Opinions
Everyone is gonna have opinions about brands. No different that the ever-popular diesel PU dealio of Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge.
People at work ask me all the time which is the "best" car or truck when they are shopping. They know I have driven most of them and have built cars from the ground-up since I was a kid. I ask them what their purpose for the vehicle is. Then, I may have a few models to narrow it down for them.
HOWEVER - the bottom line is - ALL of them are doing an EXCELLENT job. You can drive ANY of the cars mentioned and you will like something about each. When looking at used, you don't get to pick everything on the vehicle - unless you just wait long enough and the right car will come along. There aren't really any DOMESTICs for what you are looking for. MAYBE the CTS-V, but are you looking for LOTS of performance? or is performance second to LUXURY?
I chimed in because we are leisurely looking for the same thing for the wife right now. Her DD is a 2004 Yukon, dropped 3" x 4", 22s, stuff. It's loaded with autoride and all other bells and whistles. At 86,000 I just did it's first brake job and the leveling compressor went out, but it's been solid. So, we'll keep that one, but she needs an "L.A." car for when she goes to visit clients.
Looking at used is extremely wise. Just like boats, you can get literally TWICE the car for the same money. I say it's common-sense. Go drive what appeals to you. If you don't like something about it - go to the next most appealing ride.
I wouldn't suggest all-wheel-drive unless it ONLY comes that way - or - you NEED it. And by need it, I mean you LIVE where it snows every year. Just going to a ski resort does not make AWD necessary. The roads will ALWAYS be plowed and sanded so that people can get there to spend money. Other than that - it is just extra maintenance AND robs power.
So in my case, the MINIMUM for her would be a 5-series or E-class type unit. 3-series / C-class is WAY too small for clients to be comfortable. I have been looking at two to three year old CLS55 AMG's and S55's. Similarly, 745/750/760iL / Li. Additionally, the Lexus LS--- are all wonderful and some of the smoothest cars you would ever ride/drive in. The BMW 760iL is completely bad-ass. Reclining back seats, etc. The Lexus LS600h (hybrid) is just as nice as the 760. Similar rear passenger package. A few years old, these are the same $ as you would pay for a loaded brand new 5 series or A4 Audi. The Audi A8 has been ranked one of the best lux sedans of the day. She doesn't like the looks, otherwise I would be looking seriously for one of those.
Again, pick what you LIKE and just go drive some to narrow it down. They are all doing a wonderful job building cars.
I look here to keep tabs on prices and such. Most of what these guys carry already have nice wheels/tires and other upgrades. Again, for what you would pay for a stock car HALF the size.
Link_tC_Autohaus