Though buyers have started to move toward crossover SUVs, compact luxury sedans offer many compelling reasons not to follow the crowd.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with its swoopy styling and cossetting ride quality, makes an easy favorite.
Don't count out the tech-forward Audi A4, though, or the shapely Jaguar XE.
The BMW 3-Series was once the default here, but today's model is soft unless the right options are selected.
Finally, we love the Cadillac ATS for its sharp handling, but you'd better act fast to get the sedan.
The lineup goes coupe-only for 2019.
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 2019 Volvo S60Get Your Price |  2018 Audi A4Get Your Price |  2018 BMW 3-SeriesGet Your Price |  2018 Cadillac ATSGet Your Price |  2018 Jaguar XEGet Your Price |  2018 Mercedes-Benz C ClassGet Your Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||||
The 2019 Volvo S60 should give the "default" German choices a real run for the money. |
The 2018 Audi A4 and Allroad are sophisticated luxury cars with few glaring faults—and lots of commendable features, particularly the high-tech Virtual Cockpit. |
The 2018 BMW 3-Series makes its strongest case in performance for luxury compact buyers’ attentions. |
The Cadillac ATS remains a highly desirable underdog with its terrific ride and handling and willing powertrains. It's as fun-to-drive as any compact luxury sedan. |
The 2018 Jaguar XE is the other, other compact luxury sedan. It aims high, and mostly delivers. |
Very expensive and still not very large, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class nonetheless leads its luxury niche with fabulous style and fantastic power and grip. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $35,800 | $36,000 | $34,900 | N/A | $35,725 | $40,250 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | N/A | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | N/A | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| T5 FWD Momentum | 2.0 TFSI ultra Premium Plus S Tronic FWD | 320i Sedan | N/A | 25t RWD | C 300 Sedan |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | N/A | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | N/A | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | N/A | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | N/A | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2019 Volvo S60 vs. 2018 Audi A4 | 2019 Volvo S60 vs. 2018 BMW 3-Series | 2019 Volvo S60 vs. 2018 Cadillac ATS | 2019 Volvo S60 vs. 2018 Jaguar XE | 2019 Volvo S60 vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
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