Best Selling Luxury Cars: December 2010

December 2010 Sales: 1,538
Change vs. December 2009: Down 16.1%
MSRP: $46,680 - $59,875
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg Hwy/15 mpg City

The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan that combines classic styling, impeccable road manners and a spacious interior, all contributing to its reputation as a comfortable long distance cruiser.

The front-wheel drive DTS is powered by GM's Northstar 4.6-liter V8 engine, available in both 275-hp and 292-hp versions and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

December 2010 Sales: 1,741
Change vs. December 2009: Up 123.5%
MSRP: $47,050
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

Completely redesigned for 2011 the Infiniti M37 successfully blends style and performance with luxury in this next-generation sedan.

Powered by a 3.7-liter, 330 horsepower V6 engine, the rear-wheel drive M37 is matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual sport shifting.

December 2010 Sales: 2,423
Change vs. December 2009: Up 6.7%
MSRP: $33,000 - $43,000
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The Hyundai Genesis sedan is designed to offer the luxury appointments of much more expensive cars, for less. The Genesis can be had with a 290-hp 3.8-liter V6, or a 385-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.

December 2010 Sales: 2,691
Change vs. December 2009: Up 8.4%
MSRP: $32,595 - $35,835
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The front-wheel drive Avalon is available in two trim levels: Base and Limited. Both are powered by a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The Base trim is well-equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity with music streaming and a USB port.

December 2010 Sales: 3,275
Change vs. December 2009: Up 7.2%
MSRP: $35,305 - $38,855
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

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.

December 2010 Sales: 3,513
Change vs. December 2009: Up 2.5%
MSRP: $31,950 - $35,940
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The A4 is Audi's spirited and versatile mainstay, offering a combination of style and substance that keeps it highly competitive within its class. It is available in either a sedan or wagon (Avant) body style, both with Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel drive system; FrontTrak front-wheel drive is also offered on the sedan. 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 new eight-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual shift mode, and a Multitronic CVT.

December 2010 Sales: 3,782
Change vs. December 2009: Down 5.6%
MSRP: $39,070 - $41,530
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Lexus IS 350 is a true sports sedan that is 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.

December 2010 Sales: 4,267
Change vs. December 2009: +21.8%
MSRP: $29,610 - $35,150
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

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.

December 2010 Sales: 4,924
Change vs. December 2009: Up 5.3%
MSRP: $33,990 - $58,200

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains the most accessible of the brand's models sold in the United States. Completely redesigned in 2008, the fourth-generation C-Class continues to deliver the expected levels of advanced engineering, design and safety features that keep it highly competitive within the entry luxury segment. The C-Class is offered as three models: C300, C350 and C63 AMG.

December 2010 Sales: 5,045
Change vs. December 2009: Up 33.7%
MSRP: $49,600 - $51,900

The BMW 5-series puts an emphasis on the driving experience. Now starting its sixth generation, this mid-size luxury car remains a true sports sedan by delivering aggressive styling, precise handling and outstanding safety.

Available in rear- or xDrive all-wheel drive, the 535i features a new 300-hp 3.0-liter, turbo, inline-six engine, with the choice of an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

December 2010 Sales: 5,171
Change vs. December 2009: Up 28.3%
MSRP: $35,165 - $50,965
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy/16 mpg City

The Cadillac CTS now offers a range of vehicles to suit any lifestyle. New for 2011, the amazing CTS Coupe joins the recently introduced Sport Wagon, and the respected, award winning Sedan. All models offer optional all-wheel-drive, an impressively finished benchmark interior and a large dose of style. Available in two trims the 2011 CTS comes standard with either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. 19-inch polished alloy wheels are optional.

December 2010 Sales: 5,469
Change vs. December 2009: Down 13.2%
MSRP: $36,025
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/19 mpg City

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.

December 2010 Sales: 5,596
Change vs. December 2009: Up 63.9%
MSRP: $35,050 - $56,750
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/19 mpg City

The Infiniti G37 is available as sedan, a coupe, or hardtop convertible. Responsive and agile, the G37 has a sporty flare while offering a comfortable ride and a luxurious interior. 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 seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

December 2010 Sales: 5,638
Change vs. December 2009: Up 7.5%
MSRP: $48,850 - $87,600

The E-Class offers something for everyone. Solid, safe, comfortable, luxurious, and fast the E-Class is available as a sedan, coupe, wagon, or cabriolet. The E-Class Coupe is a sporty, dynamic coupe with a classic Mercedes design. The new Cabriolet is a soft-top version of the Coupe. The stylish new E350 wagon provides outstanding utility and seats for up to seven people.

Rear-wheel drive E-Class sedans are available in four models, E350, E550, E63 AMG, and E350 BlueTEC.

 

December 2010 Sales: 9,904
Change vs. December 2009: Up 15.6%
MSRP: $33,650 - $45,500
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

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 cabriolet bodies, while the xDrive all-wheel drive system 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.