Surviving Coupes and Sedans Measure Up, Cost Less Than Euro Rivals
These days, coupes and sedans are the minority in a sea of SUVs and CUVs. The ones left standing in the line-ups across most brands tend to be those that stand out for either speed or luxury, or in some cases, both.
Luring the American buyer away from European sports sedans keeps the Lexus LC 500 and Cadillac CT4 in their brands’ lineups. These contenders are quick, agile and smart looking. Responsive steering with a ride that balances comfort and sport are appealing to the American market. And the fact that they are usually less expensive that their Euro comparables is something to consider, since most buyers are more likely to be use their CT4 for date nights than as a daily driver. The back seats of these sports sedans may help justify their purchase, but you won’t go far even with kids in tow, given tiny rear seats and very limited trunk space.
Low slung with a sultry stance, giant wheel wells and vents behind the doors, the dramatic design of the Lexus LC 500 2-door sports coupe makes a statement. And the pronounced hum and exaggerated V8 engine noise pumped through the speakers underscores it. Inside, the cabin is classic Lexus. With smooth leather and ultra-soft suede, its luxe features has been compared to the likes of Aston Martin. The blend of luxury and sport that it attains at $93K might cost you close to $200K elsewhere. Lexus offers only one trim level for the LC500 with a generous list of standards. The engine is a 5.0-liter V8 (471 horsepower, 398 lb-ft of torque) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Premium Flare Yellow paint, Mark Levinson sound, 21” forged alloy wheels and a performance package adding sport seats and a few other accoutrements added roughly another $13K to our tester.
You’ll sacrifice some overall refinement and tech features with the Cadillac CT4, but, hey, our Premium Luxury model tester with $12K in options had a price tag of $49K. That included the upgraded turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder (310 hp, 350 lb-ft) matched to a 10-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, Bose sound, upgraded driver assist and tech packages, heated seats and Red Obsession tintcoat.
Switching gears to the other end of the spectrum where sedans continue to survive well in the large luxury car class, Genesis G90 can save you tens of thousands of dollars over rival Audi and BMW models, while often being mistaken for a Bentley at first glance. It sports a sophisticated drivetrain, chassis and adaptive control suspension designed to work harmoniously with its uniquely designed, ultra-rigid body structure to deliver exhilarating performance, near-effortless acceleration and precise handling.
Every G90 comes essentially fully loaded, limiting decision-making to the standard 365-horsepower* twin-turbo V6 or a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and a raucous exhaust note. Both are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions and are rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel drive option. Our RWD 5.0 Ultimate had a price of $76,700. Executive rear-seat accommodations, from the entertainment system with two 10.3-inch touch screens, to power-adjustable, reclining, and ventilated rear seats with memory settings, did not require any added features or cost. And it sure doesn’t hurt that in 2020, J.D. Power named Genesis the most dependable automotive brand in North America.
