The BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are the benchmarks in the segment, and both add smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines to the lineup this year.
Both are available with a range of body style and drivetrain configurations, and their handling and build quality are top-notch.
The Cadillac CTS is also a relative newcomer to the segment, but its low price and excellent feature set make it a good value proposition.
The Infiniti G37 has a new, more powerful 332-horsepower engine, but is based on the same excellent-handling FM platform as the G35 before it, with well-balanced sports-sedan styling and proportions, plus available all-wheel drive.
It's also substantially less expensive than the German sedans.
The Audi A4 is more fuel-efficient and has a great interior, though it can also feel a little noisy and coarse.
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 2012 Lexus ISBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2012 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Cadillac CTSBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2012 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 aren't as focused and fun to drive as sport sedans from BMW or Infiniti, though especially in F Sport guise they still look great. |
The 2012 Audi A4 provides an engaging driving experience, impressive in-cabin technology, and surprisingly great fuel efficiency—making it a good everyday driver among premium sedans. |
Despite the weight gain, the BMW M3's still one of the most stunning performance vehicles we've driven. |
It has a styling leg up, and the 2012 Cadillac CTS backs up its looks with good dynamics, good build quality and a competitive set of body styles and options. |
With a new base four-cylinder engine, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes even more sense for value-conscious (yet image-conscious) luxury shoppers. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $33,795 | $32,500 | $34,900 | $35,915 | $34,800 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 16 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Sub-Compact | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Mid-Size | Compact |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sport Sedan Manual RWD | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 328i RWD | 4-Door Sedan 3.0L RWD | 4-Door Sedan C 250 Sport RWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual | Manual | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Audi A4 | 2012 Lexus IS vs. 2012 BMW 3-Series | 2012 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
