From the March 1993 issue of Car and Driver.

A key role for any luxury automobile involves creating admiration and envy, along with a touch of resentment. Those considering major spending on vehicles are far from ordinary buyers. These machines serve not only for transport but also as markers of status when reaching key events, such as high-profile legal proceedings.

Simply displaying flashy signs of affluence no longer suffices. Lottery wins happen to anyone. Refined taste proves rarer. Makers of premium autos now compete by offering models with heritage, elegant styling, and careful touches. Wealthy buyers resist seeming naive, so these symbols of success must deliver real engineering quality.

We stepped in to check. As pampered auto writers, we know the perks of a privileged lifestyle from our travels for fresh stories. Our tastes align with the affluent, even if our finances do not.

We planned a fitting upscale trip: heading to Chicago's refined Raphael Hotel, then historic Galena (former home of Ulysses S. Grant), including fine dining at upscale spots as needed for research. The vehicles included a Cadillac STS, now powered by the new four-cam Northstar V-8 for strong performance.

Jaguar carries prestige, so we added an XJ6. This brought in three German brands, each with fresh updates for wealthy buyers. BMW introduced a 4.0-liter V-8 in the 7-series, calling it the 740i. Mercedes placed its 4.2-liter V-8 from the 400SE into the 300-series chassis for the 400E. Audi enlarged its V-8 to 4.2 liters for the updated all-wheel-drive V8 model.

We kept the prior test winner, the Lexus LS400. We could not skip the champion in this new round, especially with 1993 updates adding passenger airbags and larger brakes. The Lexus joined, highlighting the intense rivalry at this price level. Affluent drivers enjoy excellent options. Selecting a victor proved difficult, yet it had to be done.

6th Place: Jaguar XJ6

Placing this storied model last may surprise, yet the Jag faced stronger engines, better controls, and newer tech from rivals. The competition proved fierce, but at over 56 thousand dollars, the car should not lag.

Its six-cylinder power left it behind in speed and drivetrain feel. The V-8s elsewhere delivered superior sound and pull. One tester noted the engine echoed a Jeep Grand Cherokee, hardly praise here.

The Jaguar offers strengths. Steering feels smooth and responsive. The ride stays plush with good control, handling small bumps better than others and reducing tire noise. Yet its strengths stay limited. At speed over waves it floats, rolls in corners, and shows some pitching. Freeway steering can feel twitchy initially though it stays linear later.

The classic British cabin adds charm despite tight space and odd controls. Seat buttons sit low on the tunnel at a hard-to-read angle. Still, once past quirks, the XJ6 feels agreeable.

HIGHS: Solid ride and handling balance. Timeless appeal.
LOWS: Room, controls, output.
VERDICT: Stylish name but outpaced by rivals.

Despite modest power and high weight, the Jaguar reached 60 mph faster than the Lexus. In most other measures it ranked low.

5th Place: Audi V8 Quattro

On paper the Audi impresses with its fresh 4.2-liter V-8, all-wheel drive, advanced automatic, wood and leather trim, and rich standard features. These deliver capable road manners, yet it missed full approval.

The steering wheel sits low and angled oddly, a small issue that hurts first impressions. The V-8 sounds strong and pulls hard past 3000 rpm, but the converter slips early in first gear for slower starts.

Ride feels firm and noisy on rough roads, while steering seems light and distant. Brakes need firm effort with little initial grab and average stopping. The transmission offers modes yet resets to economy each start, sometimes causing hesitation when pulling out.

The sleek body cuts wind noise but sways in crosswinds needing steady input. On the plus side it rewards spirited driving.

HIGHS: Potent engine, sure grip, lively feel.
LOWS: High cost, odd wheel angle, mixed behavior.
VERDICT: Sportier than plush. Ideal in snow.

The engine revs with character to its 126-mph limit set for the tires, paired with a willing transmission and tight suspension. Its all-wheel-drive system shines in winter, potentially lifting its rank.

4th Place: Cadillac STS

Moving from the Lexus to the STS makes the Cadillac feel sportier. A loud four-cam V-8, wind noise, firm suspension, and large tires create an assertive cabin. Still the car improved over the prior Seville and beat two European entries.

Price helped its place. At under 46 thousand dollars loaded, it costs far less than the next car yet packs the biggest, strongest engine here. The Northstar delivers eager low-end pull and fierce top-end thrust for quick passes.

JEFFREY G. RUSSELL|Car and Driver

Space is generous though seats trail the best for support. Refinement lags with roaring tires over bumps and some torque steer from the front-drive layout.

HIGHS: Outstanding engine, sharp styling, fair cost.
LOWS: Firm ride, torque effects, rough edges.
VERDICT: Performance-focused over luxury.

Steering feels vague. The suspension jitters over ripples and hops at the rear on bumps, lacking final polish. It remains a quick, attractive, well-equipped tourer at a strong price.

3rd Place: Lexus LS400

In late 1989 the LS400 won a similar test decisively. Now it lands third, mainly due to price. The 1989 car cost 42,650 dollars optioned. It beat most rivals then except the Q45.

Currency shifts raised the tested price to 56,524 dollars, over 32 percent higher. The BMW rose under 10 percent from 735i to 740i. The Lexus gap to the 7-series shrank from 23 percent to 6 percent. New V-8s in the BMW, Audi, Cadillac, and Mercedes left the LS400 heavier with less zip. Yet it remains a benchmark of engineering with near-silent cabin and unmatched polish.

No harshness reaches the wheel or pedals. Gear changes stay seamless, often unnoticed except on the tach. The engine hums softly unlike the sharper German V-8s. Controls sit simply and elegantly.

Our car's aubergine trim looked perfect, leather flawless with even stitching. Seats offer good support and a clear view ahead. Ventilation moves plenty of air. Rear space earned top votes for comfort. Overall it creates a calm retreat.

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6th Place: Jaguar XJ6

5th Place: Audi V8 Quattro

4th Place: Cadillac STS

3rd Place: Lexus LS400