It is helpful when copying someone else's work to also look at their reference material, particularly if you plan to jumble together disparate views into one.

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wistarwistar - 4/8/2008 6:59:17 PM
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What drivel... This grossly superficial "essay" doesn't do justice to any of the cars mentioned, in particular the 3 series, which are arguably less stylish than some of the others, but which are indisputably the best of the bunch dynamically and probably among the best in comfort.

I know because I've test driven each one of these cars (except the Caddy) several times each over the course of a year in my own quest for a car that's worthy of my hard-earned money.

Now, I don't want to trash any of these worthy cars, so I'll just say that in my humble opinion the BMW 335i was the most fun to drive, had the best engine, sounded the best when pushed, was the quietest overall, smoothest riding, had the best seats, nicest steering wheel, best brake feel, best driver position and visibility and overall most intuitive controls (pedals, stalks, shifter, etc.) which fell immediately to-hand. The 335i immediately feelt like an extension of my own limbs! Scary.

And I'm no BMW weenie. In fact, I don't own a BMW and don't have any plans to (decided to put that money towards an MBA degree instead). But until I test drove the 335i, I had expressly avoided BMW's because I have always recoiled at the idea of buying something because of the "badge". But NOW... now I know that there's a lot more to it than just a badge. My hats off to BMW. They've created a masterpiece.

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