Top luxury sedans under $100k deliver style, comfort and technology in a package that won’t break the bank. This category is incredibly competitive and includes some of the most impressive vehicles available today.
The Mercedes-Benz C200 is a DCOTY winner, which proves that less can be more in this segment. The entry-level model is feature-packed and luxurious in every sense of the word.
The 2024 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive
The 2024 BMW 5-Series is a class-leading midsize luxury sport sedan with gas and electric powertrains. Its redesigned eighth generation maintains classic proportions and a large trunk. Rivals like the Audi A6 and Genesis G80 offer a lower starting price but lack the grace and drivability of the 5 Series.
High points include a spacious, comfortable cabin and configurable ambient lighting. BMW’s redesigned steering wheel has intuitive controls, and version 8.5 of the infotainment system adds video streaming and gaming. The 530i’s standard 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. The xDrive all-wheel drive on the 540i cuts 0.1 seconds off its quoted 0-to-60-mph time, while comparable i5 electric models take 5.7 or 3.7 seconds.
Both rear- and all-wheel-drive 540i versions deliver EPA-rated 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, which is very good for a performance sedan. The plug-in hybrid i5 eDrive40 is expected to arrive late in 2024, providing a vastly improved electric range and excellent driving dynamics.
The 2024 Audi A6 55 TFSI quattro
The 2024 Audi A6 is a solid luxury sedan with one of the most competitive interiors for its price. It also offers excellent comfort and a robust suite of in-car tech, making it a good choice for those who want to cruise around town while enjoying a weekend road trip.
A turbocharged four-cylinder in Premium models and a V-6 in Premium Plus and Prestige trims provide plenty of power for merging and passing on the highway. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera make city driving much more accessible.
The familiar MMI infotainment interface has been revamped for this model year, introducing reconfigurable menus and a customizable virtual cockpit digital gauge display. The A6 has also a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system as well.
Theillac CT5 Premium Luxury
Cadillac’s entry-luxury sedan, the CT5, is a well-rounded offering. Its base price is among the lowest in its segment, and it offers standard features that rival vehicles from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It also boasts one of the best warranties in its class.
However, its turbocharged V6 engine isn’t relatively as quick as those of the 3 Series and C-class, which might be a deal-breaker for some drivers. Additionally, the cabin feels more like Buick than Cadillac, and the quality of its materials doesn’t improve as you go up the trim ladder.
Still, the 2024 CT5’s user-friendly infotainment system and generous warranty coverage are worth considering. The premium Platinum Package adds luxuries like semi-aniline leather seats, massaging front seats and an UltraView panoramic sunroof. Patrick Cadillac has an extensive selection of new and used 2024 Cadillac CT5 models, and our Client Advisors would be happy to help you find the perfect match for your needs.
The 2024 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD
As one of the newest premium brands to compete in the luxury midsize sedan segment, Genesis brings a fresh perspective and a compelling value proposition. With its svelte silhouette and bold aesthetic, the G80 commands attention with its unique G-Matrix Crest grille and rear curvature that hints at classic sports cars.
Powering the G80 has cutting-edge features, including a drive mode selection that tailors transmission mapping, throttle response and suspension to your preferences. Its sophisticated control-active suspension with Road Preview amplifies both handling and comfort for an exhilarating driving experience, while the intelligent R-MDPS system and front fixed four-piston monobloc brake callipers ensure a safe, controlled ride.
The interior is a cocoon of tranquillity and luxury, with soft-touch materials and thoughtful design. Even the entry-level 2.5T with synthetic leather seats feels rich and satisfying, while higher-tier trims adorn supple Nappa leather. The back row offers ample room for adult passengers, though taller drivers might find their heads brushing the headliner.
The 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD
As Infiniti’s sole luxury sedan, the Q50 is in its first generation after over a decade. Its graceful exterior design sets a high bar for the rest of its competition, telegraphing both sport and luxury. Its spunky twin-turbo V6 powerplant delivers real thrills and driver-focused technologies.
A seven-speed automatic transmission routes engine output to the rear wheels or all four when equipped with all-wheel drive—optional Drive Mode Selector swaps between performance settings, delivering confident control on any road surface.
A dual-screen infotainment system shows smartphone apps on the upper screen and vehicle functions on the lower. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you connected, while Bose’s 16-speaker Performance Series Audio System provides concert-like sound. A Wi-Fi hotspot lets you keep up with email and social media while on the go. The Q50 is comfortable on long freeway drives, but its trunk is too small to handle a family’s gear.
The 2024 Acura TLX Type S
With the Integra hogging most of Acura’s attention lately, it’s easy to forget that the TLX is still one of the brand’s quickest and most enjoyable sports sedans. It gets even better with the 2024 refresh.
The new TLX is more spacious than before, and it looks great inside with premium craftsmanship, including a 12.3-inch centre infotainment screen that features Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging. Its 17-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system is also top-notch.
While the TLX Type S feels good on gently curved roads and low highway speeds, it struggles to handle more demanding driving tasks. The steering feel is artificially heavy, and the front tyres don’t communicate well with the chassis when cornering. Also, the brakes are mushy when modulating smoothly. It might be time for a more considerable rethink of this terrific sports sedan.
