Most Popular Luxury Cars on MSN

Some people buy them for the comfort or features, and some just to make a statement. MSN Autos separates the luxury segment into three categories: near luxury, luxury and ultra luxury. The near-luxury cars segment has been hot, dominating the list of most popular luxury cars for the 2007 calendar year.

Eight of the ten vehicles are entry-luxury models, led by BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz with two cars each on the list. The only domestic to crack the top 10 is the Cadillac CTS in sixth place. New and improved for 2008, the CTS may give imports a run for their money in this highly competitive market.

Also getting extensive updates for the 2008 model year are the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The 5-Series gets more powerful engines and new nomenclature, while the latter enters its fourth generation with a total makeover.

View Pictures:  Popular Luxury Cars

The list of the top 10 luxury cars on MSN Autos is based on total visits to the site's vehicle research pages during calendar year 2007. Here's the complete list:

1. BMW 3-Series

BMW’s bestseller is offered in sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon versions. Its sleek styling and sports-car-like performance have helped make this “ultimate driving machine” the most researched luxury car on MSN Autos for all of 2007. Prices start at just under $32,500 for the base 328i sedan and climb to just under $50,000 for the 300-horsepower 335i convertible.

2. BMW 5-Series

Available in a sedan or sports wagon, the 5-Series reputation is of exceptional ride and handling characteristics. To enhance this experience, all-wheel drive was added to the lineup in 2006. For the 2008 model year, BMW gives the midsize luxury car a refreshed look, more powerful engines and a number of new features. The 2008 5-Series starts at just under $45,000 for the sedan and $54,000 for the sports wagon.

3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The redesigned, fourth-generation C-Class sedan is all-new for 2008. Edgier and larger than its predecessor, the new C-Class is nearly four inches longer and two inches wider, with a wheelbase lengthened nearly two inches. Engines are carryovers, but a new all-wheel-drive system will be available with an automatic transmission in the C300 Sport and C300 Luxury trims. Prices for a 2008 C-Class start at just over $31,000.

4. Infiniti G35

The Infiniti G midsize luxury car is available as a sedan or coupe (G37). Beyond the extra doors, the G35 sedan is four inches longer and more than two inches taller than the coupe. The sportier-looking G37 is wider, however, and comes standard with 18-inch wheels and a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine — 24 more horses than the sedan. According to Consumer Reports, the G35 is their top-rated upscale sedan, with an overall score of 92.

5. Acura TL

Unlike many of its rivals, the TL has a front-wheel-drive layout. Though hard-core enthusiasts may bemoan the lack of rear-wheel drive, the TL provides much luxury and space for its sticker price. The front-wheel-drive chassis provides for a roomy interior, which is fitted with a host of comfort and convenience features. In addition to lots of standard equipment, "the agile TL is fun to drive, especially in Type-S form," said MSN Autos reviewer Dan Jedlicka.

6. Cadillac CTS

The CTS has almost single-handedly brought new life to the Cadillac brand since its arrival in 2003. The 2008 CTS has been heavily updated, with development done at the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany. According to MSN Autos writer Mike Meredith, who drove the new Caddy at Laguna Seca, "the CTS proved to be tight and responsive in corners and very well balanced overall. This is one American car that import carmakers should not overlook."

Read:  First Drive: 2008 Cadillac CTS

Discuss:  Can the Cadillac CTS really compete with the import luxury car segment?

7. Lexus IS

Aimed squarely at BMW's 3-Series, the Lexus sport sedan is available as the IS 250, IS 250 AWD and IS 350. The IS 350 sports a 3.5-liter direct-injected 306-horsepower V6. At the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Lexus showed a hot-rod version of the sedan called the IS F. Powered by a 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, this car screams performance with forged 19-inch BBS wheels and massive Brembo brakes.

8. Lexus ES 350

As one of the top-selling cars in the Lexus lineup over the years, the ES has come to be known as the full-luxury version of the Toyota Camry. The 272-horsepower V6 packs plenty of punch, airbags can be found all over and there's an optional panorama roof. The wheelbase and wheel size have also increased, and a fully independent suspension provides good handling. But, says MSN Autos reviewer Dan Jedlicka, "the ES 350 is no sports sedan."

9. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Redesigned for 2007 with more aggressive styling and an updated interior, the big E-Class news is the introduction of the E320 BLUETEC diesel. This low-emissions machine has nothing in common with the clattering, black-cloud diesels of the 1980s. In fact the only way neighbors will notice it's a diesel is from the BLUETEC badge on the trunk lid. The 3.0-liter 210-horsepower E320 BLUETEC manages a 23/32 mpg city/hwy rating — impressive for a car that weighs nearly 4,000 pounds.

10. Audi A4

The near-luxury segment is highly competitive, and the A4 has consistently held its ground among the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon (Avant) or convertible (cabriolet), the A4 is the most popular model in the Audi lineup. For 2008 the sporty S-line package includes revised front and rear bumpers, a new front grille, and an integrated trunk lid spoiler.

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