A 1998 comparison test pitting seven luxury sedans against each other reveals the competitive landscape of the era's executive car segment. Car and Driver lined up the Audi A6, Cadillac Catera, Lexus GS300, Mazda Millenia, Mercedes-Benz C280, Saab 9-5, and Volvo S70 to determine which sedan best served the business traveler and affluent driver seeking refinement, performance, and prestige.
The 1998 model year marked a pivotal moment in the mid-luxury segment. The Lexus GS300 represented Japanese precision and reliability, underpinned by a 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission that delivered smooth power delivery and Toyota's legendary durability. The Mercedes-Benz C280, the smallest model in the Mercedes lineup, carried Stuttgart's badge of prestige while promising sportier handling than larger Mercedes sedans. The Audi A6 brought German engineering with its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 that generated respectable output for the class.
The Cadillac Catera represented General Motors' bid to reclaim luxury market share from Japanese competitors. Derived from the Opel Omega platform, the Catera offered American owners a European-tuned sedan with a 200-horsepower V6 engine. The Saab 9-5 maintained Saab's quirky engineering philosophy, including a transversely mounted engine and distinctive design language that appealed to independent-minded executives. The Volvo S70 continued the Swedish brand's reputation for safety and understated elegance, while the Mazda Millenia occupied a curious middle ground, offering surprising refinement through its unique 2.3-liter V6 with a Miller-cycle supercharger.
Performance differences existed but remained modest across the field. Engines ranged from naturally aspirated to turbocharged, producing outputs between 195 and 250 horsepower depending on specification. Transmission choices split between automatics and, in some cases, manual options that appealed to driving enthusiasts. Interior appointments reflected each brand's design philosophy. Mercedes prioritized classical luxury, Audi emphasized technical innovation, Lexus championed reliability and quiet operation, Volvo stressed safety features and practicality, while Cadillac and Mazda attempted to bridge American comfort with European sportiness.
The comparison test exposed philosophical differences in how each manufacturer defined luxury. The German brands pursued dynamic handling and advanced technology. Japanese manufacturers prioritized long-term value and low maintenance. Swedish brands focused on safety and understatement. American Cadillac pushed luxury features and size, fighting perceptions of domestic quality.
By 1998 standards, these sedans represented the full spectrum of buyer priorities. Buyers choosing the Lexus prioritized reliability and resale value. Mercedes buyers sought badge prestige and performance. Audi attracted technology-focused drivers. Volvo appealed to safety-conscious families. Saab buyers embraced individualism. Mazda attracted those seeking Japanese quality in an unexpected package. Cadillac offered American buyers a domestic alternative to imports without sacrificing perceived luxury.
The test captured a market moment before SUVs fundamentally reshaped luxury vehicle priorities. Sedans still dominated executive fleets and premium driveways. All-wheel-drive systems were spreading but remained less common than today. Turbocharged engines coexisted with naturally aspirated designs. Technology packages emphasized electronic stability control and satellite navigation systems that seemed futuristic at the time.
Each sedan delivered competent transportation for the affluent driver of 1998, yet their divergent design philosophies meant no single winner satisfied all priorities. The comparison ultimately revealed that luxury car buying decisions reflected personal values and driving preferences more than objective performance metrics.