A touch of class - the BMW 530i becomes the best car we've tested.(Luxury Sedans - Road Test)(Evaluation)

This month's test of four European luxury sedans, priced in the mid-$40,000 to low-$50,000 range, is notable for two reasons. In our tests for performance, comfort, and convenience, comprising 14 major categories, all four cars--the BMW 530i, Mercedes-Benz E320, Audi A6, and Jaguar S-Type--were rated either excellent or very good. In addition, the BMW 530i scored high enough overall to become our top-rated car ever.

Still, not all is rosy here. We found that the Audi isn't that much better than the excellent Volkswagen Passat, with which the A6 shares a platform. We were also dismayed that the Jaguar S-Type's overall package isn't up to the image projected by its stylish design. We prefer the S-Type's less-sexy, lower-priced cousin, the Lincoln LS.

THE CARS WE TESTED

All the cars in this group were equipped with six-cylinder engines that require premium fuel. V8s are available, too, but they're packaged with additional equipment, which typically adds about $10,000 to each vehicle's price. All offer free scheduled maintenance for at least three years.

The current BMW 5-Series dates back to 1996. Since we last tested one, in August 1999, the 5-Series has had a mild facelift and acquired a five-speed automatic transmission and revised engines. The 528i, which used to be the only six-cylinder model in the line, has now been replaced by the 525i and 530i, both offering inline Sixes. Our 530i is powered by a 225-hp, 3.0-liter engine and starts at $39,400. With options such as an automatic transmission, heated leather seats, headlight washers, sunroof, power passenger seat, Xenon headlights, and a CD player, the price came to $46,320, including destination charges. The CR Wholesale Price, which includes buyer rebates and what the dealer paid after incentives--is $41,725. (All CR Wholesale Prices were effective as of early September 2001.)

For the past five years the Mercedes-Benz E320 has been our top-rated car. It's still an excellent automobile, but it's now been surpassed in our scoring by the 530i. The current E320 dates back to 1996, though it received a facelift for 2000. With its 221-hp, 3.2-liter V6 our E320 started at $47,850. Heated leather seats, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a sound-system upgrade brought the price to $51,350, including destination charges. The CR Wholesale Price is $46,365.

The Audi A6 took its current form for the 1998 model year. We chose the mid-trim 2.7T, with a 250-hp, 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Our car started at $39,500. Options such as a sunroof, heated leather seats, steering wheel controls, Xenon headlights, upgraded sound system, and a power rear sunshade boosted the price to $45,600, including destination charges. The CR Wholesale Price is $40,753.