Editorial Picks: Compact Executive Sedans below $320k

These premium compact sedans not only reek of class and elegance, they will also get you where you need to be in comfort, and maybe deliver some driving thrills when the weekend beckons.

If you're looking for your next premium compact sedan, be sure that these options are on your shopping list.

In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.

Here are our Editorial Picks for the segment. (All prices correct at time of publishing.)

The driver-oriented pick: BMW 3 Series

Price: $295,888

Depreciation: $26,400/yr (318i M Sport)

The BMW 3 Series has long been the pick of the segment for those who prioritise an engaging drive.

This latest iteration comes with some aggressive design elements at the front and back, while in the cabin, there's also the impressive BMW Curved Display (here comprising of a 12.3-inch information display with a 14.9-inch control display), from which you'll be able to access a host of vehicle controls.

And on the move, you'll be looking forward to a well-weighted steering wheel and an equally setup eight-speed transmission to deliver on driving thrills, while its quiet 2.0-litre engine ensures you'll be kept comfortable on those commutes to and back from the office.

Pros:

• Engaging drive
• Sharp exterior combined with a swanky cabin

Cons:

• You'll have to settle for one of BMW's older operating systems

Read our review of the BMW 3 Series

The typical pick: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price: $308,888

Depreciation: $28,500/yr (C180 Avantgarde)

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been a long favourite here on our sunny island and it's not hard to see why.

The model has long served as a relatively affordable entry way into the Mercedes-Benz brand and this latest iteration comes complete with some elegant sheet metal alongside a rather sweet cabin to match. The fact that its so popular here also means you're going to see some healthy resale values when you're ready to sell one off.

Step in and you'll notice this car is not only brought to life by one impressive ambient lighting system, but there's also one impressive vertically-oriented screen 11.9-inch screen which delivers some vibrant colours. The cabin of this Mercedes-Benz is well insulated, and its suspension is also sufficiently pliant so you'll hardly be bothered should the roads around your estate accumulate more portholes.

Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Pros:

• Visually impressive cabin
• Comfort-oriented ride

Cons:

• Looks the most nondescript amongst this lot
• Pricey

The most practical pick: Audi A5 Sedan

Price: $287,999

Depreciation: $26,200/yr (2.0 Advanced)

This new A5 is technically a liftback, but it's the competitor Audi is fielding for market share in the segment, and we are thus also admitting it into this bunch.

So, you get a greater opening into the boot with this Audi, but don't be fooled: With 445 litres of boot space, this Audi A5 has less space for cargo than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (450 litres) or the BMW 3 Series (480 litres).

But the Audi A5 hits back elsewhere. Its cabin not only feels just as well built as the BMW's, and its 'Digital Stage' - comprising of a 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI touch display - feels just as futuristic as the one in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

And its quite the competent drive to boot. This Audi A5 offers a quiet and settled drive, alongside a high level of refinement from its 201bhp 2.0-litre engine. If comfortable drives are your priority, be sure to make a visit to Audi's new House of Progress and test drive this A5.

Pros:

• Quiet and comfortable ride
• The largest car of this group

Cons:

• Not the most engaging to drive

The fuel saving pick: Lexus IS 300h

Price: $312,800

Depreciation: $28,000/yr (2.5 Executive)

The Lexus IS looks irresistibly sleek and muscular thanks to its angular front and rear taillight arrangement that can go up against the Audi A5 for sheer attractiveness. And it's more than just one good looking number.

Under its bonnet sits a capable 219bhp 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain, which delivers smooth and linear take-offs, while its suspension system strikes a good balance between ride comfort and reining in unwanted body movement. It's just a bit of a shame that its cabin displays look outright dated amongst the newer options in this group.

The Lexus IS 300h claims to be able to deliver a fuel economy of 18.5km/L, which compares favourably to the claimed fuel economy of the BMW 318i (at 14.7km/L), the Mercedes-Benz C180 (also at 14.7km/L), and the Audi A5 2.0 (at 14.5km/L).

Pros:

• Irresistible exterior sheet metal
• Hybrid fuel economy and power output

Cons:

• Cabin feels dated amongst this lot
• Hybrid power comes at a premium

Used pick: Alfa Romeo Giulia

Depreciation: ~$18,500/yr (2.0 Super)

If you're looking for something different but still want four-door practicality, the Giulia should perk your interest.

We found its sharp exterior appealing when we last drove the Giulia in 2023, while its cabin should also draw in those looking for something a little more driver-focussed. And it has the handling to match: We found the car more than capable when faced with a twisty road and found its playfulness in the bends particularly entertaining (although admittedly, we were driving the more powerful 'Veloce' variant then).

But the best part about picking this Giulia is that you'll be driving something that is a bit of a rarity on our shores - a park that won't apply to any of the other cars here. Pick out a matching tailored suit and you'll also reek of style, and arguably more so than is possible in any of this Giulia's rivals.

Pros:

• There won't be as many others driving the same car as you

Cons:

• Official aftersales support from the authorised dealer here is only set to last until mid-2025

You can see available listings of this model here, and also read our review of the car here.