Premium Compact Sedans

For the last 40 years, premium compact sedans have presented people with a way to experience the traits of much more expensive vehicles while remaining very practical. Today’s premium “compact” sedans aren’t so compact, offering interior dimensions that would’ve been the norm for a much more costly model years ago and features that were once exclusive to the top-end models. As a result, all of these cars have lost their “aspirational” label and each provides its driver with an enticing charm befitting of its brand. Get the latest information and reviews on the current crop of premium compact sedans here.

Lexus IS

On the market for the last 20 years and popular for its fun and reliable nature, Lexus has updated the rear-wheel-drive 2021 IS sedan with a marked focus on enhancing driving dynamics even further. The IS300 features a 241-horsepower 4-cylinder while the all-wheel-drive IS300 has a V-6 generating 260 horsepower. For buyers wanting more power, Lexus offers the IS350 with a 311-horsepower V-6, available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive forms. For a more performance-oriented experience, Lexus has the F Sport package for IS350s, bringing a more aggressive exterior and a tuned exhaust. Opting for the Dynamic Handling Package brings 19-inch BBS wheels, a limited-slip differential (on rear-drive cars), and adaptive suspension, along with a carbon-fiber lip spoiler.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla’s Model 3 is designed to be its mass-market electric vehicle that combines range, performance, safety and technology. Customers have four versions to choose from. The entry-level trims are the Standard Range with a 220-mile range and the Standard Range Plus with an upgraded interior, 240-mile range, and Autopilot. The next level is the all-wheel-drive Long Range version with 310 miles of range, and a Premium interior that includes an upgraded sound and infotainment system. For a faster Model 3, there’s a top-end Performance trim (also all-wheel-drive only) that still delivers 310 miles of range but can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds. All versions except Standard Range offer a full self-driving capability option which is able to perform highway lane changes and automatic parking in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Infiniti Q50

The Infiniti Q50 delivers a rewarding driving experience with a cabin sporting a high level of artistry. Buyers can choose from four different models: base 2.0t PURE, well-equipped 3.0t LUXE, 3.0t SPORT, and performance-oriented RED SPORT 400. Rear-wheel-drive is standard with all-wheel-drive optional. The 2.0t PURE comes with a 4-cylinder engine making 208 horsepower while 3.0t models come with a V-6 producing 300 horsepower. RED SPORT 400 cars come with an uprated V-6 generating 400 horsepower. The Q50 comes with Infiniti’s hallmark spinal support seats that provide consistent support and minimize pressure on back muscles. Available equipment includes a 16-speaker Bose sound system, quilted leather seats, and Dynamic Digital Suspension, which monitors body roll to restrain chassis motion for a comfortable, confident and insulated ride.

BMW 3-Series

BMW’s venerable 3-Series, which arguably started the premium compact sedan segment, was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, weighing over 100 pounds less than the last version. The new turbocharged four-cylinder in the new 330i delivers 255 horsepower while the turbocharged six-cylinder in the M340i makes 382 horsepower. Both come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel-drive optional. Buyers of the 330i can choose between three exterior themes: base Sport Line, upscale Luxury Line, and dedicated performance M Sport, which has sports seats with M-specific upholstery, an M leather steering wheel, and stiffer suspension while the M340i gets most of the sporty M touches standard.

Volvo S60

Introduced in 2019, the now-South Carolina-built Volvo S60 is a competitive entry in the compact luxury sedan class. For trim grades, customers have the base Momentum level, the sport-oriented R-Design, and top-end Inscription. There are three different powertrains to choose from: the T5 FWD with a 250-horsepower 4-cylinder and front-wheel-drive, the T6 AWD with 316 horsepower mated to an all-wheel drivetrain, and the T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid which makes 400 horsepower combined from a 4-cylinder engine and electric motor. The T8 powertrain is available with R-Design and Inscription grades only. Also, the Momentum and R-Design are available through the Care by Volvo service, with buyers paying a monthly flat fee without having to worry about down payments, maintenance and insurance.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes’s C-Class sedan is the brand’s top-selling car, offering the unparalleled Mercedes experience at an attainable level. Buyers have three different body styles to pick from: sedan, coupe, or convertible. Engine choices include a 4-cylinder making 255 horsepower in the C300 and a V-6 generating 385 horsepower in the C43 AMG. 4Matic all-wheel-drive is optional on the C300 and standard on the C43. Standard features include a power sunroof, attention assist, and split folding rear seats. A new multi-function steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls for instrument cluster and infotainment system control which respond to vertical and horizontal swiping movements, similar to a smartphone interface.

Audi A4

The A4 is Audi’s compact luxury sedan. Buyers of the A4 can choose between a 4-cylinder engine making 190 horsepower with front-wheel-drive or an uprated version of the engine making 252 horsepower mated to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Buyers of the A4 can choose from three different trims with varying equipment levels: base Premium, midrange Premium Plus, and top-end Prestige, while the S4 just has Premium Plus and Prestige. A V-6 generating 354 horsepower with Quattro is standard on S4s. Standard features include Audi pre sense basic, which helps secure the vehicle during unusual or emergency maneuvers, and pre sense city, which helps detect vehicles and pedestrians at speeds up to 52 mph, increasing awareness of surroundings and helping prevent accidents.

Cadillac CT5

New for 2020, the CT5 is Cadillac’s latest take on a sedan that can combine a bold design, cutting-edge technology, and engaging performance in a single package. Shoppers can choose between three versions, base Luxury, well-equipped Premium Luxury, Sport, and performance-oriented V-Series. The standard engine is a 4-cylinder making 237 horsepower while a 335-horsepower V-6 is optional on the Premium Luxury variant and standard on the V-Series. A very notable option is Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology, which enables owners to drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the United States and Canada through the use of LiDAR map data, GPS, a driver attention system, as well as a network of camera and radar sensors.