Cars

Midsize Luxury Car Comparisons

Midsize luxury cars such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Genesis G80, Lexus ES and Audi A6 are the executive sedans of their brands. Compared with compact luxury cars, they add rear-seat room, a quieter cabin and more standard technology, and they often introduce features that later spread to smaller models.

The class splits into two approaches. Comfort-focused sedans, like the front-wheel-drive-based Lexus ES, prioritize a soft ride, low noise and simple ownership. Rear-wheel-drive-based sedans such as the 5 Series and E-Class aim to combine comfort with more engaging handling and room for more powerful engines. Knowing which experience you want narrows the field quickly.

Powertrains cover a wide range: turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric versions such as the BMW i5 or the electric G80. All-wheel drive is widely available and sometimes standard, which also changes the EPA estimates. If you are considering an electric version, compare range and charging speed alongside price.

Rear legroom is the main reason to choose this class over a compact luxury car, so check that figure if you carry adults in the back. Trunk space is usually generous for a sedan, though plug-in hybrid versions can lose some volume to battery packs.

Technology and driver assistance vary more than the similar prices suggest. Hands-free highway driving systems, large screens, air suspension and premium audio are often tied to packages. The starting MSRP tells you where each model begins, but a well-equipped version can cost considerably more, so compare the trims you would actually buy rather than the base cars.

84 comparisons · 23 products