Notable Newcomers

Newcomers Under $30,000
Along with the rest of Acura’s sedan lineup, the Acura TSX is all new for 2009 and starts at $29,160. With a fresh new face, larger dimensions and a sharpened design, the 201-hp TSX promises to be a relative bargain when compared to the competition from Europe. Like all Acuras, the TSX is easy to price with limited options bundled into packages.

Newcomers From $30,000 - $40,000 Perhaps the biggest news in this price range for 2009 comes from South Korea in the all-new $32,250 Hyundai Genesis. Featuring either a V6 or an optional V8 motor, the rear-drive Genesis promises S-Class space, styling and comfort on a C-Class budget. This move is a bold, new step for the increasingly important automaker that landed on our shores just over two decades ago with a tiny economy car based on Japanese engineering. The Genesis represents not only a groundbreaking moving on Hyundai’s part, but also a fantastic bargain in this price range.

In perhaps the most competitive segment of the luxury market, the high volume entry-luxury tier, there are several new cars that debuted for either the 2008 or 2009 model year or have been substantially re-designed.

Starting at $31,000, the all-new for 2009 Audi A4 and Audi A4 Avant station wagon are improved from top to bottom. While still wearing Audi’s distinctive grill and four-ring logo, the new A4 is larger, faster and more fuel-efficient than ever. Audi, long known for offering their cars with their Quattro all-wheel drive system, now have a torque split that favors rear drive 60% to 40% front drive, improving ride and handling. Of course, if the road conditions deteriorate due to the weather, Quattro will transfer torque to the wheels that get the best grip from those that slip.

Just in time to counter the new Audi A4, BMW is offering a revised 3-Series for 2009 with a host of improvements. Along with a subtle reworking of the exterior, BMW’s designers also updated the interior for more refinement and to fit an improved optional iDrive infotainment system, which includes a hard-drive based navigation system for the first time in a BMW. Perhaps the biggest news from BMW is the availability of the diesel-powered 335d. The BMW Advanced Diesel – available in all 50 states – offers “just” 265 horsepower but it also generates 425 lbs-ft of torque across a wide RPM band. That’s almost as much as BMW’s 6.0-liter V-12 engine makes!

Competing with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the Infiniti G37 gets a nice bump in power and a new seven-speed transmission for 2009 to go along with its name change. Larger than most cars in its class, the 328 horsepower sedan remains reasonably priced at $33,250.

Also competing against BMW and Audi in the entry-luxury market, Mercedes-Benz introduced a completely new C-Class for 2008. With more familial lines that mimic the flagship S-Class sedans, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a variety of six- and eight-cylinder engines that promise performance along with elegance. Cadillac, too, rolled out their own all-new, entry-level luxury sedan in 2008 with the completely revamped CTS that starts at $36,265. From top to bottom, GM’s engineers and stylists coupled a more mature and crisp design with a drivetrain that matches what’s available from Europe’s best. Featuring an optional 304-hp, gasoline direct injection, 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic, the new CTS pampers its occupants with an extremely high-quality interior and enough infotainment technology to soothe any soul.

Along with their TSX, Acura introduced an all-new midsize TL sedan for 2009. Available with an optional 305 hp, high-revving V6 (Acura’s most powerful engine ever offered) and starting from $34,955, the new TL is available with front- or all-wheel drive, another first for the TL, a car that is typically larger than most competitors in its price class.

Entering the small luxury SUV market in 2009 is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Sporting a 268-horsepower V6 engine and available in two or all-wheel drive, the GLK 350 comes standard with many of the same luxury features as larger vehicles in its class and all of the safety equipment we expect from Mercedes-Benz. At $33,900, it is also priced well to compete with similar vehicles from Infiniti, BMW and Audi.

Speaking of Audi, they, too, enter the small luxury SUV segment in 2009 with the Q5. With standard all-wheel drive, the Audi starts at $37,200 and promises more of those exquisite design details that have been their hallmark in recent years, along with sound engineering and performance from the 270-horsepower V6 and six-speed automatic.

One of the first car-based luxury utility vehicles on the market, the Lexus RX, returns with a redesigned 2010 model in showrooms for 2009. Starting at $36,800, the new RX is instantly recognizable, even with a subtly redesigned body. Like any good luxury vehicle, the RX includes many new technologies on its options list like adaptive headlights than turn with the steering wheel.

Newcomers From $40,000 - $55,000
Book ending Acura’s complete revamping of its sedan lineup, the flagship Acura RL is substantially revised for 2009, including slightly longer overall dimensions, a revised interior, a bump in power to an even 300 hp and better emissions performance to meet stricter, upcoming standards around the country. Acura’s signature SH-AWD (super handling all-wheel drive) remains as standard equipment on the RL, from $46,280.

The Infiniti FX35 crossover, more car than truck with its limited off-road utility, has been a hit since it first appeared in 2003, but for 2009, the $42,150 vehicle enters its second generation with a refined and more elegant interior as well as updated exterior to go along with a nice increase in horsepower to 309 from its snarling V6 engine.

More big news comes from Germany with the availability of the new, 2009 Mercedes-Benz diesel models. An updated version of their already fuel efficient, smooth and powerful 3.0-liter V6 promises exhaust emissions clean enough to meet even the toughest California pollution standards. Although they have just 210 hp, the turbocharged diesel engines produce 398 pounds-feet or torque, which is more like a powerful V8 than a V6. And maximum torque comes online at just 1,600 RPM, meaning acceleration and passing power are as good as that V8 as well. Mercedes-Benz diesel models are efficient enough to provide more than 600 miles of highway range with just a single fill up. The new diesel will be available in the $48,600 ML320 BlueTEC mid-size SUV, the $49,150 R320 BlueTEC crossover and the $54,200 E320 BlueTEC sedan.

One famous luxury maker has made a comeback in a huge way for 2009. The all-new Jaguar XF features a bold new exterior design, sumptuous interior detailing and even a robust V8 engine mated to an excellent six-speed automatic transmission. At $49,200, the Jaguar XF represents the brand’s best competition in the crowded luxury market in decades.

Newcomers Over $55,000
Like its sleek, V6-powered sibling, the 390 horsepower, V8-equipped, $58,400 Infiniti FX50 cuts a beautiful line, traveling or standing still. While not intended at all for off-road use, the FX effects a commanding presence on the road. BMW introduced a similar vehicle for 2008 with the all-new X6, available with only turbocharged engines in six or eight cylinders. BMW calls the SUV a “Sport Activity Coupe” due to its seriously sloping roofline, despite having four doors. Starting at $55,900, the X6 might not be the most practical vehicle, but its bold lines sure do make a statement on the road.

At the high end of the market, BMW’s flagship 750i sedan returns in 2009 completely re-engineered and with a softening of its previous controversial design. Seemingly featuring more technology than NASA’s Space Shuttle program, the 750i has advances in engine, transmission, comfort, convenience and safety throughout the car. And at $80,300, it should not have to apologize for any of its features.