Today’s premium car buyer is looking for more—more comfort and convenience features, state-of-the-art technology, the latest safety features, high style and, of course, on-road performance. But beyond that, the premium car buyer is seeking an emotional connection, looking for a vehicle that says something about them personally. Since what we drive says a lot about us, both as individuals and as a society, the premium car buyer is looking for more than just basic transportation.
In the premium car segments, the Lexus IS, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM award recipients.
Entry Premium Vehicle Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Lexus IS
Completely redesigned for 2006, the second-generation Lexus IS offers a more traditional Lexus design and experience than the original, and it has grown in 
dimensions. The inline 6-cylinder engine has been replaced by a pair of powerful V-6 engines. The new-for-2008 high-performance 2008 Lexus IS F has a V-8 engine rated at more than 400 hp. In addition to the equipment found on the other IS models, the IS F adds upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels, and a modified suspension that lowers the vehicle up to an inch. The IS F is also differentiated by unique interior and exterior styling, and a new quad-tipped exhaust.
The Lexus brand is no stranger to J.D. Power and Associates awards, and the IS has made its share of contributions since it was launched in 2000. The IS received awards for being the highest-ranked model in its segment in both the 2005 and 2006 IQS, and has ranked among the top three models in its segment in APEAL six times in the past eight years, including the No. 1 ranking in 2005 (in a tie), 2006 and 2008.
Among the 18 models in the entry premium vehicle segment, the 2008 Lexus IS achieves the highest ratings in six of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- vehicle interior
- seats
- climate control
- visibility/driving safety
- fuel economy
Additionally, the IS scores at or above the segment average in each of the other four categories.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the IS compared to the entry premium vehicle segment are: the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; front-end styling; and rear-end styling. The bottom three attributes of the IS are: rear passenger room; passing power at highway speeds; and performance during rapid acceleration from a stop.
2008 Lexus IS Prices
2008 Lexus IS Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 Lexus IS
Ranked No. 2: 2008 BMW 3 Series
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Midsize Premium Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 BMW 5 Series
For 2008, all BMW model designations have been changed to reflect upgrades in engine performance. Although not a completely new model, the 2008 BMW 5 Series has received significant updating, both inside and out. More features have been made standard, and overall technology has been upgraded. One big change for 2008 is the deletion of BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), which was a manual-type automatic design. BMW’s Steptronic shifting is now a no-cost option on all 5 Series models.
Among the nine models in the midsize premium car segment, the 2008 BMW 5 Series achieves the highest ratings in six of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- vehicle interior
- seats
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
- visibility/driving safety
Additionally, the 5 Series scores above the segment average in audio/entertainment/navigation and fuel economy, but below the segment average in storage and space and climate control.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the 5 Series compared to the midsize premium car segment are: front-end styling; braking responsiveness/effort; and performance during rapid acceleration from a stop. The bottom three attributes of the 5 Series are: the usefulness of front and rear cupholders; effectiveness of center console storage; and the ease of operating the climate controls while driving.
2008 BMW 5 Series Prices
2008 BMW 5 Series Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 BMW 5 Series
Ranked No. 2: 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Audi A6
Large Premium Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has used the flagship S-Class to introduce new technology to the company’s entire product line. The S-Class is credited with introducing air bags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and stability control, among other features, to the rest of the Mercedes-Benz family. The current S-Class model was introduced in showrooms as a 2007 model. In North America, it was initially offered with a choice of 8- and 12-cylinder powerplants, and rear- or 4MATIC all-wheel drive. For 2008, a performance-oriented S63 AMG model with 518 horsepower has been added.
Among the five models in the large premium car segment, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class achieves the highest ratings in eight of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- vehicle interior
- storage and space
- audio/entertainment/navigation
- seats
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission (in a tie with the Lexus LS)
- visibility/driving safety
Additionally, the S-Class scores above the segment average in each of the other two categories.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the S-Class compared to the large premium car segment are: front-end styling; the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; and rear-end styling. The bottom three attributes of the S-Class are: how well the interior colors/materials are coordinated; comfort of the driver’s seatback/lumbar support; and the ease of operating the rear-seat entertainment system.
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Prices
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Ranked No. 2: 2008 Lexus LS
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Jaguar XJ
2008 APEAL Study Results
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