This guide is a compiled list of the top-performing 2008-model year midsize premium cars in J.D. Power and Associates’ key automotive research studies. The studies include the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
Acura RL: As flagship of the Acura model range, the RL offers an excellent combination of luxury and technology inside and cabin swathed in leather and wood. 
All RL models feature the same 6-cylinder engine coupled with Acura’s advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive technology that returns EPA fuel-economy estimates of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway. In the 2007 VDS, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles, the Acura ranked among the top three models in its segment. In government crash testing by the NHTSA, the Acura RL earned a 5-star rating in frontal impacts. The RL was one of the first models to display real-time traffic on the navigation screen. For the 2008 model year, the system has been expanded to 76 metropolitan areas.
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Acura TL: The TL is the midsize model in Acura’s lineup, targeting consumers looking for a sporty sedan with high levels of refinement, comfort, and innovative technology. Seating 5 passengers, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) TL offers a choice of a standard V-6 engine or enthusiast-oriented high-output V-6 powerplant. The standard Acura TL with a 3.2-liter engine earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway. In the 2007 APEAL study, which measures owner delight with content, performance, layout and design, the Acura TL ranked among the top three models in its segment. The NHTSA awarded the Acura TL 5-star ratings for driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test. With the exception of a few minor cosmetic changes, including two new exterior colors, the Acura TL sedan received only minor updates for the 2008 model year.
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BMW 5 Series: The BMW 5 Series offers consumers the choice between a 5-passenger sedan and a wagon. While the sedan offers rear- or all-wheel drive (RWD or AWD)
and a choice of powerplants, the wagon is only offered with AWD and a 6-cylinder engine. All models are luxuriously equipped, and are designed with the driving enthusiast in mind: Many are available with a manual transmission. In the 2007 APEAL study, which measures owner satisfaction with the design, content, layout, and performance of their automobile, the BMW 5 Series ranked among the top three models in its segment. For the 2008 model year, the 5 Series was upgraded both inside and out and the automatic transmission was improved. The 2008 EPA fuel-economy estimates of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway apply to the 528i model with an automatic transmission.
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Infiniti M Series: The Infiniti M Series was launched as a 2006 model into the crowded midsize premium segment. With the flagship Q45 no longer in Infiniti’s lineup, the M Series, offered with a 
powerful 6- or 8-cylinder powerplant and RWD or AWD, is now the largest and most luxurious sedan in the Infiniti model range. All M Series models are luxuriously appointed, with standard leather seating and segment-leading technologies such as active cruise control and lane-departure warning. In the 2007 IQS, the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days, the M Series ranked among the top three models in its segment. The M35 with the standard 6-cylinder powerplant earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Infiniti revised the exterior of the M Series for 2008, and added several new options.
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Lexus GS: In the 2007 IQS and the 2007 APEAL study, the 5-passenger Lexus ranked among the top three models in its segment. In the 2007 VDS, the GS ranked highest in segment. The 6-cylinder GS 350 earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The GS 450h offers a hybrid gasoline-electric powerplant for the power of the V-8 engine, with 80-percent fewer smog-forming emissions. Its EPA fuel-economy estimates of 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway put it among the Top 3 in its class in fuel economy. Lexus made several significant changes to the GS for the 2008 model year. These include a new GS 460 model, a revised front fascia, and several cosmetic upgrades.
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Lincoln MKZ: The Lincoln MKZ sedan, new for 2006 and re-introduced as the MKZ in 2007 (at the time, it was introduced as the Lincoln Zephyr), shares much of the same mechanicals as the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. The 4-door sedan seats up to 5 passengers within its cabin, and offers consumers the choice of FWD or AWD with a standard 263-hp V-6 engine. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. Unlike its twins, the MKZ offers standard heated and cooled leather seating, genuine wood appliqués, and a host of other luxury features expected on a premium Lincoln automobile. In the 2007 IQS, the Lincoln MKZ sedan ranked highest in its segment. For the 2008 model year, Lincoln added a standard Sync system, a reverse-sensing system, satellite radio, and tire-pressure-monitoring system.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Significantly upgraded and enhanced for the 2007 model year, the E-Class represents both sedan and wagon body styles that are available with either RWD or AWD. The midsize 5-passenger E-Class from Mercedes-Benz offers a full range of models and trim levels that are sure to please everyone from the luxury buyer who chooses the 6-cylinder model (EPA fuel-economy estimates of 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway), to the consummate automotive enthusiast who drives the 507-hp E63 AMG model. The E-Class ranked highest in its segment in the 2007 APEAL study. For 2008, a sport package was added to E350 and E550 models, and both are now available with 4Matic AWD.
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Volvo S80: The S80 is Volvo’s flagship sedan. It offers five passengers safe and luxurious accommodations with a high level of standard equipment. The 4-door sedan is available with a choice of 6- or 8-cylinder powerplants, and with FWD or AWD powertrains. The most frugal model, the front-wheel-drive S80 3.2, earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway. In the 2007 IQS, the Volvo S80 ranked among the top three models in its segment. The Volvo earned another accolade when it was awarded a “Top Safety Pick” for 2008 by the IIHS. The new model year brought an upgraded audio system, new colors, and many interior enhancements to the V-8 model.
