Upscale sedans: the redesigned and sporty Infiniti G35 tops a class of great variety.(SPECIAL BLEND)(Buyers guide)

The sporty Infiniti G35 and the luxurious Lexus ES350 are two very different cars, yet both have found their way to the top of our upscale sedans Ratings.

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Sedans in the $30,000 to $40,000 range have varying blends of sportiness and opulence. The more posh models tend to be quieter, have more interior space, and ride more smoothly. Sporty models usually have less room inside, ride firmly, and handle more nimbly.

For example, the G35 and BMW 3 Series focus on sporty driving, but are small inside. At the other end of the spectrum, the Lexus ES350 emphasizes comfort and quietness. Other sedans, such as the Acura TL, strike a good balance.

While not in the upscale segment, high-end V6 versions of the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, and Toyota Camry rival those in performance and amenities while costing less.

Some good choices in this category include the Acura TL, the sporty BMW 3 Series, the agile and well-finished Audi A4, and the Lexus IS. For considerably less money, the Acura TSX is an alternative that performs well.

The Cadillac CTS is another capable car, but a 2008 redesign is on the way. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is a sporty, agile entry but has proven to be unreliable. Its 2008 redesign arrives this summer.