Best Fullsize Performance Sedans

Pricier than the mechanically similar E-Class, you may be asking why the CLS is worth the extra money. It's a valid concern; the CLS has a smaller back seat and less practicality than its sibling. The answer is in how the CLS makes owners feel. Its swooping exterior style and pampering cabin luxury give it a touch of panache that is hard to find elsewhere on the road. One would need to step up to the flagship S-Class and its six-digit price to get a fancier Mercedes-Benz.

The CLS provides superb quietness and ride comfort on the road, and passengers are coddled in fantastic seats. Standard technology surpasses most rivals, though some driver-assistance systems are costly options. Overall, the CLS is a well-engineered luxury car with exceptional style that is as satisfying to drive as it is to admire.

The BMW 8-Series straddles the line between high-end luxury and sportiness. It has all of the Euro appeal that drivers have come to love about the automaker, with a long, sleek exterior that elegantly hints at the performance lying within, along with a tasteful cabin packed with cutting-edge tech.

Shoppers can equip their 8-Series in one of several sophisticated color combinations, and high-performance cooling and tires are optional. At the same time, it is eminently comfortable on the highway and around town. Some customers will prefer the posher cabins of BMW’s rivals, though they come at a higher starting price. At the end of the day, the 8-Series is a masterful blend of sportiness, style, and luxury, making it a great daily driver and long-distance cruiser.

With its large and imposing exterior and sporty touches, the BMW 7-Series sets its sights on being the ultimate German luxury cruiser. It mostly succeeds at its goal, providing effortless speed and a buttery-soft ride. The restrained interior styling is not for everyone, but it offers a subdued environment for rejuvenation on the way to the next destination.

BMW includes numerous standard features, with optional semi-autonomous driving systems to help take the strain out of traffic. While some rivals are more fun to drive, the 7-Series prevails in its efforts as a stylish and high-tech luxury limo.