The Lexus ES has been a subtle yet rewarding luxury automobile for several years. Its changes have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary and no other vehicle on this list can match its extraordinary reliability. Although the Lexus ES is based on larger Toyota sedan architecture and the two brands share many mechanicals, many would struggle to find the repetition. The interior is inviting, soft, comfortable, and ergonomically designed. Displays, instrumentation and switch-gear are first rate. The main power-plant for the Lexus ES is the remarkably civilized 272 horsepower (254 lbs feet of torque) 3.5 liter V6. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission available. The overwhelming popularity of the Lexus ES series of vehicles and the strong sales figures are excellent indications of how special this vehicles truly is. Even the Lexus ES’s older brethren are highly valued. Just have a look at our used car lists to see for yourself.
Although this is the entry level Mercedes-Benz, comfort, quality and exclusivity are part of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s DNA. By the simple act of declaring that you own a Mercedes-Benz, suddenly you are in a new social bracket. What’s better is the actual driving experience. The BMW 3 series and Audi A4 were in Mercedes-Benz’s crosshairs when the C-Class was revamped a few years ago. Mercedes-Benz’s standard option list for the C-Class is impressive. The interior is simple yet elegant to start and can be optioned up to rather high levels of opulence. The entry level power-plant is the velvety smooth 228 horsepower (making 221 lbs feet of torque) 3.0 liter V6. This is one of three vehicles on this list that is rear wheel drive. A sporty 6-speed manual is standard or you can get the optional 7-speed automatic transmission which is a similar unit to those on much more expensive Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Either way, you will be driving what is still the name in German luxury.
