I highly recommend the Saturn Aura XE. I have the 2008 model (the 2007 model won the North American Car & Driver Award) and it looks just like this (red, too): http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/03/Saturn-Aura.jpg. I’ve been very pleased: very reliable, reasonably priced, comfy interior, good sound system, and good looking IMHO.
I drive a Mercedes E350 and I love it! It’s got a lot of features - many of which I haven’t even figured out even after having it for a year and half. It’s so fun and comfortable to drive. And plus, it’s gorgeous!
Couple of years ago I wanted to replace my Lexus and Mercedes with a single vehicle. My requirements were performance, safety and comfort. I tried the BMW 550i and one in the 7 series, plus an Audi. Then I tried the Porsche Cayenne S. Granted, it’s a crossover, not a sedan, so the downside was outstanding offroad capabilities, extra cargo room, etc. Wait… that’s a downside? It’s got all the bells and whistles you could want, is extremely quiet (especially w/ Y rated Michelin Latitude Tour HPs) and hauls butt. If that’s not enough, get the GTS or Twin Turbo.
Since the OP is asking, I lurve my Infiniti G37 x and am having a blast with the toys. 7 speed 330 hp with two shifting modes, I turn the radio down when accelerating hard to hear the engine growl. 4 wheel drive when wanted, Birdview GPS, touch screen, voice recognition, blue tooth, ipod integration, range finding cruise, self healing paint, backup camera, steering linked headlights… 
We had one of the first hot days of the summer recently and the air was on full blast. When I pressed the voice recognition button the fan immediately went to slow so I could be heard. Neat!
I think you misread the OP.
I have the car’s twin, a Pontiac G6. It’s a nice car, granted, but it will NEVER, EVER be mistaken for a more expensive car int he class of an A6, BMW 5 series, or MErcedes.
I think that the amazing thing, is that a mid-range car now provides all of the bells and whstles of a luxury car. You can get 6-speed automatic transmissions, active suspension, excellent sond systems, and dual air conditioning in a $30,000 car. There is no need to go to $60,000-you get everything for a lot less. However, these high end electronics-heavy cars wil be almost worthless, when they hit 100,000 miles-fixing their complicated electronic systems wil be cost prohibitive.
You’re probably right on the “underpowered” part. However, this one had less than 1000 miles on it - still smelled new.
What really, really struck me was that when I got home and hit the satellite parking lot, I got into the 2004 Accord I was then driving, and was immediately struck by how much more responsive it was (it was only a 160hp 4-cylinder, yet almost as heavy as the C-boat), how much better it handled, how much smaller the blind spots were, and how much more comfortable the seats were. The thought that flashed through my mind was, “Chrysler would do better by simply taking an Accord apart, and copying large chunks of it!”
Now I’m *really *spoiled, however - a 2007 BMW Z4 for nice weather, and a '98 Forester for the snow. (On snow, the Z4 handles like a toboggan. :eek: )
I’ve got a Forester XT. The electronic gizmos are not in the same league as Mercedes and Audi.
I tried out an E37, which is based on the same platform. Too small for my long legs. The FX50 was a lot bigger, but was like driving a bus.
You might want to look at the Infiniti M35/M45 then.
If you don’t care too much about badges, I strongly recommend the Hyundai Genesis.
I agree. We drove both the G and the M (I think they were the 35 models, but I forget). I liked the G, but it was pretty small (especially the coupe). I liked the M much better.
As for ralph124c’s comment that “a mid-range car now provides all of the bells and whstles of a luxury car,” this is true to some extent, but not completely so. If you go simply by the specification lists, yes. On paper, a recent mid-range car is often equivalent to a mid-luxury car (A6, 5 Series, etc.). However, I certainly found that in driving them, the luxury cars tended to be more refined, more fun to drive, and felt more “solid.” It’s not all about feature lists or specifications. I’m pretty sure that most people would be able to tell the difference between an A6 or 5 Series and a Genesis or Fusion after driving them back to back. Whether the difference is worth the price to you is another question.
I also have to question the statement the luxury cars will be worthless at 100k because of their electronics but the mid-range cars won’t. First, cars have been made with complicated electronic systems long enough now that there are plenty of them at the 100k+ mark that are doing fine. Second, many of the mid-range cars also have plenty of complicated electronics – you’re not escaping the problem unless you avoid all the stuff that makes the mid-range car the supposed equivalent of the luxury car. Finally, if you can afford to buy a car in this category, you can probably afford to get these things fixed years down the road (if you still have the car). It’s unlikely to cost as much as a new car, and once it’s fixed you’ll still have a BMW. I’d personally argue that if you can’t afford the maintenance costs, you can’t afford the car…
If bang for the buck is your top priority, you’re probably not going to be shopping in this category. The benefits you get from these cars aren’t necessarily all practical, and many people don’t think they’re worth the extra cost. Certainly there are many truly excellent cars in the lower price ranges, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying one. But I think there’s something extra (and I’m not talking about prestige or snob value) you can find at the higher price points.
If you really have enuf budget go for the Audi RS6 Avante.
V10, Turbo Lamborghini sourced engine, four wheel drive wagon - goes like stink and is practical to boot 
You could always go with something that is darn close to a supercar.
Not sure what you’re actual budget is, but this bad boy deserves at least a look and a test drive.
The guys from Top Gear loved it!
Even Top Gear found they liked the CTS.
I opened this thread because I’m interested in a luxury car too. My added criteria is that I’d prefer it be an American made car*, plus I’d like for it to be a good road touring car.
I like the look of the CTS.
So, while you guys are answering the OPs question… What experience do any of you guys have with cars that meet my criteria?
They liked it so much that they preferred… the Vauxhall VXR8/Holden Monaro. It’s still available here as the Pontiac G8 GXP.
The V10 in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 came from the RS6, not the other way around. That’s how good it is.
I’m guessing that the seat (and my behind) would be torture after five or six hours. Might give it a spin if I can fit into one though.
The GT-R is a hair over $80k. Can you stretch that far?
Took a Jaguar XF out today. Lovely car. Lovely drive. The electrnics package seemed to be a little primitive (and the rotary gear shift was weird).