2024 Audi A3.
The Audi A3 small luxury sedan was fully redesigned for the 2022 model year. For 2024 it gets an exterior refresh but is otherwise unchanged from last year. The styling update makes the A3 a bit sportier and more modern without straying from the current Audi design aesthetic. There are only two trims, so there aren't a lot of choices, but both are loaded with standard features. It's a true luxury car, no matter which trim you choose. Power comes from a turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine that delivers good fuel economy along with strong acceleration that's matched by crisp handling. The large digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens give the A3 a high-tech, premium look in keeping with its luxury car status. The driver and front passenger have supportive front seats with moderate bolstering for comfort on winding roads. The back seats are roomy enough for three adults on all but the longest drives, but trunk room is a bit tight, so pack accordingly.

2024 Cadillac CT4.
Blending the performance of a small sport sedan with the comfortable ride of a luxury car, the Cadillac CT4 is a smart pick for anyone looking for a lively daily commuter that can inspire travels farther from home. Apart from its chiseled looks, the CT4 also combines sporty and comfortable front seats, an intuitive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a generous set of standard safety features.

But it's the beating heart under the CT4's hood that makes it notable. The standard 2.0-liter turbo engine is swift enough, covering 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, according to Cadillac. That's a respectable, if not neck-whipping time. The optional 2.7-liter engine is the real star, however, offering 310 horsepower and covering the same ground in 4.8 seconds. This kind of performance sits neatly between the BMW 330i and Audi A4 and their high-performance versions, the BMW M340i and Audi S4. Along with its middle-ground size — larger than subcompact, slightly shorter than compact — this makes the CT4 something of a bargain, offering more elite performance for less cost.

2024 Cadillac CT5.
Long-time Cadillac fans might not appreciate hearing its cars described as a "good value." For a brand that set the standard for American luxury in the mid-20th century, Cadillac has never been about bang for buck. But a good value is what you get with the 2024 Cadillac CT5. It's a midsize luxury sedan with plenty of desirable features, priced well below its European and Asian rivals.

The CT5 can't mask its cost-cutting, though. The base engine makes less power than those of its rivals, and the interior doesn't measure up to the quality of competitors such as the Audi A6 and Lexus ES. The design is sporty and modern, and there's a hint of old-school Cadillac charm when ordered with wood accents. But the reliance on plastic trim and plain panels makes the CT5 feel just a bit less special than its rivals.

2024 BMW 2 Series.
Almost every type of vehicle has gotten quite a bit larger over the years. That's great for family vehicles that benefit from the added interior space, but weight and a larger footprint are drawbacks for a sporty and fun coupe or sedan. Thankfully, there are still a few compact alternatives with the kind of excitement that enthusiasts desire.
Positives.
Sporty handling. Refined interior. Strong fuel economy for the class.
Considerations.
Cramped rear seats. Stiff ride.

The 2024 BMW 2 Series is a prime example, and it's offered in two different body styles. The traditional 2 Series coupe is the sportiest, while the four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe adds some practicality. Both are available with the choice of two engines and all-wheel drive. Power is plentiful from both models, and as expected, prices rise along with performance.

2022 Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class.
Priced to compete with mainstream sedans, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class attracts attention with dynamic styling, quick reflexes, and a cabin that few would mistake for a Honda. There is a trade-off, however, as this luxury-brand sedan is smaller than the average midsize sedan and doesn't come with nearly as many standard features. A strong four-cylinder engine is standard on the base A-Class, and a more powerful version of the same engine is offered in the performance-oriented AMG 35. Both A-Class models are fun to drive, with responsive handling, brisk acceleration, and quick steering. Passenger room is tight in the back seats and there's not much room in the trunk either, so the A-Class is best suited for those who rarely travel with company.

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