Affordable Prestige

Audi A4 BMW 318i Mercedes-Benz C220 Saab 900 SVolvo 850 GLTCongratulations. All those years of hard work and dedication are finally starting to pay off. And while it's still a bit premature to begin pondering early retirement, the time has come to take that first modest step toward automotive affluence. Ever ready to make certain the journey starts off on the right foot, we've brought together five success-oriented sedans for your consideration. With sales data indicating that Americans shopping the entry-level luxury market currently favor traditional European nameplates, our aspirants all boast Continental pedigrees. Despite an admittedly broad variation in their mechanical specifics, each of these players offers a legitimate alternative for anyone looking to arrive in style. In fact, one could properly envision this assemblage in terms of a trip to a candy store: It might be a visit to Mrs. See's instead of to Ms. Godiva's, but you can expect to find some mighty pleasant confections, nonetheless.

Due to the timing of this story, availability of some vehicles was limited, so we had to make do with a mixed bag of '95 and '96 models. The rear-drive BMW 318i and Mercedes-Benz C220 fall into the former category; the front-drive Audi A4, Saab 900 S, and Volvo 850 GLT fall into the latter. Since several of these players arrived with more options than the others, we've also included a "functional price" in the charts, indicating the bottom-line cost if fitted with what we consider basic equipment for this class, namely power windows/locks/mirrors, a sunroof, cruise control, alloy wheels, and a decent audio system in addition to the de rigueur air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, and dual airbags.

Following a week of casual car swapping, we set off on a day-long formal ride-and-drive that encompassed a full range of motoring experiences, from backroad blitzing to freeway touring. But before examining how closely each vehicle came to meeting its objectives, a quick overview is in order.

On sale here since September, the Audi A4 comes out fighting for its piece of the step-up sedan market. This all-new replacement for the venerable 90 model is expected to become the firm's volume leader in the U.S. and arrives packing an extensive list of standards plus the ability to be fitted with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system. The A4's $26,500 base price includes a five-speed manual transmission, a tilt/telescoping steering column, an eight-way-adjustable power driver's seat, automatic climate control, an alarm system with keyless remote entry, and 16-inch cast-alloy wheels mounting 205/55HR16 all-season radials. Our test car came with a load of options, including Audi's new five-speed automatic transmission, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, leather upholstery, a Bose sound system with CD changer, a ski sack, and a three-way sunroof with preselect feature, all of which bumped the A4's as-tested price to $31,095.

A familiar face in drive-for-success circles, the BMW 318i brings a good deal to the party for its estimated $26,250 base price. Supplementing a full range of power amenities, this smartly styled German four-door offers a three-way electric sunroof, cruise control, and a full-size spare tire. Options on our vehicle included the Sport Package (tauter suspension, custom alloy wheels mounting bigger 205/60HR15 performance radials, sport seats, fog lights, and leather interior accent trim), a premium audio system, and a fold-down rear seatback. The total price with destination: an estimated $29,315. A four-speed automatic transmission would add another $975. The 318i receives notable mechanical upgrades for '96. While retaining its present nomenclature, engine displacement will rise from 1.8 to 1.9 liters, improving low-rpm torque (the premium audio system will also become standard). These new cars are due to arrive in the U.S. sometime during the first quarter of next year and are likely to carry a 2- to 3-percent price premium over their '95 counterparts.