In a timeless review from August 1994, Car and Driver meticulously evaluated seven luxury sedans priced around $32,000, seeking to identify the optimal blend of practicality, performance, and comfort. This comprehensive comparison pitted established names against ambitious newcomers, scrutinizing every aspect from engine power and handling dynamics to interior refinement and overall value. The journey through southeast Ohio's winding roads provided an ideal testing ground for these vehicles, culminating in a definitive ranking that highlighted each car's strengths and weaknesses. The BMW 325i ultimately stood out, reaffirming its reputation as an unparalleled sports sedan, even amidst stiff competition from other marques like Mazda, Lexus, Volvo, Chrysler, Oldsmobile, and Mercedes-Benz. This historical look back offers a fascinating insight into the automotive landscape of the mid-nineties and the enduring qualities that define a premium driving experience.
1994 Luxury Sedan Showdown: Detailing the Contenders and Verdicts
In August 1994, automotive enthusiasts were treated to a detailed comparison test by Car and Driver, evaluating seven prominent luxury sedans. This rigorous assessment took place across the undulating roads of southeast Ohio, a location chosen for its challenging and varied terrain. The vehicles under scrutiny included the BMW 325i, Chrysler LHS, Lexus ES300, Mazda Millenia S, Mercedes-Benz C220, Oldsmobile Aurora, and Volvo 850 Turbo. Each car was tested for its performance, comfort, and handling, with a keen eye on their value proposition within the competitive $32,000 price bracket.
The Mercedes-Benz C220, though praised for its robust build quality, impressive fit and finish, and excellent fuel economy of 24 mpg, finished in seventh place. Its 148-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine struggled to match the acceleration of its six-cylinder rivals, taking 8.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. Reviewers noted its commendable braking and skidpad performance but criticized its wind sensitivity and heavy, non-linear steering.
The Oldsmobile Aurora and Chrysler LHS found themselves in a fifth-place tie. The 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora, with its striking design and a potent 250-horsepower 4.0-liter V-8 engine (derived from Cadillac's Northstar), garnered significant attention. Despite its power, its substantial weight of nearly 4000 pounds resulted in a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds and ponderous handling. Its interior, while featuring quality materials, was deemed less spacious than its exterior suggested. The 1994 Chrysler LHS, distinguished by its expansive interior and graceful styling, offered a comfortable ride but leisurely performance from its 214-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, also reaching 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. While its handling was praised for a vehicle of its size, some testers found it out of its depth on more aggressive roads.
Taking fourth place was the 1994 Volvo 850 Turbo. This Swedish rocket boasted a turbocharged 2.3-liter five-cylinder engine producing 222 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 6.1 seconds. Testers lauded its smooth powertrain, comfortable driving position, and excellent passing power. However, minor concerns were raised regarding its fit and finish, with some body panels not aligning perfectly.
The 1994 Lexus ES300 secured third place, recognized for its sophisticated engineering, refined performance, and luxurious features. Its 188-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 engine provided smooth yet strong acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds. The ES300 was celebrated for its invisible performance and solid, grounded feel, despite a somewhat nondescript appearance that some felt belied its underlying excellence.
The 1994 Mazda Millenia S clinched a strong second place. Powered by a unique 210-horsepower 2.3-liter supercharged V-6 engine utilizing Miller-cycle technology for enhanced efficiency and power, it delivered impressive acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds) and engaging dynamics. Its sleek, low-drag body shell and well-appointed interior were also highlights, though some noted a trade-off in ride comfort for its spirited handling.
Finally, the 1994 BMW 325i emerged as the undisputed winner. Despite being the most compact, its 189-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-six engine, coupled with an intelligent automatic transmission, provided an unmatched blend of sportiness, refinement, and handling prowess. Its ability to navigate challenging roads with ease, combined with precise steering and potent brakes, solidified its position as the class leader. The 325i's exceptional roadholding (0.82 g on the skidpad) and dynamic capabilities ensured its victory, proving that it offered a compelling package even when compared to higher-priced sedans.
This comparison test reaffirmed that the BMW 325i stood as a benchmark for performance and quality in its category, consistently outperforming its rivals in dynamic driving scenarios and delivering a truly engaging experience. Its triumph underscored the enduring appeal of its engineering and design.