Repair-It

I looked to see if this was posted and couldn't find it.

2017 Audi A6 3.0T Competition vs. BMW 540i, Cadillac CTS V-Sport, Jaguar XF S AWD, Mercedes-AMG E43 4MATIC
One step down from the king-of-the-hill supersedans, these five aim to offer a balance of boardroom refinement and back-road frolicsomeness.

https://www.caranddriver.com/comparison ... rison-test

V-sport placed 2nd.

These cars cost between $71k and $92k as tested.

V-sport had best power to weight and, thankfully, best trap speed at 112 mph. I consider that a small miracle. Along with that, it also had the best 0-100, 0-120 and 5-60. In the real world, assuming these are all factory unmolested examples, the V-sport will win most higher speed races.

Despite being the lightest, it also posted the worst road trip MPG, at 18 mpg. Best was 22.

Choice quotes:
On the BMW 540i:

Above all else, BMW remains an engine company. It’s right there in the name. If someone told us there was a V-12 under the hood of the 540i, we’d be inclined to believe it. In this group, the BMW inline-six distinguishes itself with an uncanny smoothness and refinement that escapes the V-6s. There’s almost no perceptible difference in vibration between idle and 6000 rpm. We’d go so far as to call it electric-like, considering that its 68-decibel purr at maximum acceleration is the same number recorded in a Tesla Model S.

On paper, the engine may be the least powerful of the group, but the eight-speed-­automatic 540i took third in the zero-to-60 run with a time of 4.7 seconds while returning this test’s best fuel economy at 22 mpg.

More communication through the steer­ing wheel would be a great start; the word “numb” was used repeatedly in every editor’s notes. Fixing the steering to provide more feedback is necessary, but there’s also a lack of handling poise that isn’t very BMW-like. As the tires approach their ­limits, the 540i lets go abruptly. The other vehicles are altogether more fluid when the breakaway begins, and without the steering feedback to warn you of impending slip, it’s easy to push the BMW’s chassis too far.

Part of the problem is that there isn’t much grip here compared with the rest of the sports sedans in this group. Despite rolling on summer rubber, the BMW barely outstuck the Jaguar’s less aggressive all-season tires. Executive editor Aaron Robinson summed it up best: “This car is a zombie; it moves without a pulse. Had more scary situations in it than others just because I was overdriving the tires and didn’t realize it.”

For those who want the Rolls-Royce of the group, look no further. For buyers who value having the word sports in front of the word sedan, there are better choices.

It's sad when the FWD-based Audi is the better sport sedan.

On the V-sport:

If the BMW could swap out its roundel for a flying lady, the Cadillac could definitely trade the wreathless crest for a Lotus badge. Not only is the 4025-pound CTS the lightest in the group, it also earned top marks in the chassis and fun-to-drive cat­egories. Associate online editor Joseph Capparella called it “the only car here that fully comes alive in your hands.”

...the Cadillac’s moves and acceleration, combined with the satisfaction that comes from driving it, transcend those flaws. It’s by no means perfect, but at one point during our drive, every editor expressed a desire to own the Cadillac.

Verdict
Right amount of sport, could use a touch more luxury.

That really is the answer. Not enough luxury to compete with these guys even though it is the best driving car of the test. Which just means it is a great used car buy since you can get a 2014 for $30k or less without looking too hard.

On the E43 4MATIC:

Heavily optioned, the E43 bore the highest as-tested price ($91,175) in the test, which is an amount of money that could buy you a 640-hp Cadillac CTS-V, as contributing editor John Pearley Huffman pointed out at every opportunity.

I don't even need to continue reading. This car did place first in this comparo but this quote is HIGHLY relevant I think.

Alright I'll continue reading.

Highs
Next-level refinement and comfort, a near match for the Cadillac’s sportiness, just the right amount of attitude.
Verdict
The best balance of sportiness and luxury in the segment.

It really does deserve to win this comparo given it has accomplished all of that. Still, it doesn't matter - a new CTS-V or a used V-sport are both better buys I think.

I swear I had posted this one time before. Anyway, I think the V-sport is still my choice out of this group, especially as a used car. I thought it was interesting they made the Lotus comment. It's like it was a sign for me.

Also, I wish those Recaros were available as an option in 2014.