Second OpinionsIt's The Real DealAt this elevation, the atmosphere is too thin to construct logical, convincing arguments. Any modern sporting sedan above the $50,000 level will be way too good to kick out of your garage. So the question is not what's good and what's bad here, or even which of these is the best in an objective sense. Instead, it comes down to a harmonic convergence: Where do you feel is the best intersection of your own attitudes, priorities, and values with those of the car and the folks who crafted it? My gut tells me it feels most right at the wheel of the BMW, a car that's honest and straightforward, thoroughly competent, responsive, communicative, and cooperative. It impresses me as the genuine article in a way the others don't quite, great as they are.-Kevin Smith
Worth Borrowing ForI'd graciously take any of these vehicles for my garage, but one steals my heart (and could easily do the same to my pocketbook). The Lexus is a wonderful ride and raises the performance bar, but the rest of the vehicle slides under the standard set by the German trifecta. The A6 is an all-wheel-drive rolling work of art, but the overly supportive seats left my back and bum aching after an hour behind the wheel. I fully expected more out of the Benz' optional sport package than wheels, tires, body cladding, and a badge-especially for $4090. Then, there's the Bimmer. Sure, the design has been around for five years, and the interior is simple compared to the competition. But the 540i pegged my yee-haw meter in terms of performance, handling, interior comfort, and looks. The BMW is so quiet and refined, it's easy to cross the 100-mph line on the speedo, while you think you're cruising at 65-not to mention that my wife declared it to be her next new car. The Ultimate Driving Machine? You bet it is. I'd have no reservations pulling a second mortgage on the house to have one in my garage. So, Sweetie, you want it in black, right?-Scott Mead
Designer's AdvocateOkay, the BMW 540i is brilliant in almost every measurable way, but I'm a sucker for a good presentation, and the Audi A6 4.2 (or any Audi for all that) makes a great showing. Every inch of the A6 is designed with attention to an overall, solid substantiality. Clean and simple lines rule over busy complex shapes-and the designers knew when to put their pencils down. Sitting behind the wheel of so many vehicles in a year, I often find myself pointing to curious bits of designery and asking, "Now, why do you suppose the manufacturer chose to do it like that?" Exactly how sharp edges, unnecessarily complex systems, and just ugly stuff meet with approval is beyond me. In an Audi, the design intent is self evident. Besides, I appreciate the lowest price in this group and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive (standard on the A6 4.2) that isn't available on anything else in this class. And by the way, mine was the backside that liked its seats.-Chris Walton
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