Undoubtedly the leader in this segment, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class masterfully combines refinement, innovation, and luxury. Beneath the hood, its 255-hp four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech delivers seamless power, while an optional inline-six boosts output to 375 hp for spirited drivers. With an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway, it also offers competitive fuel efficiency.
Inside, the star of the show is the MBUX Superscreen with dual displays, advanced voice controls, and augmented reality navigation. Add in heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and top-notch driver assists, and every ride feels like a first-class experience. Sure, the cargo space might not match some rivals, but the E-Class still shines with its sleek style and cutting-edge tech.
Hot on the heels of the E-Class, the 2025 Genesis G80 dazzles with its blend of power and craftsmanship. A standard 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine provides a dynamic drive, while the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp enhances its sporty appeal. The base engine's fuel efficiency is 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway.
The G80’s cabin is a standout, offering premium leather, refined wood accents, and a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen. Advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring cement its place as a luxury contender. Nevertheless, its fuel efficiency slightly lags behind its German competitors, keeping it from taking the top spot.
BMW’s mid-size staple delivers versatility and luxury for a wide range of buyers. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four delivers 255 hp, but the available hybrid and 523-hp V8 M550i trim cater to diverse tastes. With fuel economy starting around 25 mpg combined, it’s a balanced performer.
The 5-Series wows with its 14.9-inch curved touchscreen running iDrive 8, gesture controls, and premium leather throughout. A robust suite of safety aids, including adaptive cruise and active lane-keeping, adds confidence. While its subdued design may lack flashier rivals’ allure, its performance and innovation shine.
Representing reliability and efficiency, the Lexus ES offers a hybrid option with a stellar 44 mpg combined. Its V6 variant delivers 302 hp and smooth driving dynamics, though performance aficionados might find it underwhelming compared to the competition.
Comfort is where the ES excels, featuring a quiet, plush cabin with a 8-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety remains a focus with Lexus’s comprehensive driver-assist suite. Although less engaging than the German options, its value-oriented approach appeals to luxury buyers seeking comfort and efficiency.
Sustainability and style merge exquisitely in the Volvo S90. Its hybridized 295-hp 2.0-liter engine is efficient, while the Recharge plug-in hybrid ups the ante with 455 hp and a 38-mile electric-only range.
The S90’s cabin features a minimalist Scandinavian-inspired design with open-pore wood, Nappa leather, and a Google-powered infotainment system. Safety technologies like lane-centering and cross-traffic alert reinforce its appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. D despite its elegance, however, its driving dynamics lack the finesse of higher-ranked competitors.
The CLE-Class combines coupe-inspired design with practicality. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers 255 hp, while the AMG variant reaches a thrilling 469 hp. Fuel efficiency is respectable at up to 32 mpg highway.
The CLE-Class excels in delivering a luxurious cabin with dual displays, augmented-reality navigation, and ambient lighting. However, its higher price and less interior space compared to rivals keep it from breaking into the top five.
The Acura TLX makes its mark with a sporty edge. Its 272-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine ensures solid performance, while the Type S trim's 355-hp V6 caters to enthusiasts. The SH-AWD system provides confidence in various road conditions. As for fuel economy, it get’s around 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The interior is all about the driver, featuring a great ELS Studio audio system and solid safety tech. That said, the smaller infotainment screen and less polished materials can feel a bit outdated compared to more luxury-focused rivals.
Charming but aging, the Jaguar XF underwhelms amid newer competition. Its base 246-hp 2.0-liter engine feels adequate but uninspired, and even the P300 trim with 296 hp doesn’t offer enough to stand out.
The interior boasts Windsor leather and a curved 11.4-inch touchscreen among its array of features, but the lack of innovation hurts its appeal. It’s a stylish option overshadowed by more dynamic and luxurious choices on this list.
While the Toyota Crown impresses with its unique hybrid setup, achieving 41 mpg and offering up to 340 hp, it’s better classified as a mid-luxury compromise. The ride height and styling may appeal to some, but others will find it less refined.
The Crown’s cabin is packed with tech, but it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of higher-end models. Its mix of sedan and SUV styling makes it versatile, though it’s not exactly a traditional luxury competitor. That said, it does offer a lot of luxury for the price.
While Cadillac emphasizes cutting-edge tech with its 33.0-inch curved OLED display and Super Cruise, the CT5 falls short in other areas. Its base engine delivers only 237 hp, with the twin-turbo V6 offering a modest 335 hp.
Interior materials are better than those of previous generation models, but the CT5 lacks the pristine quality you'd expect for its purchase price. Safety features are robust, but overall, the CT5 struggles to keep pace with its luxury-class peers in most regards.
