In between your Honda Accords and Infiniti M´s lies arguably the most diverse segment in the auto industry, the near luxury midsize sedan segment including the likes of the revamped Buick Regal, the mainstay BMW 3-Series, the all-new Chevy Volt, and regulars like the Cadilliac CTS and the Hyundai Genesis.
Here are the Top 5 midsize sedans from $35,000 to $60,000.
BMW 3-Series ($32,000 to $56,000)
The 3-Series is the benchmark entry level luxury midsize out there today, having received critical acclaim from Car and Driver´s 10 Best and benefiting from a revamped 2011 model. As BMW´s best selling car, there are several versions available, including rear-wheel, all-wheel, and four body styles. Fuel economy is at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Its a sporty sedan with more zip than the more reserved Lexus´and Acura´s, albeit with a less luxury interior than the Audi, a less smoother ride than the Genesis, and less power than the Infiniti G37.
Chevrolet Volt
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The Chevrolet Volt is quickly looking to become a class leader in the empty electric car segment, dropping its limited range stigma with a powerful slogan ¨Its more car than electric¨ given its powertrain that shifts to a gas engine powering the electric motor after 50 mph. Ignoring the sticker price (a whopping $41,000 to start), the car could travel up to 50 miles a day without gas, is cheap to recharge (less than a dollar´s worth of electricity needed per recharge) and has a somewhat breakneck style. The downsides are numerous, including its insane price compared to the inferior $33,000 Leaf and the $22,000 Prius.
Look for the Chevrolet Volt to expand in newer markets in 2011.
Hyundai Genesis
The Genesis is arguably one of the most under-the-radar higher end midsizes in the industry, known for packing luxury features as standard. Starting ay $31,000, it comes in two trims and two engines, the 3.8 with a V6 and the 4.6 with a V8 for 385 horsepower. For 2011, the V6 comes loaded with the latest including a front and rear parking assist system, a rearview camera, a navigation system, and a six CD changer. Its warranty is also one of the best in the business. One of the few downsides is the lack of all-wheel drive.
Buick Regal
You heard right, the Buick makes the Top 5. This $27,000 machine has been paired with Lexus ESs and Acura TSXs. It comes in a four cylinder engine (6 cylinder not available) for 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Regal´s interior comes in one trim, the CXLm with a laundry list of standard features including Bluetooth, satellite radio, power front seats, and an optional navigation system. The downside is its instrumental panel which has about the same number of buttons as the notorious Honda Accords. Even so, build quality is top notch.
Infiniti G
The Infiniti G is a very versatile car, coming in three styles (convertible, sedan, coupe), rear/all wheel drive, and three different engines clocking in from 218 to 348 horsepower. It is defined by a very sporty drive and its all-aroundness, starting at $29000 all the way to $41,000 with 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Plus, with a generous 4 year, 60,000 mile warranty that offers perks as standard (roadside assistance for the first 2 years and free loaner cars when your G is in the shop), this sedan is hard to beat.
