December 2009 Top Selling Luxury Cars

December 2009 Sales: 2,354
Change vs. December 2008: Up 126.3%
MSRP: $33,000 - $39,500

The Genesis can be had with a 290-hp 3.8-liter V6, or a 375-hp (using premium fuel) 4.6-liter V8. Both engines send power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that features manual sequential shift capability. Mechanical safety features include traction control, stability control, and panic brake assist. The interior features a full compliment of airbags, electronic active front headrests that provide whiplash protection, and a tire pressure monitor. Luxurious leather seats, automatic dual-zone climate control and woodgrain trim are just some of the appointments this car offers that are typically only found in vehicles costing much more.

December 2009 Sales: 2,574
Change vs. December 2008: Up 5.7%
MSRP: $27,945 - $35,285

The front-wheel drive Avalon is available in three trim levels: XL, XLS and Limited. All are powered by a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The XL trim is well-equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control and a six-disc CD changer. The XLS trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof and leather upholstery, while Limited trims are further outfitted with heated/ventilated front seats and an upgraded audio system. Standard safety features on all trims include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control systems, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, a driver-side knee airbag and active anti-whiplash front head restraints.

December 2009 Sales: 2,926
Change vs. December 2008: Up 27%
MSRP: $29,310 - $34,850

The front-wheel drive TSX is powered by a 201-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, or a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic. The auto transmission includes SportShift and steering wheel paddles and is available with the 4-cylinder engine. The TSX is well-equipped, with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The 2.4-liter model includes 17-inch alloy wheels and the 3.5-liter model includes 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive suspension tuning. An optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with voice activation, integrated rearview camera parking assist and upgraded audio and climate control systems. Standard safety-enhancing features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and new active anti-whiplash front head restraints.

December 2009 Sales: 3,167
Change vs. December 2008: Down 12.2%
MSRP: $35,105 - $38,655

The front-wheel drive TL is outfitted with a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the all-wheel drive TL SH-AWD features a more powerful 305-hp 3.7-liter V6. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sequential SportShift manual mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Acura's exclusive Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances grip, stability and all-weather control, while an electric power assist steering system on both models provides direct feedback. Every TL is equipped with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The TL SH-AWD is further distinguished by exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, bumper-integrated front brake cooling ducts and quad tailpipes. A Technology Package is available on both models, including a navigation system with voice activation, keyless access, upgraded audio, premium leather and a rear decklid spoiler with integrated rearview camera.

December 2009 Sales: 3,343
Change vs. December 2008: Up 21.1%
MSRP: $45,700 - $91,050

All five models are equipped with an automatic transmission and electronically managed 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The gasoline version of the ML350 is also available with rear-wheel drive. The ML350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 generating 210 horsepower. The ML350 is powered by Mercedes' latest-generation 3.5-liter gasoline V6, generating 268 horsepower. The ML550 includes a 5.5-liter, 382-hp V8 and the top of the line ML63 AMG uses a 6.3-liter, 503-hp V8. All non-hybrid models receive a seven-speed auto transmission. New for 2010, the ML450 is an advanced 2-mode hybrid. The 2-mode hybrid system uses an eight-speed continuously variable transmission, a 275-hp V6 engine, and a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery for a combined rating of 335-hp. The ML450 Hybrid is able to accelerate using only the electric motor. The extensively equipped M-Class includes standard features such as stability control and active front head restraints, as well as front, side, and side curtain airbags.

December 2009 Sales: 3,541
Change vs. December 2008: Down 9.9%
MSRP: $33,250 - $40,400

The rear-wheel drive G37 is named for its 3.7-liter V6 engine, available with between 325 and 330 horsepower depending on the model. This smooth, powerful engine comes with a new seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The G37 comes in Base, Journey, and Sport 6MT trims. The styling is aggressive yet subtle with abounding curves and the G series heritage is apparent in both design and performance. Standard safety features include six airbags, traction control and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Optional is an intelligent cruise control system that matches the speed of the car ahead and an upgraded audio system with Bose sound.

December 2009 Sales: 3,553
Change vs. December 2008: Down 7.8%
MSRP: $31,450 - $35,350

The A4 is outfitted with a 211-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, featuring FSI direct fuel injection; available transmissions include a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual shift mode, and a Multitronic CVT. Every A4 is equipped with the Premium package, including a power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack. A Premium Plus package, available for all variants, adds features such as Xenon Plus headlights, LED tail lamps, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, Homelink universal garage door opener, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and an Audi Music Interface with iPod integration. The quattro models can be further equipped with a Prestige package that boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, Advanced Key passive entry/start, voice-activated navigation, DVD player and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control systems, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, and a tire pressure monitor; rear side-impact airbags are optional.

December 2009 Sales: 3,914
Change vs. December 2008: Up 5.8%
MSRP: $45,800 - $48,100

The BMW 5-series puts an emphasis on the driving experience. This mid-size luxury car remains a true sports sedan by delivering lively acceleration, precise handling and outstanding safety.

The rear-wheel drive 528i and all-wheel drive 528xi feature a 3.0-liter inline-six generating 230 horsepower, with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic shifting. Standard features include leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox.

December 2009 Sales: 4,153
Change vs. December 2008: Up 17.3%
MSRP: $37,295 - $37,295

The Lexus IS 350 is a true rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. It's quick and fun to drive thanks to its balanced chassis and advanced electronic stability control system.

The IS 350 is propelled with authority, benefitting from a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6. It has VDIM electronic stability designed to keep the driver out of trouble. More sophisticated braking and electronic stability systems augment its additional performance. Safety features include driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The brakes are large and effective four-wheel discs, clamped at the front by aluminum four-piston calipers. Augmenting the big brakes are ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist.

December 2009 Sales: 4,180
Change vs. December 2008: Down 4.9%
MSRP: $36,730 - $53,620

New for 2010 the Cadillac CTS is now available as a Sport Wagon as well as an award winning sedan. A first for Cadillac, the Sport Wagon includes nearly double the interior space of the sedan, an integrated roof load management system, and a power liftgate. Both models offer optional all-wheel-drive, an impressively finished benchmark interior and a large dose of style.

Available in two trims the 2010 CTS comes standard with either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. 19-inch polished alloy wheels are optional. The standard engine is a four-cam, 3.0-liter V6 with direct injection and variable valve-timing generating 255 horsepower. A direct injected 3.6-liter V6, with 304 horsepower is also available. Transmission choices include a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual, and a variable-torque full-time all-wheel-drive system can be added to either engine. Feature highlights include a standard Bose audio system with XM Satellite radio, eight speakers and auxiliary input jack. A power UltraView double-sized sunroof and an upgraded radio with DVD-Audio, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound, 40 gB Hard Drive, and a USB port are available.

December 2009 Sales: 4,452
Change vs. December 2008: Up 20.1%
MSRP: $27,260 - $37,415

The Chrysler 300 stands out with bold, imposing styling reminiscent of an art deco look of years past. Its strong lines give off a sense of power and refined stature.

The 300 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An optional long wheelbase rear-wheel drive model is available that allows for a rear seat area much larger than the standard car. A 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 or a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 powers the 300. Both the long wheelbase and the four-wheel drive versions come only with the V6 engine. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are optional on the LX trim, but standard on the Touring and Limited trims.

December 2009 Sales: 4,849
Change vs. October 2008: Down 20.4%
MSRP: $33,600 - $57,350

The C-Class is offered as three models: C300, C350 and C63 AMG. The C300 is available in rear-wheel and 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations, both in either Sport or Luxury trim levels. It is powered by a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine, and gets either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The C350 is offered in rear-wheel drive and Sport trim only, and is equipped with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The enthusiast-oriented C63 AMG boasts a 451-hp 6.3-liter AMG-tuned V8 engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted aluminum paddle shifters. The C300 is outfitted with a power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, ARTICO upholstery and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The C350 adds a rear spoiler, heated front seats and satellite radio, while the C63 AMG is further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG sport seats, exclusive aluminum and carbon fiber trim elements, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Standard safety features include stability and traction control systems, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.

December 2009 Sales: 5,437
Change vs. December 2008: Up 57%
MSRP: $48,050 - $58,800

The E-Class sedans and wagons are redesigned for 2010. They are solid, safe, comfortable, luxurious, and fast. New for 2010, the E- Class Coupe is a sporty, dynamic, and distinctive coupe with a classic Mercedes design.

Rear-wheel drive E-Class sedans are available in four models, the E350 BLUETEC, E350, E550, and E63 AMG. The E350 and E550 are available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the E350 and E63 AMG are available as wagons. The new E-Class coupes are available with rear-wheel drive as the E350 and E550. All models include a seven-speed automatic transmission. A 3.0-liter 210-hp turbo-diesel V6 engine drives the E350 BLUETEC and a 268-hp, 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine powers the E350. The E550 has a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V8 engine under the hood while the E63 AMG has a 507-hp, 6.3-liter V8 with AMG speedshift. The wagons in the class seat up to seven, the sedans seat five, and the coupe seats four. Multi-zone climate control is standard and all models come with a lengthy list of standard features.

December 2009 Sales: 6,531
Change vs. December 2008: Up 24.7%
MSRP: $34,800 - $34,800

The Lexus ES 350 is a luxury sedan that is renowned for its refined driving dynamics, elegant appearance, and craftsmanship.

The ES 350 is offered in one model with the opportunity to layer luxury by adding the Ultra-Luxury Package, or by selecting a wide range of standalone options. Power is provided by an all-aluminum 272-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Safety features that are standard on the ES 350 include dual front airbags, knee airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and a tire-pressure monitor system.

December 2009 Sales: 8,884
Change vs. December 2008: Up 7.6%
MSRP: $32,850 - $44,550

The BMW 328i delivers a special mix of sporting performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. It's the car that defines 'sport sedan,' and the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at when it develops an entry-level luxury sport sedan.

The rear-wheel drive 328i is available in coupe, sedan, wagon and convertible bodies, while the all-wheel drive 328i xDrive is available in coupe, sedan and wagon only. Power is provided by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all variations, with a six-speed automatic transmission optional. Standard safety features include six airbags, four wheel ABS disc brakes with adaptive brakelights, traction and stability control, as well as pop-up roll-over protection on the convertible.