Continuing our staff's personal insights into the March-issue upscale sedans test group.

Rick Small: I like most of the cars in this group. The new Cadillac CTS handles well and is now very competitive with the European sedans. The BMW 328i feels sporty, but I feel it’s not as sporty as the last generation. Plus, the 3 Series controls are needlessly awkward. My tall frame is still cramped in the front, and the back seat if for small kids only. For me, the Infiniti G35 really stands out as a sporty and fun car to drive – it’s also a good value. It has great road feel and a firm but sporty ride that isn’t punishing. The powerful V6 delivers strong performance, sounds great, and is quicker than many V8s. Fuel economy is decent considering the high level of performance. The AWD version is a little less sporty and uses a bit more fuel; I’d go with the rear-wheel drive model and get a set of good snow tires for the winter. I still also like the Acura TL, it has a good combination of luxury and sport and a better driving position than most in this class. Other good choices are the roomy Nissan Maxima, and less expensive Altima. Likewise, a Honda Accord V6 comes close to the Acura for less money.

Mike Leung: I felt the last generation Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport that we tested was better in every regard than the newer one we just tested. The old one had better controls and a superior driving experience. Plus, it was more comfortable and better looking.

That being said, in this category, the Infiniti G35 still reigns supreme when you take cost into account.  Even if you don’t take cost into account, the G’s performance is easily as good as the competition and it’s generally more reliable.

Mike Quincy: I agree with Mike Leung—the last C-Class was better than the new one, which seems to have lost an edge not only in performance but also in styling. And while I’m an admitted fan of Saabs, the V6-powered 9-3 Aero’s $37,000 price is simply too dear, with its cramped backseat and mediocre fuel economy (only 20 mpg, overall).

I think the star of this category is the rear-wheel-drive Infiniti G35. It combines excellent steering, a fabulous engine and transmission, and simple controls. It’s a sports sedan when you want it to be, as well as a (mostly) quiet and comfortable luxury car when you’re in the mood for a relaxing cruise. I also like the Lexus IS 350 (deceivingly fast, nice interior, great reliability) but at $44,000 fully optioned, it’s way over the price of all of the models in this group. And hat’s off to GM for actually producing a car that I’d consider buying: the new CTS is the only Cadillac in my lifetime that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to own. I’m WAY too young to be of the generation when Cadillac was considered “the world’s standard.” The brand was never an aspiration of mine (nor for any of my friends, family and neighbors). But the CTS has more than style: it’s quite substantive and a pleasure to drive.

There’s a lot to like about all the cars in this category. (Really, there wasn’t a “dog” in the test group). Consider yourself lucky if this is a car category in which you can shop.

For more on this sports sedan group, read the road tests and Personal picks: sports sedans, part 2, and also watch our car review videos.