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.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
 2020 Lexus ISGet Your Price |  2020 BMW 3-SeriesGet Your Price |  2020 Jaguar XE#10 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 INFINITI QX50#2 in Small SUVs |  2019 Mercedes-Benz C Class#7 in Coupes |  2019 Genesis G70#13 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||||
|
The 2020 Lexus IS is polished and poised, but ultimately short on compelling qualities. |
The 2019 Jaguar XE delivers legitimate sport-sedan goodness. |
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is a beautiful package of technological innovations—in places visible and not visible. |
Pricey and on the slighter side of mid-size, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class drops a beautiful cockpit, huge dollops of safety, and effortless AMG brilliance into the sport-sedan mix. |
The 2019 Genesis G70 is a performance bargain that improves upon the dynamics of ts Kia Stinger cousin but lacks its space. | |
| MSRP From | |||||
| N/A | $54,000 | $39,900 | $36,650 | $41,400 | $34,900 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | ||
| Engine | |||||
| N/A | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 | 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 | |||||
| N/A | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Small Station Wagon | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| N/A | M340i Sedan | S RWD | PURE FWD | C 300 Sedan | 2.0T Advanced RWD |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| N/A | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| N/A | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| N/A | Sedan | Sedan | Sport Utility | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| N/A | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT 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. 2019 INFINITI QX50 | 2020 Lexus IS vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz C Class | 2020 Lexus IS vs. 2019 Genesis G70 | |
