Specifying.
My "Other" choice would be to get the 2009 Cadillac CTS. My experience is paper-based only. It is superior to all of your choices in almost every way.
First off, the 2008 Cadillac is the winner of numerous awards and accolades; one of which being the Motor Trend Car of The Year.
Nobody who has driven this vehicle has come back with any regrets so far as I have read. And usually, if there's something that is even 'iffy' about a vehicle; online reviewers, and magazines would pick it up instantly.
On to tangible comparisons.
The CTS costs about the same (we're talking hundreds of dollars) as the BMW and the Infiniti, and is thousands of dollars less expensive than the Mercedes, Lexus, and Acura.
It has more headroom than the Lexus, and Mercedes; more front head AND legroom than the BMW, and Acura.
The CTS also has considerably more cargo room than ALL the other listed vehicles.
The BMW gets 2 more mpg than the CTS, and the Acura gets 1mpg better fuel economy. However, both of these vehicles (in fact, all of the listed vehicles) require premium 91 fuel. The CTS doesn't even recommend premium fuel. You can run it on regular-grade 87 Octane. The other three vehicles fall short of the 17/26mpg rating that the CTS delivers, while still requiring premium.
The 2009 CTS will be offered with Bluetooth connectivity, a 40GB media harddrive, and pop-up navigation system. So the interior can keep a nice, clean look when you're not using it.
In regards to craftsmanship, this is what GM has to say about it:
Quote:
Every CTS features Cadillac’s “cut-and-sew” interior process that combines advanced technology with the hand-rendered precision of expert craftsmen. Coverings for components such as the instrument panel, center console and door trim are cut, sewn and wrapped by hand. This enables details such as decorative French stitching and the near elimination of gaps and seams, for a superbly tailored appearance.
Quietness is another measure of CTS’ craftsmanship. Detailed analysis of sound and vibration was lavished on the CTS during its development. This reduced overall cabin noise via improved body sealing and sound insulation.
It also focused on tuning the quality of the remaining sound. A perforated pattern, for example, has been added to the inside of the tailpipes to increase resonance, adding more pleasing, low-frequency sounds to counteract high-frequency noise.
On the exterior, quieting elements and manufacturing techniques include an innovative laser brazing process that affixes the roof panel more crisply; installing the windshield glass without visible rubber seals and joints; and triple-sealed doors.
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But primarily, and possibly most important...The Cadillac comes standard for a year with OnStar; which includes automatic crash response, remote door unlock (in case you lock your keys inside, roadside assistance, and emergency services (contacting the police if you get into an accident and don't respond).
If nothing else, the new CTS is definitely worth a trip to the dealership to check it out. Don't let the fact that it's not a Lexus, or a BMW stop you from considering it, because as shown above; it is better than the others in many, many ways.
Thanks for asking TAG, and Mrs. TAG.
