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BMW 3-Series

Price range: $34,900-$81,900

The 3-Series is a work of genius on many levels, not the least of which is the depth and breadth of the models spawned from the basic 3-Series architecture.

The starter model, the 323i sedan, is a well-equipped sedan with a 200-horsepower, inline-six-cylinder engine. At the other end is the M3, which in the $81,900 Cabriolet, is powered by a 414-hp V-8. In between are diesels, turbocharged cabriolets, coupes, sedans and station wagons with various power trains and equipment levels. All-wheel drive is also part of the picture.

BMW has been careful to ladle out updates and new features designed to keep the 3 both fresh and desirable. Every other auto maker in the world would like to have an architecture as successful and profitable as the 3's.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price range: $35,800-$63,500

Mercedes launched an all-new version of the C-Class for the 2008 model year. The C has distinctive design cues and comes with loads of standard features. The base model has a 201-hp V-6, while at the top of the range is the C63 AMG with its 451-hp V-8.

Mercedes pitches the C as a sporty car in the entry-luxe segment, but one with no compromises. Like the 3, the C is a rear-drive car, but is available with AWD.

Chrysler 300/300C

Price range: $32,645-$49,595

The rear-drive 300/300C has in some ways helped to redefine the luxury segment. It's a big, affordable sedan with a unique look. The base version has a 250-hp V-6 and the AWD 300C has a 360-hp V8.

The 300/300C is that rarest of vehicles from Detroit: a compelling premium car that is entertaining to drive and has eye-grabbing looks.

Lexus RX

Price range: $46,900-$58,900

For 2010, Lexus has completely reinvented the RX crossover utility. There is a new design, more features, more power, better fuel economy and a more refined gasoline-electric hybrid version, too.

The RX has been a sales smash success for a number of reasons. It has always had excellent quality, the ride and handling are very user-friendly, dealers have served customers well and the design is pretty but not over the top. The hybrid version gives Earth-conscious luxury buyers an alternative, too.

Acura MDX

Price range: $52,900-$62,500

Acura has quietly, but steadily, remained a force in the premium market. The MDX has been key here. The design is very much in-your-face, which separates this crossover wagon from others.

The all-wheel-drive system is superb in terms of all-weather grip, but also as a way to improve handling performance. Quality has been good, too.

Audi A4

Price range: $38,300-$47,000

Audi is getting very aggressive with the all-new 2010 A4. The lineup includes a base front-drive sedan with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine rated at 211 hp. The AWD quattro models, however, are the real heroes of the range. Audi is quattro, after all.

An Avant (for station wagon) is a good alternative for family use. The design is bold, the ride and handling comfortable yet responsive.

Infiniti G37

Price range: $37,990-$47,700

The G37 range – sedan, coupe, AWD – is really Infiniti's answer to BMW. Infiniti is targeting buyers who want a serious sporting vehicle with power and a somewhat firmer ride.

What makes the G37 special above all else, however, is the look. Infiniti has gone with a no-apologies design approach that goes deep into Japanese cultural cues. A very handsome car and one very much worth driving.

Cadillac CTS

Price range: $40,495-$68,995

Cadillac has done its best work in years in the CTS sedan and the high-powered CTS-V (556 hp from its V-8) is an amazing machine. The CTS has a strong chassis and it delivers a nice balance of ride and handling. The updated design is not so jarring as the original and shows that the designers recognize the need to evolve the look into something more mainstream. The V-6 powertrain choice is strong and fuel-efficient.

Lexus ES

Price range: $40,900

The ES is the Lexus sedan for the buyer who wants to be coddled. Based on the Toyota Camry architecture, the ES delivers an extremely quiet and somewhat soft ride. Luxury features abound. Quality is superb and the 272-hp V-6 is responsive.

Lexus IS

Price range: $33,050-$45,550

Lexus aims the IS at drivers who want a Lexus at an affordable price and who also want something far sportier than the ES.

Unlike the front-drive ES, the IS rides on a rear-drive platform. The IS 250, with its smaller 204-hp V-6, is available with AWD. The IS 350 (306 hp) is rear-drive only. This is a sharp-handling sedan with clean exterior body lines and outstanding quality.

Source: DesRosiers Automotive Consultants