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Luxury cars use higher-quality materials than their mainstream counterparts. A combination of supple leathers, hardwoods, and the latest technology creates a rich driving experience. But the process of choosing the best luxury sedan can be time-consuming. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book has done the research to make shopping for an excellent midsize luxury sedan easier.

The clear winner among luxury midsize sedans: The 2022 Lexus ES

2022 Lexus ES luxury midsize sedan
2022 Lexus ES | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

The Lexus ES luxury midsize sedan offers many trim options. Starting at only $41,875, the all-wheel-drive base-model ES 250 produces 203 hp from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. 

Reviewers recommend the more powerful ES 350 because it costs the same as the ES 250 but produces 100 hp more thanks to a 3.5-liter V6. The only knock against the ES 350 is that it comes in only front-wheel drive. According to Kelley Blue Book, the $42,975 ES 300h hybrid also comes with FWD.

In addition, available features in the 2022 Lexus ES include heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Lexus Memory System, a leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel, intuitive parking assist with automatic braking, and wireless device charging.

According to Lexus, other options include a navigation package, a navigation/Mark Levinson premium audio package, and the F Sport dynamic handling package.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers impressive technology and attention to detail

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class provides an unbelievable driving experience. This luxury midsize sedan is available in three trim levels: E 350, priced at $54,950; E 350 4Matic, starting at $57,450; and E450 4Matic, running $62,750. The E 350 and E 350 4Matic share the same 2.0-liter turbo-four, while the E 450 4Matic packs a more powerful 3.0-liter turbo-six with EQ boost.

No matter which new E-Class model you select, you’ll enjoy many extras. The E-Class comes with heated/ventilated/massaging front seats and self-parking technology. It also provides augmented reality for the navigation system, an adaptive air suspension, partial autonomy, a head-up display, a powered rear window shade, and gesture control, according to KBB.

An optional Premium package for the E 350 adds satellite radio, self-parking, a 360-degree camera system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Burmester surround sound system. It’ll run you an additional $2,300.

The 2022 BMW 5 Series is a multitalented luxury midsize sedan

BMW’s slogan is “the ultimate driving machine.” Those words ring truer than ever regarding the 2022 BMW 5 Series. This super-responsive luxury midsize sedan has a wild side. 

According to KBB, drivers will delight in the responsive steering, the front end’s response to direction changes, and the engine’s effortless power delivery. At the same time, it doesn’t lack any luxury, technology, or cabin space. 

The standard 530i starts at $54,200, but many other trims are available. Choose from the plug-in variant or any of the three high-performance M5 versions. And adding AWD will cost you an extra $2,300.

KBB’s favorite feature in the 5 Series is Live Cockpit Pro, a twin-screen cabin setup. It also features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. 

Other options are massaging/multi-contour front seats, gesture control, a head-up display, and larger alloy wheels. The M sport package has variable-ratio steering, M Sport suspension/aerodynamic additions/M steering wheel, and M-design 19-inch alloy wheels.

The ultra-luxe 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS stands in a class of its own

The beautiful and tech-laden 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS comes in two variants. Starting at $102,310, the 450+ is the more affordable model, followed by the higher-end EQS 580 4Matic, starting at $125,310. 

Undoubtedly, this all-electric luxury midsize sedan is visually stunning. Packed full of technology and connectivity, it rides on a dedicated EV platform created by Mercedes. 

According to KBB, Mercedes claims the EQS 450+ has a range of 350 miles. The EQS 580 has more power but still achieves a respectable 340-mile range.

However, technology is at the heart of the Mercedes-EQ EQS. The mind-blowing Hyperscreen is an option in the 450+ and standard equipment in the 580. It consists of three screens for the driver, center console, and passenger. Displays in the driver’s view show gauges and appear as a full-color map with a head-up display. 

The 2020 Lexus GS offers modern luxury

That’s right — the 2020 Lexus GS joins a 2022 roundup because this luxury midsize sedan is just that good (and because Lexus discontinued the model).

The GS boasts superior construction, performance, and comfort. There are four Lexus GS variants, with a starting price of $52,420 for the standard model and just over $86,000 for the 467-hp F trim.

KBB lists the Lexus Safety System+ package as a great feature. It comes with a state-of-the-art system that includes pre-collision lane departure alerts with steering assist and intelligent high beams as standard equipment. 

Another nice extra is Lexus Enform Remote. Owners can use the Enform remote app from their smartphone, smartwatch, or Amazon Alexa-enabled device to start or stop the engine, unlock the doors, adjust the climate control, and even locate the vehicle. Parents can also monitor their teens’ driving habits using the feature. 

The fresh and fierce 2022 Audi A6

The Audi A6 easily ranks among the best luxury midsize sedans. Its $55,900 starting price is reasonable for the technology, comfort, and style this car provides. However, plug-in hybrid and all-electric models are not available. The 335-hp 55 TFSI Prestige is the most expensive A6, priced at $69,500.

As for standard options, KBB lists a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, rear side airbags, and direct tire pressure monitoring. Additionally, the Convenience package includes wireless charging, a signal booster, blind-spot monitoring, rear collision mitigation, and a top-view/360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Acura TLX packs plenty of value

The 2022 Acura TLX‘s strong suits include its excellent engine and superior build quality. Plus, it offers a staggering nine trim levels, so you should have no problem finding the right one. 

The base TLX starts at only $37,700 and crams in loads of standard features. According to KBB, they include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, a powered moonroof, heated side mirrors with a tilt-down function, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone climate control, heated/12-way power-adjustable sport front seats, remote keyless entry, and much more.

In addition, various TLX packages provide the $4,000 Technology upgrade, adding blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. For $2,750, the A-Spec package adds heated/ventilated front seats and wireless charging. The Advance package, at $4,800, provides an adaptive suspension and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Volvo S90 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Volvo is synonymous with safety, so it’s no surprise the 2022 Volvo S90 won the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. This luxury midsize sedan features standard AWD, unique aesthetics, and a spacious cabin. 

In addition, the Volvo S90 offers five trim levels. KBB lists the Recharge, R-Design, and Inscription models at $60,050.

The AWD base model comes with plenty of high-end features. They include LED reflector headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, one-touch power-folding back seats, and auto-dimming mirrors.

But you’ll need to purchase the Advance Package for a power trunk lid, head-up display, and 360-degree camera. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel come with the Climate Package. And the Lounge Package has ventilated rear seats, armrests, and massaging front seats.

The best luxury midsize sedans of 2022 offer options for every budget

With options for every budget, including PHEVs, EVs, and standard gas models, it’s hard to go wrong with any of KBB’s eight recommended luxury midsize sedans. Overall, they boast plenty of standard features and a wide array of extras to make every drive lavish. 

Related: Are KBB’s 5 Certified Pre-Owned BMW Picks Worth Driving Home?

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