Other luxury sedans
BMW 5-series
MSRP: $53,645 Its luxury cabin is nice, but the 5-series is no longer the adept driving machine that made BMW a legend. The engines are a bright spot, delivering peppy acceleration especially in the 540i and the hot-rod M550i; diesel and hybrid engines are also available. We saw 38 mpg and 18 miles of electric-only range on the highway with the hybrid. In our testing, we found the brakes to be weak and the steering light. A 10.2-inch infotainment system with navigation is standard; Apple CarPlay is optional.
Audi A6
MSRP: $50,675 Sharply creased bodywork and a refined cabin make the A6 a well-tailored option for discerning drivers. Its nimble handling and long list of features also make it a wellrounded package. The turbo four-cylinder is peppy, and the supercharged V-6 provides autobahn-worthy performance. Choose front-wheel drive or Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive. Either will yield a car that’s predictable and easy to drive quickly when the road gets twisty. An all-new A6 goes on sale in late 2018.
Lincoln Continental
MSRP: $46,155 Distinct styling, sumptuous interiors, and the latest tech are on hand to attempt to restore luxury-car relevance to the Continental. Engine choices provide good acceleration, but their fuel economy is poor. The ride quality isn’t as refined as we’d expect from a sedan intended to be luxurious; braking performance is average. The roomy cabin has a 10-speaker stereo, real wood trim, and ambient lighting; outward visibility is good. Tech includes Sync 3 and 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Jaguar XF
MSRP: $48,770 The handsome XF moves with graceful intensity and transports its occupants in quiet comfort. There are several powertrains, including a thrifty diesel, but none of them are especially quick compared with the competition. The legendary carmaker fits this carriage with a roomy cabin and contemporary infotainment, but the quality of the leather is disappointing and the touchscreen can be fussy to use. With obedient steering and competent handling, the XF offers luxury in a very British way.