The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class, Audi A6, and BMW 5-Series are all close rivals, and the Infiniti M Sedans and Jaguar XF are also good alternatives in some respects.
The Audi A6 was completely redesigned this past year, and its interior feels a class above, but its back seat is quite small.
The BMW 5-Series lineup offers a firm sport-sedan personality, along with just as many, if not more active-safety features and high-tech options.
Infiniti's M sedan is a suave counterpart from Japan, with a choice of six- and eight-cylinder engines, and rear- or all-wheel drive.
Meanwhile, the Jaguar XF is a surprising enthusiasts' choice, with a classy look inside and out plus an eager performance driving feel.
Another off-the-radar choice might be the Hyundai Genesis, which has a high-$30,000 price tag, a fantastic interior, rear-drive power delivery, and a nearly 400-horsepower V-8.
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz E ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Audi A6Browse Used Listings |  2012 BMW 5-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai GenesisBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Jaguar XFBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class models have sharper driving appeal than in the past, while also returning to the classy interior appointments and vault-like construction that have made them longtime luxury benchmarks. |
It's the same V-6 blast to drive as the far more sexy A7, which makes the 2012 Audi A6 a little irrelevant for those not fixated on five seats or four cylinders. |
The 2012 BMW 5-Series appears somewhat conservative on the outside, but it packs an armada of advanced-tech firepower, and new fuel-efficient engines, without interrupting its sport-sedan mission. |
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one of the best performance-car values, with several models fitting the needs of either daily commuters of track-day enthusiasts. |
Scorching acceleration, nimble handling, and true luxury-car refinement complement style and fashion to swoon over in the 2012 Jaguar XF; backseat space remains its only reality check. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $49,800 | $41,700 | $46,900 | $22,250 | $53,000 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 15 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V8 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Subcompact Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size | Subcompact | Midsize Car |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2-Door Coupe E 350 RWD | 4-Door Sedan FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 528i RWD | 2-Door I4 2.0T Manual | 4-Door Sedan |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Coupe | Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 2 Door Coupe | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Manual | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class vs. 2012 Audi A6 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class vs. 2012 BMW 5-Series | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class vs. 2012 Hyundai Genesis | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class vs. 2012 Jaguar XF | |
