This month's test groups allow us to visit the rarified field of luxury sedans. The prices--ranging from $45,700 (Infiniti M35) to $90,200 (Mercedes-Benz S550)--are so far out of reach for "normal" people that a few of wondered if these cars could possibly live up to expectations. Is $50,000 too much to spend on a car? Sales figures show there are thousands of consumers with the cash (or a fairly substantial credit rating) to buy or lease them. We measured, tested, and rated collection of such cars, reporting in the November issue and online.

Now, it is time again for our intrepid engineers and editors to answer the daunting question: Which one would you want in your garage? Our initial answers are below, with more to follow in a future post. We look forward to reading your thoughts in the Comments and in the Cars forum.

Rick Small: In this class, I like the Infiniti M35 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. I was never a diesel fan, but the new E320 BlueTec is a very nice car--it has no diesel smell, plenty of performance, and none of the usual diesel clatter that you're used to hearing. In fact, both the E320 and E350 are a pleasure to drive, with a fine combination of sporty ride and handling, good isolation, and quiet interiors. The M35 is even sportier and delivers more road feel for the enthusiast. All of these now are more of a driver's car than the BMW 5 Series, which seems to be losing its niche. The big Mercedes-Benz S550 is a wonderful car that does every thing well, but is just too cost prohibitive for most. Plus, Mercedes' reliability leaves much to be desired. The M35 will save you money and is more reliable. For even less money, the Infiniti G35 delivers fun, agile performance. I also would be very happy with the sporty Acura TL, which is very reliable, a good value, and has a better driving position for taller people than most of the more expensive models here.

Gabe Shenhar: I may be a minority opinion here, but our top-rated midsized luxury car, the Infiniti M35, doesn't feel special enough to me despite its many virtues. My gripes stem from the M's ride and noise isolation, which aren't on par with the comparable Mercedes and BMW models.

I think the E-Class is truly an impressive car, whether you choose the E320 diesel or E350 gas model. It also looks good and is really worth more than the sum of its parts. But, alas, I personally don't perceive of myself as a Mercedes-Benz owner. And I don't see myself in one of the two super-luxury cruisers we tested, the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes S550. Both are impressive in their own right, but neither appeal to me at this phase of my life. They are just too large and ostentatious for my humble needs.

That leaves the BMW 5 Series. [Now there's a car for "humble needs" - Ed.]. Not that the car is flawless, but the 535i would be my choice. The 300-hp, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder makes for a peach of an engine; the turbo is so well-integrated that you never know it's there. The agility and the feedback of the handling, ride control, interior quality, and seat comfort are all BMW. This car cooperates no matter your mood: It can be a docile cruiser with its quiet interior and supple ride, or, when the shifter is slapped into manual mode and the stability control turned off, the car is game for being sporty and involving. (See our BMW video for a demonstration.) Unfortunately, I'd have to deal with iDrive.