Germany has long dominated the compact sports sedan segment, and the latest BMW 3-Series remains at the top of its game.
BMW’s four-door is expensive when well equipped, but it feels worth the mega coin demanded by the automaker.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is similarly costly, though it feels every bit the bite-size S-Class it is.
The Genesis G70 may be the biggest surprise on this list but it is exceptional, and that's not factoring in the overall value.
The Jaguar XE wowed us with its handling when it arrived a few years ago, and slow sales should mean good discounts.
The tech standout of this class is the Infiniti Q50, which can be had in a 400-horsepower version.
It has its quirks—an overabundance of screens and oddball steering—but the Q50 is certainly worth a look.
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 2020 Lexus IS |  2020 BMW 3-Series |  2020 Jaguar XE#8 in Luxury Small Sedans |  2020 Mercedes-Benz C Class |  2020 Genesis G70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2020 Lexus IS is polished and poised, but ultimately short on compelling qualities. |
The 2020 BMW 3-Series is back on top among compact sport sedans, even as the competition closes in. |
The 2020 Jaguar XE delivers legitimate sport-sedan goodness. |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as gorgeous inside as it is outside, and it has moves to match. |
Don’t tell the 2020 Genesis G70 it’s new to the luxury sedan game, it’s a genuine contender already. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $38,560 | $40,750 | $39,900 | $41,400 | $35,450 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| IS 300 F SPORT RWD | 330i Sedan | S RWD | C 300 Sedan | 2.0T RWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Rear 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 | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2020 Lexus IS vs. 2020 BMW 3-Series | 2020 Lexus IS vs. 2020 Jaguar XE | 2020 Lexus IS vs. 2020 Mercedes-Benz C Class | 2020 Lexus IS vs. 2020 Genesis G70 | |
