31 Votes

Which car manufacturer is top dog in the luxury vehicle segment?

Tonee submitted on 8/16/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:44:58 AM

45 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: www.autospies.com

Every luxury manufacturer is always coming up with a way to top their fellow competitors in the interior wars.

New technologies and more standard equipment are becoming something of the norm. So the question is which luxury nameplate reigns as king in their respective segments? Among these luxury nameplates would be the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, & Volvo.

It comes down to the Near-Luxury vehicles such as Audi A4 & Cadillac CTS. The ever-so-pleasing Mid-Luxury vehicles such as Jaguar XF & BMW 5-Series. Last but not least the one segment we all wish we could actually afford the Premium Luxury vehicles including the Lexus LS & Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Ladies and gentleman let the games begin. Choose the Top 5 in each category. Feel free to include 2009 models as well.

Nominees:
Near-Luxury - Acura TSX/TL; Audi A4; BMW 3-Series; Cadillac CTS; Infiniti G; Lexus IS/ES; Lincoln MKZ; Mercedes-Benz C-Class; Volvo S40/S60

Mid-Luxury - Acura RL; Audi A6; BMW 5-Series; Cadillac STS; Infiniti M; Jaguar XF; Lexus GS; Lincoln MKS; Mercedes-Benz E-Class; Volvo S80

Premium Luxury - Audi A8; BMW 7-Series; Jaguar XJ; Lexus LS; Mercedes-Benz S-Class

About the Author

— Tonee (View Profile)

User Comments

Near Luxurgy: BMW 3 Series (more high end options and
still the benchmark.)

Mid Luxury : Tie between BMW 5 series and Jaguar XF

Premium Lux : 2009 BMW 7 series the new king of the
this segement. Handling, Technology,
a unique look that sets it apart from
the rest of the crowd. Interior is by
far the best, followed only by Audi A8
which has always been top notch with
their interiors.

— QuantumMatrix (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 9:38:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

MT:

the are no IFs, ANDs or BUTs about it...you're just an asshole.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 12:14:31 PM | | Votes: 2

I generally don't agree with MichaelMoron but I think he has a slight point in his post above. Who claims that the BMW 3er is the "benchmark"? This was something that sports-biased magazines like EVO, Car and Driver and perhaps 5th Gear would claim. A magazine with editor more focused on luxury and comfort might actually prefer the Mercedes C class, Lexus IS and Jaguar X-Type for example. I've driven the BMW 3-Series and it is a fantastic car, but the comfort is terrible (sorry BMW fans) for long distance driving as the seats were too hard and thin and the suspension too noisy and hard when the roads were bumpy. Clearly it is designed for sporty driving and the target market will know that.

To me, the best car in this class is what the customer prefers. Personal needs and wants determine the best car in this class, not magazines in my honest opinion.
— Wimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 12:23:18 PM | | Votes: -4

Handling isn't the only thing that it does well. It's been the benchmark in its class for how long now? By the way aside from it's handling capabilities the ride comfort for even the base 328i model is very comfortable. On top of that road noise is very minimal, surprising for a car in that price range.

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 6:34:06 PM | | Votes: 2

Well the BMW 3series can stay at the top of the near "Luxurgy" what ever category that is

MY honest picks would be;
Small sedans Coupes I guess would go by
1. Infiniti G35 Price but hands down king
2. BMW 3series there would be MBenz CL
3. Audia4
4. Mbenz C class
5. Lexus IS

Midsize Sedans
1. Jaguar XF
2. Infiniti M
3. BMW 5series
4. MBenz E class
5. Audi A6

Large Sedans
1. MBenz S class
2. BMW 7 series
3. Maserati Quad
4. Audi A8
5. Lexus LS
— 350zdon17 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 9:56:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12

That is about how my list would go also.
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 10:03:30 AM | | Votes: -9

Near-Luxury (Sedans)-
(1) Infiniti G35(2008)/G37(2009)
(2) BMW 335i(2009)
(3) Mercedes-Benz C350
(4) Lexus IS350
(5) Audi A4 3.2 Quattro(2009)
(6) Acura TL SH-AWD(2009)

Mid-Luxury -
(1) BMW 535i
(2) Jaguar XF
(3) Mercedes-Benz E350
(4) Infiniti - M35
(5) Lexus GS350
(6) Audi A6 3.2 Quattro
(7) Acura RL

Premium Luxury -
Mercedes-Benz S550
BMW (F01/F02) 750Li(2009)
Audi A8L
— BimmerGuyFL78 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:32:00 PM | | Votes: -4

Near Luxury-Infiniti G
Mid Luxury-Jaguar XF
Premium-Mercedes S Class
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 10:09:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

All of the cars you mentioned are excellent. Here are my personal choices:

Near Luxury - Cadillac CTS (The BMW is the benchmark, but i am taken by the Cadillac's larger package and sharp style.)

Mid Luxury - Jaguar XF / BMW 5 series

Premium - Audi S8 (Until the new 7 comes out)
— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 10:40:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

near: 3-series
mid: 5-series, E-class
premium: S-class
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 12:13:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

This topic was designed to start another 100 comment flame war. All brands here offer enough luxury to keep their loyal customers happy and satisfied and attract potentially new ones.
— Wimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 12:19:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

yeh, that is the first thing I thought, a post to get people arguing to get hits.
— tkindred (View Profile)

Posted on 8/17/2008 12:40:20 PM | | Votes: 1

This is such a subjective question with all the biases but here the fact:

Best selling luxury brand = Lexus

Not only that but according to J.D. Power

Highest in Sales Satisfaction = Lexus

The wallets have decided, the end. :)
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 12:47:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -13

auto001 your stupidity never ceases to amaze me.
— QuantumMatrix (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:00:45 PM | | Votes: 4

Why deny the fact that Lexus is #1 luxury in NA?
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:14:59 PM | | Votes: -12

What is the least bit stupid about the facts?
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 5:22:16 PM | | Votes: -2

lexus is the leader in one market: the US. it's not a player on the global stage where both bmw and mercedes outsell lexus by 4x.

also, lexus is top of the US near luxury market. not the middle and high end by a long shot. in the middle and high end, bmw and mercedes dominate in the US as in the rest of the world.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/17/2008 3:44:40 PM | | Votes: 4

1. Audi B8 A4, Clearly
C-class

2. Audi A6
E-class

3. A8, clearly
S-class, a beautiful car, but no comparison to the Audi

The 7 series looks like shit. Why would I ever buy a Toyota...I mean lexus. Same with Infiniti. Japanese crap.

BMW does not set the bench mark, it provides a pseudolux vehicle for people who want to be noticed as if they have something to prove.
— AudiNewEngland (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 1:19:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -15

So you won't buy a Toyota...err Lexus, but you have no problem with a Volkswagen...err Audi. That's quite sad.

My picks:

Near Luxury:
1. Audi A4.
2. BMW 3 Series.
3. Mercedes C Class.

Mid-Luxury:
1. Jaguar XF
2. BMW 5 Series
3. Lexus GS

Premium Luxury:
1. Mercedes S Class. Simply a stunningly perfect execution of the class.
2. Lexus LS. While it may lack the design of the Mercedes, it is truly Lexus' best vehicle, and easily one of the best in the class.
3. BMW 7 Series. The current one is still a looker in my opinion, and while the new one seems to take cues from the LS, definitely enhances them in a much more attractive package.

I think some of you are simply way too loyal to your brands.

Lexus is a great brand, however I really wish they'd step it up when it comes to design. The GS is really the only one of their vehicles that makes me turn my head. The LS/ES/IS are far to unoffensive, and merely blend in with regular sedans. I'm really hoping that their redesigns initiate a design language that stays with Lexus for more than 5 years, and is not an imitation of another brand. I love how Audi, Mercedes, Cadillac, and BMW distinguish their cars from everyone else's. You can tell a BMW is a BMW, even if you've never seen one before. That is something Lexus truly needs to learn.
In addition, having both the ES/GS is a little ridiculous. I'd like the GS take on a more CLS/4doorcoupe design, in order for it to distinguish itself from the ES (Which needs to distinguish itself from the Camry).
I really love Audi, and I love the uniformity of their entire line-up, however, I feel that their execution of their grill on each car makes it harder for the cars to stand out. I'll be honest, from a head on view, I find it difficult to distinguish an A4/A6.

Mercedes and BMW, there is truly nothing to say. They represent excellence in every vehicle. Jaguar too is on the rise back to such an echelon. Lexus has a little more work to do before they can truly be called rivals to MB/BMW/Audi.
— Patriots7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/17/2008 2:25:36 PM | | Votes: -2

near:
Infiniti G
BMW 3
Audi 4
Mercedes C
Lexus IS or CTS

mid:
Jaguar XF
Infiniti M
BMW 5

Premium:
Mercedes S
Audi A8
LS
7 series
— superchicagoman11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 1:27:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Who claims that the BMW 3er is the "benchmark"?...

Don't you know? along with their mantra "Ultimate driving machine" it's the creation of BMW marketing, all part of the aggressive marketing campaign in the last 25yrs, and it worked!

Do not underestimate the power of the dark side :)
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:03:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

Again, another stupid comment from a flamer..

Who coined the term " The endless pursuit of perfection"? Could it be, let's see: LEXUS

Again, the creation of Toyota marketing to sell a much more expensive version, though basically identical, of the Avalon..

Never underestimate the power of the dark side..

Never underestimate the power of the darkside!
— QuantumMatrix (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:33:25 PM | | Votes: 3

Lexus does not have a phrase "the endless pursuit of perfection". Sorry to burst your bubble.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 5:23:46 PM | | Votes: -4

BTW- Lexus really does RELENTLESSLY/PASSIONATELY pursue perfection. Their interpretation of perfection may differ from yours, but trust me- they are driven.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 5:29:14 PM | | Votes: -6

Near-Luxury -
Infiniti G
BMW 3
MB C/Lexus IS - Tie
audi A4
Caddy CTS
Acura TSX/TL;

Mid-Luxury -
Jaguar XF
BMW 5-Series
Mercedes-Benz E-Class/Audi A6 - Tie
Infiniti M
Lexus GS

Premium Luxury -
Maserati Q
Jaguar XJ;
The others...
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:18:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

crazy that I got Deboosted so much when almost everyone has same exact picks and order as I do besides the few idiots who just bash manufactures and over rate their favorites...oh well I said they were my prefered in those classes
— 350zdon17 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:37:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Could it be I said the MBenz is the King of Coupes right now....lol
— 350zdon17 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 2:38:54 PM | | Votes: 0

It's called "Entry-Level" not "Near Luxury"
— komododave (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 4:53:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

1. BMW 3 series
Mercedes C class (tie)
3. Audi A4
4. Lexus IS
-
-
-
12. Infiniti G35/37

Midsize

1.BMW 5 series
2. Mercedes E class
3. Audi A6
4.Jaguar XF
-
-
9. Lexus GS
-
-
17. Infiniti M

Large

1. Mercedes S class
-
-
4. BMW 7 series
5. Audi A8
-
7. Lexus LS
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 5:48:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

somebody is obsessed with German cars and bias against Japanese
— superchicagoman11 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 9:36:05 PM | | Votes: -3

Star, your worthless!
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 11:45:52 PM | | Votes: -4

I always find it funny that all the insults come from the lowest forms of life on Autospies, the few Japanese fanatics.

So a list that has German cars on top is automatically biased? Let me guess if I would put the Japanese brands on top suddenly I would not be biased anymore, right? Lol...Some people here have a peanut sized brain that functions only at 20% capacity. These people are the ones that cannot accept the fact that German cars are just...BETTER.
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 8/17/2008 11:26:09 AM | | Votes: 5

It's safe to say that this topic is subjective to each individual's personal views.

Mine are as follows:

Mercedes
BMW
Audi
Lexus
Jaguar
Cadillac
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/16/2008 6:36:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Mine are as follows:

Mercedes
BMW
Audi
Jaguar

— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/17/2008 6:21:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Here are my choices:

1) Near-Luxury:
A 3-way tie for first - 2009 Audi A4, BMW 335i, and Cadillac CTS (with direct-injection V6). The Audi has a beautiful, roomy interior, excellent fit and finish, excellent braking, and excellent cornering and steering, but needs a more powerful engine to compete with the 335i and CTS at the dragstrip or racetrack. (The B8 S4 will solve the power problem when it arrive in the U.S. this spring.) The Cadillac has more powerful engine than the Audi, a roomy interior almost as nice as the Audi, excellent steering and braking, and is cheaper than either the Audi or BMW. The BMW has superb engine, steering, braking, and cornering, but the interior is cramped and stark in comparison with the Audi and Caddy.
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2008 12:02:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Sorry, I hadn't finished.

Here are my choices:

1) Near-Luxury
A 3-way tie for first - 2009 Audi A4, BMW 335i, and Cadillac CTS (with direct-injection V6). The Audi is gorgeous, has a beautiful, roomy interior, excellent fit and finish, excellent braking, and excellent cornering and steering, but needs a more powerful engine to compete with the 335i and CTS at the dragstrip or racetrack. (The B8 S4 will solve the power problem when it arrive in the U.S. this spring.) The Cadillac is almost as pretty as the Audi, has a more powerful engine, a roomy interior almost as nice as the Audi, excellent steering and braking, and is cheaper than either the Audi or BMW. The BMW has superb engine, steering, braking, and cornering, but the interior is cramped and stark in comparison with the Audi and Caddy. In addition, the Bimmer is by no means ugly, but its styling is beginning to look dated in comparison with its two rivals.

2) Mid-Luxury
The Jaguar XF is the hands-down winner in this segment. A near-perfect combination of performance and luxury. The BMW 5-series, which comes in second, is an excellent performer and has a comfortable ride, but the styling and the interior pale in comparison with the Jag. The Infiniti M-series and Mercedes E-class are tied for third place.

3) Premium Luxury
There is no clear winner in this category. The Maserati Quattroporte has Italian styling and performance in its favor, but I would be worried by the reliability of any Italian car. The Mercedes S-class, Audi A8/S8 and BMW 7-series would be safer choices. The Audi has the nicest fit, finish and interior of this German group, followed by the Mercedes. The Mercedes would have the most impressive engine lineup of the group, and the three German cars are incredibly close in handling prowess. The BMW flagship is badly in need of an update, and the upcoming new 7-series might (or might not) be what it would take to put BMW on top of the premium luxury heap.
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2008 12:39:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Agent63,
Pop off the propellor and "auto-journalists" wouldn't give any BMW's the time of day.

The best and only thing good about the 5-series is the backseat, which is high and actually quite comfortable.

nearlux - A4/CTS/TSX
midsize - A6/GS450h (GS needs to lose the hump by the gas pedal)
full size - LS
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2008 11:01:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Near-Luxury
1. BMW 3-Series
2. Audi A4 (2009)
3. Lexus IS/ES
4. MBZ C-class
5. Infiniti

Mid-Luxury
1. BMW 5-Series
2. MBZ E-Class
3. Lexus GS
4. Audi - A6
5. Infiniti

Premium Luxury
1. Lexus LS
2. Audi A8
3. MBZ S-class
4. Jaguar
— Godgore (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2008 5:36:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

This could go on forever and nobody will ever win the argument, especially as many manufacturers now blend luxury and sport sedans together. However, what I find interesting is that Acura got mentioned in two categories at the start, yet has hardly been mentioned since?

I've never been a Honda person so I'm agreeable with that, but I do find it a little strange!

— Crash (View Profile)

Posted on 8/21/2008 6:56:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Near Luxury
1. 3 series (Truely a drivers car *above 325i*)
2. MB C-class (Nice relaxed drive, good engine)
3. Audi A4 (almost 2nd place but just doesnt cut it)
4. Lexus IS/ES (comfortable but makes too much noise on idle)

Mid Luxury
1. MB E-class (is the defenition for mid luxury and performance)
2. BMW 5-series (amazing drive but not as comfortable)
3. Audi A6 (interesting)
4. Jaguar XF (nice car however to cheesy)
5. Lexus GS (good silent luxury car)

Premium Luxury
1. MB S-class (by far)
2. Lexus LS (very high tech)
2. BMW 7 (new one is possibly ahead of the Lexus)
3. Audi A8
4. Jaguar XJ
— darzav (View Profile)

Posted on 8/22/2008 6:24:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Which car manufacturer is top dog in the luxury vehicle segment?

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