BMW 3-Series
The $34,900 3-Series comes with a 2.5L inlinesix with 200-hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0L inline-six with 230-hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged 3.0L with 300-hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged 3.0L diesel inline-six with 265-hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.
The 3-Series remains one of the best mid-size luxury sedans you can get, offering solid performance and a wide range of drivetrain options with its many engines and rear-or allwheel drive.
Lexus IS
Available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the $32,900 IS 250 is the TSX's closest competitor. It's powered by a 2.5L V6 with 204-hp and 185-lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 features a 3.5L V6 generating a fantastic 306-hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
There's also the stunningly powerful IS F, with a 5.0L V8 pushing 416-hp and 371 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission, but at a price of $69,850, it's a completely different animal.
Volkswagen CC
Introduced in 2008 as a fun-loving version of the stately Passat, the CC checks in at $33,375, powered by a 2.0L inline-four with 200-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6L V6 with 280-hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Inline-fours come with front-wheel drive, while the V6 can only be had with all-wheel drive.
CC stands for "Comfort Coupe", and while it may be a four-door vehicle, the CC certainly looks the part. It's upscale and sporty, offering an interesting alternative to the Passat on which it's based.
