The "luxury sport sedan" has gained ground very rapidly in recent years. Every expensive automobile must tout its sportiness as well as its luxury, and must make a compromise to satisfy both car enthusiasts and more traditional luxury buyers. Often ignored is the idea that perhaps more people want a focused luxury sedan, which is particularly difficult to find in the lower price ranges of the luxury class.

Choices do exist, however. The five cars listed at right vary in size, in price, and in brand prestige, but are all priced under $45,000 well-equipped and focus on providing a serene driving experience. All are equipped with heated power leather seats with a memory function, a sunroof, torso and head-protecting side airbags, traction and stability control, a navigation system, a 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, and a telescoping steering column, unless otherwise noted.

The vehicles in this group all have comfortable and quiet rides and lots of luxury features. Read on to find out which ones offer nothing more, which are the best deals, and which is the best un-sport luxury sedan for the money overall.

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