2001 Comparison Test: Audi A4, BMW 325i, Lexus IS300, M-B C240, Saab 9-3, Volvo S60
What's happening
Car and Driver is revisiting a classic 2001 comparison test of six premium sports sedans: the Audi A4, BMW 325i, Lexus IS300, Mercedes-Benz C240, Saab 9-3, and Volvo S60. The test evaluates how these vehicles stack up against each other in performance, handling, and overall driving dynamics.
Who's involved
Car and Driver, a leading automotive publication, conducted the original test comparing six major manufacturers' mid-size sedan offerings. The brands represent different automotive philosophies: German engineering (Audi, BMW, Mercedes), Japanese reliability (Lexus), and Swedish design (Saab, Volvo).
Why it matters
This archival comparison provides historical perspective on how the premium sedan segment has evolved over two decades. It documents the performance benchmarks and design priorities that defined the early 2000s luxury market, offering insights into which brands' approaches have endured or changed. Understanding these baseline evaluations helps readers appreciate how modern successors have advanced in technology and capability.
More context
The early 2000s represented a pivotal era for premium compact sedans, with manufacturers competing fiercely to capture younger, performance-minded buyers. The IS300 marked Lexus's entry into the sports sedan category with a naturally-aspirated inline-six engine, challenging established German competitors. This period preceded the rise of turbocharged engines and advanced driver-assistance systems that would dominate the segment by the 2010s. The comparison reflects a time when manual transmissions were still common in performance sedans and driving engagement was a primary marketing differentiator.