Acura TL
TL with Technology package: $39,635 | TL 6-Spd AT SH-AWD: $39,455You can have it two ways with Acura's overachieving TL sedan and stay within your budget. A front-wheel-drive TL powered by a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine equipped with the Technology package has a base price of just under $40,000. This package includes a navigation system, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, and a spoiler. As drivers first and foremost, we would go for a TL equipped with Acura's exceptional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, powered by the 3.7-liter 305-horsepower V6 engine.
Acura TSX
TSX V6 with Technology package: $39,150The second-generation Acura TSX is comfy, spacious, impeccably composed and quick, with a feisty, 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine. For this money, you get the top trim and a Technology package that includes a 415-watt audio system with 10 speakers, a 15-gigabyte hard disc and compatibility with multiple digital formats, including the impressive DVD-audio. There is Bluetooth connectivity and a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather info linked to voice. The TSX even adjusts temperature in its cabin with a GPS-linked solar sensor.
Audi A4 allroad
Base price: $39,600Say hello to the new A4 Allroad from the folks who brought you the standard-setting quattro all-wheel-drive system. This roomy, practical and versatile sport wagon is lighter, nimbler, simpler and smarter than the original A6-based design. It's a tight-handling all-wheel-drive machine that will get you just about anywhere, thanks to its enhanced ground clearance. Its direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine whips out 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Audi's exceptional, industry-leading cabin fit and finish is a given.
BMW 135i Coupe
Base price: $39,300The real luxury here is found in the glorious sound and remarkably smooth power of BMW's 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, which produces 300 horsepower but also 300 lb-ft of torque at only 1300 rpm. One of the world's best engines is at your command, mated to BMW's excellent 7-speed dual-automated-clutch gearbox. The 135i coupe is not stripped-down, either, even if you avoid the costlier options. It has a navigation system with traffic alerts, a Harman Kardon audio system with iPod and iPhone integration and high-definition radio. A small wonder, indeed.
BMW 320i xDrive
320i xDrive Sedan with Premium package: $39,200BMW's 3-Series has been the sport-luxury benchmark for decades, and yet the automaker finds new ways to keep it both accessible and capable. Its newest twist is the magic of modern turbocharging. The 2013 320i sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 180 horsepower and a healthy 200 lb-ft of torque at only 1250 rpm, and the car works wonders in any weather with the excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The Premium package adds power seats with memory, a moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors and keyless entry.
Buick LaCrosse
LaCrosse AWD: $39,545Buick has been providing reasonable luxury to American buyers for more than a century, and it does so nowadays with thoroughly modern cars. Its top-notch LaCrosse connects a 3.6-liter 303-horsepower direct-injection V6 engine with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to leather seats and an 8-inch LED touch screen, a rear camera with park-assist, Bluetooth for phone and music, and satellite radio, the Entertainment package adds a Harman Kardon audio system and a 120-volt power outlet. A Driver Confidence package tacks on a head-up display, xenon headlights and a blind-spot monitoring system.
Cadillac ATS
ATS 2.5L Luxury: $39,330 | ATS 2.0L Turbo AWD: $39,595The ATS is Cadillac's brilliant new compact luxury sport sedan that has conquered all rivals and won numerous awards, including the coveted North American Car of the Year trophy. We love the top-level model with a 3.6-liter 321-horsepower V6 engine, but to stay in budget you can pick a rear-drive Luxury version equipped with a 2.5-liter 202-horsepower 4-cylinder or go slightly leaner on luxury trim and accessories to go for the turbocharged 272-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder coupled with all-wheel drive. The littlest Cadillac's sharp steering and surefooted handling are included with both models.
Cadillac CTS Coupe
CTS Coupe RWD: $39,900Cadillac's CTS Coupe is arguably one of the most beautiful cars today, bar none. Within the sharp creases of its bodywork is a cozy cabin with modern amenities, including a Bose 8-speaker audio system with satellite radio, the OnStar suite (with one-year subscription) with turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, power seats, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry and starting. With the CTS coupe's high rear deck, the rear parking sonars are no luxury, though. Under the hood is a 3.6-liter 318-horsepower V6 engine.
Chrysler 300
300 C Luxury Series RWD: $40,780Put simply, the 300 is an American Bentley. It has the gait, the heft and the presence of that British luxury icon. It even looks like a Flying Spur from the rear, if you squint a bit. The 300 C has impressive poise, too, with solid performance from its 3.6-liter 292-horsepower Pentastar V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. Interior fit and finish is outstanding. We could not resist the safety technology and lighting options, which add full xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot, cross-traffic and forward-collision warning monitors.
Ford Taurus
Taurus Limited AWD: $39,940If true luxury can be described as the triumph of substance over flash, the Ford Taurus is a brilliant demonstration of the principle, especially in Limited trim with power-adjusted heated and cooled seats draped with smooth leather. Our pick has an improved MyFord Touch interface with 8-inch touch screen and all forms of connectivity. Adjustable pedals, blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring, active parking, automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers are additional assets. Steady handling, all-wheel drive and the improved thrust of a 3.5-liter 288-horsepower V6 engine are the solid foundations on which it all rests.
Hyundai Genesis
Genesis 3.8: $39,000The Korean maker's first luxury car made a spectacular entrance by winning the North American Car of the Year award and has since backed it up with solid reliability ratings and resale value. The Genesis 3.8 version is more agile and better balanced than the 5.0, and still has plenty of muscle with its 333-horsepower direct-injection V6 engine. The Premium package adds a navigation device and a 14-speaker audio system plus electric power for the steering wheel, sunroof, rear sunshade and outside mirrors. There is plenty more with the Technology package, but we must stick to our budget.
Infiniti G37
G37 Journey: $39,850The Infiniti G37 leaves the stage next summer as the new Q50 steps in. Meanwhile, its lean profile correctly hints at solid handling virtues that are well-supported by a 3.7-liter 328-horsepower V6 engine bolted to a 7-speed automatic transmission, graced with Infiniti's pioneering rev-matching mode. The Journey slips just under our price cap with a Premium package that adds a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual seat memory, parking sonars and a Bose audio system with 10 speakers to an array of standard features, including full xenon headlights, leather seats, a rearview camera and satellite radio.
Lexus ES 350
ES 350 Premium: $39,145The ES 350 is the epitome of rational luxury. It delivers the exceptional quality, refinement and reliability that have built the Lexus brand. An essential part of this equation is the silky response of the 3.5-liter V6 engine, which channels 268 horsepower to the front wheels through an equally smooth 6-speed auto gearbox. The ES 350 is a magic carpet ride to which we have added the Premium group's power tilt/telescopic wood-and-leather heated steering wheel, real maple trim, rearview camera, 7-inch color information screen, premium audio with eight speakers and automatic wipers.
Lexus IS 250
IS 250 AWD: $40,015Rakish and trim, the IS sedan is a breed apart in the Lexus stable, aimed at the sportiest zone of the luxury spectrum. Fittingly agile, it fully honors the core values of the Lexus brand in terms of sheer build quality, refinement and reliability. Our price limit allows us to pick the IS 250 AWD, powered by a 2.5-liter 204-horsepower V6 engine instead of the feistier IS 350, let alone the V8-powered, 416-horsepower IS F hoonigan. To its standard kit we added an option group that includes leather trim, heated and cooled front seats, full xenon headlights and a navigation system.
Lincoln MKZ AWD / Hybrid
3.7 AWD: $39,940 | 2.0 Hybrid: $39,930Lincoln's midsize luxury sedan got a makeover for 2013 and now looks very chic. The versions we chose are priced almost identically yet sit at opposite ends of the technical spectrum. The MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle thermal engine and an 88-kilowatt electric motor for a combined output of 188 horsepower and phenomenal city and highway ratings of 45 mpg. Our 3.7 AWD, on the other hand, has a 3.7-liter V6 engine channeling 300 horsepower to all four wheels. Different strokes for different folks.
Mercedes-Benz C250
C250 Sport: $40,310Fond memories of Janis Joplin aside, you can afford a Mercedes-Benz mostly without the Lord's help nowadays. C-Class sedans are among the best-handling and most fun to drive. For a pinch more than our price cap, you can get a C250 powered by the new turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 201-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with a 7-speed auto gearbox. To standard fare such as HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity and dual-zone climate control we add full xenon headlights with curve illumination and the multimedia pack's rearview camera, as well as a navigation system with a 7-inch screen and multiple digital readers. Janis would probably love it.
Nissan Maxima SV
SV Premium: $39,770Nothing beats Nissan's flagship sedan for cubic punch, content and roominess. To a solid array of standard systems and power accessories, the Premium group adds to the Maxima amenities such as leather seats, a power tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel, full xenon headlights, a double moonroof with power sunshades, a Bose audio system with satellite radio, a 7-inch color info screen, a trunk pass-through to replace the folding seatback, and a rearview camera. Moving all this is a 290-horsepower version of Nissan's perennial V6 engine, joined to a sturdy continuously variable transmission.
Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Legacy 3.6R Limited: $38,676Surprised to see a Subaru in this league? Don't be. Our top-drawer Legacy's reasonable base price lets you add every conceivable option or accessory and stay within budget. You are starting with a spacious, safe and comfortable sedan powered by a smooth 3.6-liter 256-horsepower 6-cylinder boxer engine and an excellent all-wheel-drive system. Our Legacy comes with everything electric plus a navigation system with 7-inch touch screen, a 440-watt Harman Kardon audio system, a moonroof and Subaru's camera-based EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control. Plus every ski, snowboard, kayak and cargo carrier you can store in your garage.
Toyota Avalon
Avalon Limited: $39,650 | Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring: $38,045We have another case of split mechanical personality with Toyota's flagship sedan. Long a paragon of affordable luxury, the Avalon has been fully redesigned for 2013. Modern styling also makes it more aerodynamic and quieter. Our fully equipped Limited 3.5 V6 has plenty of oomph with its 268 horsepower engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The new hybrid, on the other hand, boasts exceptional fuel-economy ratings of 40 mpg city/39 mpg highway, thanks a powertrain built around a 2.5-liter thermal engine for a total of 200 horsepower. The XLE Touring has all the comfort amenities you can wish for.
Volkswagen CC
VR6 Luxury: $39,720Style is most certainly of the essence with Volkswagen's coupelike sedan. Its gorgeous looks simply make anything within its price range look stodgy. Inside, you enjoy heated and cooled leather seats with full power adjustments and 3-position memory. There is dual-zone climate control and a navigation system with a 6.5-inch touch screen, a 30-gigabyte disk, HD radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. With the 280-horsepower thrust of its 3.6-liter V6 engine channeled through a 6-speed automatic gearbox, you appreciate the added visibility of full xenon headlights with high beams that bend around corners.
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