State-of-the-art technology, the latest in vehicle design, and a plush interior are the price of entry in the ultra-competitive premium car market. To truly stand out among the crowd, high initial quality is essential. In the premium car segments, the Infiniti EX, Infiniti M, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM award recipients.
Entry Premium Vehicle Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Infiniti EX
It seems that, with each new model introduction, the line between car and truck gets more blurred. Consider the Infiniti EX, an all-new crossover model that shares its platform with the Infiniti G35. A slightly smaller sibling to Infiniti’s other crossover SUV, the FX, the EX is the highest-ranked model in initial quality in the entry premium vehicle segment in the 2008 IQS.
The EX35 offers sleek, bold styling and competes against the likes of the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Land Rover LR2. The compact EX35 offers a 6-cylinder powertrain, a choice of drivelines, and an array of modern technology. The 2008 Infiniti EX lineup consists of four models: EX35 RWD (rear-wheel drive), EX35 AWD (all-wheel drive), each available with an optional Journey option package (not to be confused with 1980s rock bands or Dodge’s newest crossover SUV). The two upgraded Journey models include leather-appointed seating surfaces, power slide/tilt moonroof, power-folding second-row seating, auto-dimming inside mirror, HomeLink universal transceiver, front and rear sonar system, and auto headlamp control. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on all models.
The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is powered by a 297-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the same engine featured in the Infiniti G35 sedan. A 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) is standard on all EX models. The standard driveline configuration is RWD, with the AWD models boasting Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) system.
2008 Infiniti EX prices
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Infiniti G
An all-new engine highlights the larger, more powerful and more refined second-generation Infiniti G37 Coupe. Together, the G37 Coupe and G35 Sedan capture the No. 2 ranking in the entry premium vehicle segment in the 2008 IQS. The 2008 Infiniti G35 Sedan is available in four different models: G35 Sedan, G35 Sedan Journey, G35x AWD Sedan and G35 Sport 6MT Sedan. Infiniti’s all-new 2008 G37 Coupe is available in three different models: G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT. The G35 Sedan features a 306-hp, 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine. The G35x AWD model boasts Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) AWD system. The G37 Coupe features a new 330-hp, 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Ranked No. 3 (tie): 2008 Acura TSX
Ranked No. 3 (in a tie) in the entry premium vehicle segment in the 2008 IQS, the Acura TSX received standard tire-pressure-monitoring technology for the 2007 model year and, for 2008, added voice recognition to the optional navigation system for consumers living on the Hawaiian Islands. The 2008 Acura TSX sports sedan is available in only one trim, and there is only one factory-installed option: an Acura navigation system with voice recognition. The 2008 Acura TSX features a 205-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing technology and can be linked to either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. A redesigned 2009 Acura TSX is arriving at dealerships now.
Ranked No. 3 (tie): 2008 Volvo S40
Also achieving the No. 3 ranking (in a tie) in the entry premium vehicle segment in the 2008 IQS is the Volvo S40. For 2008, Volvo’s smallest sedan model benefits from a minor facelift, and further refinements. A new fascia, grille, spoiler and air intakes grace the front of the vehicle; headlamps and taillights have been redesigned; interior air vents are improved; the clock has been repositioned; an auxiliary input and MP3 capability are standard, as is a tire-pressure-monitoring system. Also, a new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is now available. Available engines include a 168-hp, 2.4-liter 5-cylinder (base S40 2.41) and a turbocharged, 227-hp, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine (S40 T5 and T5 AWD).
Midsize Premium Car Segment
Highest Ranked (tie): 2008 Infiniti M
The current-generation Infiniti M was launched in 2006—an all-new, clean-sheet design riding on a new platform. For 2008, Infiniti has revised the exterior and interior styling, increased available options, and added an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option to the M45. The M also gains one other thing for 2008—the award (in a tie) for highest initial quality in the midsize premium vehicle segment in the 2008 IQS. 
Infiniti offers the 2008 M in four different models: M35, M35x AWD, M45 and M45x AWD. The M35 is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD), 6-cylinder sedan. The M35x AWD is identical in chassis and engine, but with AWD. The M45 is a RWD, 8-cylinder sedan. The M45x AWD shares the chassis and engine with the M45, but for the first time in 2008, it is available with an AWD powertrain. Standard features include leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 160-watt, 6-speaker audio system with XM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2008 Infiniti M is available with one of two engines. The M35/M35x features a 275-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. EPA fuel-economy ratings are 16 mpg city/22-23 mpg highway. The M45/M45x offers a larger, 325-hp, 4.5-liter V-8 engine. EPA fuel-economy ratings are 16 mpg city/20-21 mpg highway. Both engines are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Every 2008 Infiniti is offered with a 4-year/60,000-mile basic coverage warranty, and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage.
2008 Infiniti M prices
2008 Infiniti M photos
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Highest Ranked (tie): 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the midsize car offering in the luxury automaker’s lineup, was last updated for the 2007 model year. It is available for 2008 as the E320 Bluetec sedan, E350 sedan or wagon, E550 sedan or E63 AMG sedan or wagon. Some models are available with 4Matic AWD. The 2008 E-Class also comes with an award for highest initial quality (in a tie) in the midsize premium car segment in the 2008 IQS.
All E-Class vehicles for 2008 are equipped with Pre-Safe, a Mercedes safety system also used in the larger, S-Class luxury sedan. Pre-Safe uses various sensors to detect when a crash is imminent and tightens the seat belts, properly positions the front passenger’s seat, and automatically closes the sunroof and side windows prior to impact.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is equipped with a 210-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 “Bluetec” diesel engine. Linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain burns the new “clean” low-sulfur diesel fuel and is EPA-rated at 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway. The E350 uses a 268-hp, 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 engine connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan is rated at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. With 4Matic AWD, the sedan is rated at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway, while the 4Matic wagon gets 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway. The E550 has a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 engine rated at 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway as a RWD sedan and 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway when combined with 4Matic AWD. The E550 is not available as a wagon. The E63 AMG has a hand-built, 507-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission with AMG’s SpeedShift technology. The E63 AMG is rated at 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway.
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class prices
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class photos
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Ranked No. 2 (tie): 2008 Audi A6
The Audi A6 ties for the No. 2 ranking in the midsize premium car segment in the 2008 IQS. Consumers shopping the A6 are offered the choice between sedan and wagon, with available 6-, 8- and 10-cylinder powerplants. All share the same basic sedan platform, with the exception of the 5-door Avant (wagon). While the standard model is offered with a choice of drivelines, all others feature Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive. For 2008, Audi offers for the A6 a new standard exterior cosmetic package, several new vehicle options including lane-assist technology and 18- or 19-inch wheels, and new standard features like headlight washers, Sirius satellite radio and seat-back storage pockets.
Ranked No. 2 (tie): 2008 Lexus ES
Also ranked No. 2 (in a tie) in the midsize premium car segment in the 2008 IQS is the Lexus ES. The ES offers only a couple of minor changes for 2008, including sleek new side-view mirrors and upgraded interior lighting. The front-wheel-drive, 2008 Lexus ES is powered by a 272-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, transferring power to the front wheels through a 6-speed, sequential shift automatic transmission. Stability and traction control and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard.
Large Premium Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Lexus LS
As the flagship of the Lexus brand, the 2008 LS models traditionally represent the zenith of luxury, technology and safety engineering among the automaker’s lineup. In addition to the short- and long-wheelbase models, the fourth-generation LS is the first to be offered with a hybrid powerplant and full-time AWD. Long considered the benchmark for new-vehicle quality, the Lexus LS continues to excel in J.D. Power and Associates studies, again receiving the award for highest initial quality in the large premium car segment in the 2008 IQS.
There are three different Lexus LS models for 2008, each offering a comprehensive list of standard luxury and safety features. The LS 460 is the standard sedan, with the standard wheelbase and chassis length, on a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform. The LS 460 L is built on a platform with a wheelbase stretch of 4.8 inches, and an overall length increased by the same amount. The hybrid LS 600h L, an all-new model for 2008, is only available on the stretched chassis shared with the LS 460 L. It offers a unique gasoline/electric powerplant with a special transmission and a full-time AWD powertrain.
The 2008 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L share a 380-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine coupled to an 8-speed, sequential-shift automatic transmission routing power to the rear wheels. EPA-estimated mileage figures are 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The hybrid LS 600h L is equipped with both a 5.0-liter V-8 engine and a high-output electric-drive motor. Combined, the engine and motor generate 438 hp under the hood of the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV). The EPA mileage rating for the hybrid is 20 mpg city/22 mpg highway. Unique to the hybrid is the electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) connected to the full-time all-wheel-drive system.
2008 Lexus LS prices
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
For 2008, a performance-oriented S63 AMG model has been added to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup, which ranks as the No. 2 model in the large premium car segment in the 2008 IQS. The S-Class now features four distinct models. The S550 and S600 are luxury-oriented, while the S63 and S65 appeal more to the driving aficionado, the company claims. The four S-Class models are each equipped with a different powerplant and transmission, ranging from a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 mated to a 7-speed automatic in the S550 to a 604-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine with an AMG SpeedShift automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters in the S65 AMG.
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Cadillac DTS
Ranked No. 3 in the large premium car segment in the 2008 IQS is the Cadillac DTS. While basically carryover from 2007, Cadillac tweaks the DTS lineup for 2008 with the introduction of the limited-edition DTS Platinum, featuring a handcrafted leather interior, performance Northstar V-8 engine and other design touches. The 2008 DTS also receives a new lane-departure warning system, side blind-zone alert system, and chassis refinements for a quieter, smoother ride. Two 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engines add power to the 2008 DTS; the standard engine puts out 275 hp, while the performance version achieves 292 hp.
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