Best Cars with Panoramic Moonroof

The 2024 BMW 5 Series sport sedan returns with a fresh look, larger size, more powerful engines, and a full complement of in-car and driver safety tech. The new generation of the brand's just-right "Goldilocks" sedan falls between the full-size BMW 7 Series luxury shuttle and the compact 3 Series.

For 2024, the 5 Series grows larger in every direction —3 inches longer and nearly 1.5 inches taller and wider — but you probably won't notice it inside the cabin. Headroom and legroom remain nearly the same, although there's a bit more room for arms and elbows, particularly for rear-seat passengers. That's a good thing, though. The 5 Series doesn't need to grow. Instead, BMW polished around the margins. Designers skirted the polarizing bucktoothed grille fronting recently redesigned BMWs such as the M3, X5, X7, and the iX electric model. A more traditional, if wider, kidney grille announces the 5 Series, and it's even available with illumination.

New four- and six-cylinder engines yield more power and likely better fuel economy. We won't know until the Environmental Protection Agency releases its estimates, but we'd expect the base 5 Series to return around 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving, and 35-36 mpg on the highway — nice numbers for a 255-horsepower midsize sedan. For now, the 5 Series is only available in base 530i form; the six-cylinder-powered 540i arrives later this year. BMW hasn't announced an M-Series or plug-in hybrid version yet, but we'd expect to see replacements for those outgoing options next year. A new fully electric BMW i5 is also available and reviewed separately.

BMW always endows new-generation models with a few conversation starters, and the 5 Series is no different. An automatic lane-change feature nested within the optional Highway Assistant self-driving system allows drivers to change lanes simply by looking at a side mirror (the car has a camera to follow a driver's eyesight). There's also a new gaming platform integrated into the infotainment software so passengers can play games on the 14.9-inch touchscreen when the car is stationary. It's geared more toward the electric i5 as a way to help pass time during recharging stops, for example, but it's also available for the regular 5 Series.

We haven't yet driven the new 5 Series and don't know if it has recovered any of the athleticism of earlier generations. Recent 5 Series models have exchanged once-premier handling and steering performance for enhanced comfort and luxury (i.e., weight). But BMW found ways to infuse its latest 7 Series, a big car without much sporting pretense, with more agility than before, so perhaps the 5 Series has received similar treatment.

The new 5 Series should remain a benchmark luxury midsize sedan, but it's not without competition. Its primary rival, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, is also redesigned for 2024, presenting buyers with a tough choice. The Audi A6 and Jaguar XF offer their own approaches to midsize luxury, although both are showing their age. The Scandinavian cool of the also-aging Volvo S90 is another compelling alternative, as are the U.S.-made Cadillac CT5 and CT5-V Blackwing Edition. The latter puts out a ridiculous 668 hp from a supercharged V8 and gets refreshed styling for 2024.

The all-wheel-drive 2024 Mercedes CLE is a new addition to the luxury brand’s expansive line up. The seductively styled new midsize coupe replaces both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupes, while combining the best of each in a fresh design. At 191-inches long, the CLE is about the same size as the outgoing E-Class Coupe, but Mercedes has added a bit more front seat legroom. The rear seat is best for kids, although there’s about 2-inches of additional backseat legroom compared to the old C-Class Coupe.

The CLE’s cabin is premium in every way and packed with technology, including the same infotainment system found in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, its flagship sedan. New heated front sport seats have been developed exclusively for the CLE and include integrated speakers for the coupe’s standard premium audio system.

Under the hood is the same smooth and refined turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the C 300. Its 255 horsepower matches the standard output of the BMW 4 Series coupe. Step up to the CLE 450 and you get the same turbo boosted six-cylinder engine found in the E-Class sedan. In the CLE it’s pumped up to produce an impressive 375 hp, which is more than you get in the Audi S5 coupe. To get all that power to the road, the CLE 450 also includes 19-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension. And every CLE comes with the brand’s excellent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and its refined nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 2024 Toyota Crown makes a promising case for itself. After all, this is a spacious sedan with the added benefit of SUV-style seating and visibility. What’s more, it comes standard with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction on slippery roads, and one of two hybrid powertrain systems to help boost fuel economy. Quite frankly, there’s nothing else like it on the market.

For the most part, the formula works. The Crown feels good to drive, offers excellent technology features, and boasts strong fuel economy estimates. Distinctive exterior styling also sets it apart from the competition.

As for downsides, the Crown can be awfully expensive. The standard hybrid and all-wheel-drive systems come at a high cost, and the interior may not deliver the plushness some customers expect at that price point. It also isn’t very performance-oriented, even in the more powerful Platinum trim and its upgraded hybrid system. But we’re pleased to see some attempts to improve interior comfort and styling in the 2024 Crown.

This is the second model year for the Crown since its 2023 debut. Other hybrid sedans include the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid. There are also hybrid SUVs such as the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V for drivers wanting all-wheel drive. But again, none of these options offer quite the same combination of features and characteristics as the Toyota Crown.

Like the Toyota Prius it’s based on, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) had an identity that seemed set in stone. Both cars were hailed far and wide for being the ones to beat if you want excellent fuel economy. But they were also notorious for having drab styling and sluggish acceleration.

Last year, Toyota flipped the script by giving both cars a monumental redesign, giving the Prius Prime the kind of makeover overlooked wallflowers dream about. The plain-jane exterior is gone, replaced by sleek, sporty styling. The cabin got ergonomic upgrades and a fresh new look, and Toyota rolled out improvements in range, efficiency, and potency.

Able to travel more than 80 miles on electricity alone with a fully charged battery, the Prius Prime is a leader among PHEVs. It can travel farther on electric power than rivals such as the Kia Niro PHEV and Mini Countryman Cooper SE PHEV. And the fuel economy is stellar. Toyota estimates the Prius Prime will return 52 mpg in combined city and highway driving when in hybrid mode, making it a more efficient choice than the Niro PHEV.

Lastly, there’s the matter of horsepower. With 220 horses under its hood, the Prius Prime is one of the most potent picks in its class, delivering quick acceleration. It has more horsepower than the Niro PHEV and is neck-and-neck in output with the lively Countryman Cooper PHEV.

In the deficit column, the Prius Prime has tight rear seats and less maximum cargo capacity than other models in this class. But it wins the award for Most Improved and is hard to top if you want a stylish, quick, and efficient plug-in hybrid car.

One of the newest luxury EVs on the market is the 2025 BMW i5, a fully electric version of the vaunted BMW 5 Series sedan. Both the battery-powered and gas-powered versions offer a smooth ride, cushy interior, and impressive handling dynamics for the class, but the i5 does it with strong range and efficiency. It debuted for the 2024 model year as BMW’s answer to the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan.

Now in its second year, the i5 has both single-motor and dual-motor versions for buyers to consider. New for 2025 is the i5 xDrive40, an all-wheel-drive model squeezed between the entry-level i5 eDrive40 and the performance-minded M60 xDrive. All three trim levels use the same 84.3-kWh battery pack. BMW has released official specs for the 2025 i5 xDrive40, while our comments on the other two models are based on 2024 figures.

The i5 retains a classic 5 Series shape, with handsome styling punctuated by an illuminated version of the easily recognizable “kidney” front grille. Compared with the standard 5 Series, the i5 has an elevated stance because the battery and electric components are mounted underneath the vehicle. On the inside, the i5 cabin is dominated by a 14.9-inch center display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. Rich materials, comfortable seats, and generous space for passengers are hallmark qualities of all i5 variants.

Smooth, crisp power is the standard for this class. The Mercedes EQE sedan, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model S are all known for quick power delivery and a buttery ride. While the EQE sedan is a more direct competitor to the i5, the Taycan and Model S rely more on athletic handling and blazing acceleration in their sportiest forms.

The Genesis G90 has emerged as a full-size luxury sedan embodying the opulent driving experience and cutting-edge technology akin to premier European flagships, yet offered at a more affordable price. Over 17 feet in length, it stands out as one of the tallest and widest cars on the market. Departing from the conventional luxury approach, Genesis adopts a unique strategy by equipping the G90 with a comprehensive array of amenities as standard, sparing customers the need to invest in costly optional extras.

With its expansive dimensions and abundant standard features, the Genesis G90 rightfully claims its position as a flagship sedan. It offers the seating comfort and smooth ride that discerning shoppers seek, all at an unbeatable price point. Passengers in both rows luxuriate in leather upholstery, premium wood accents, and user-friendly technology, ensuring each journey is a serene affair. While the G90 may lack some of the flashier tech amenities and high-performance engines found in its competitors, its commitment to delivering luxury and prestige at an accessible price makes it a compelling choice. Competitors include the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Overall, the Genesis G90 earns accolades for its remarkable value proposition, making it a standout recommendation in its segment.

Mercedes-Benz plans to convert its entire lineup to electric vehicles by 2030, and the EQE Sedan is integral to that plan. In addition to the 2024 EQE Sedan, the German automaker now offers the EQE SUV as well as the EQB SUV, EQS Sedan, and EQS SUV, all of which are fully electric.

The EQE Sedan is a midsize electric luxury sedan with styling similar to the flagship EQS Sedan, which boasts one of the slipperiest designs on the road, created for ultimate efficiency. Some potential customers may be turned off by the curvy design and the solid black grille, but those who can get past the exterior styling will find an attractive interior with high-quality wood and leather trim throughout.

A large infotainment screen at the center of the expansive dashboard seems to extend out from the center console. An additional 12.3-inch driver display can be customized for multiple styles. Interaction with the infotainment system is quite intuitive, but it is all via the touchscreen or voice, as there are virtually no physical controls to be found.

As a fully electric Mercedes-Benz, the EQE Sedan is supremely quiet and smooth on the road, with impressive performance and efficiency. This new EV is offered in multiple performance levels, ranging from the base EQE 350+ to the extreme AMG EQE that delivers more than 600 horsepower. Depending on the trim level, the EQE Sedan can travel up to 300 miles between charges — not quite as far as the Lucid Air, but slightly better than the Genesis Electrified G80, Polestar 2, and upcoming BMW i5.

Like its competitors, BMW has long used its 7 Series flagship luxury sedan to highlight engineering triumphs that eventually end up in more affordable models. Fresh off a redesign last year, the 2024 BMW 7 Series isn't heralding great developmental leaps, but this year's model is pushing deeper into electric power and updating its in-car tech interface.

With its oversized grilles, split-level lighting, and aggressive bodywork, the 7 Series lacks the elegance of earlier models (and even some rivals), but there's plenty to like underneath. Two gas engines and a new plug-in hybrid option make the 7 Series the fuel-economy class leader, while an air spring suspension and rear-wheel steering deliver a smooth ride and spicy handling.

Top-shelf leather and interior trim reflect the BMW's near six-figure price, while supremely comfortable seats and an expansive cabin guarantee long-haul comfort. Also expansive: the panoramic dash display, which incorporates both the digital gauge cluster and a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen. It's an impressive centerpiece that requires too much tapping and swiping for simple operations, such as adjusting seat heaters. A rotary dial controller and fairly sophisticated voice controls offer workarounds, and BMW promises a more streamlined interface when it begins updating the 7 Series with its latest iDrive 8.5 software starting in July 2023.

The 2024 7 Series also adds a new plug-in hybrid model, the 750e xDrive. BMW hasn't said much about it other than it will use a six-cylinder engine, make a total of 483 horsepower, and offer up to 35 miles of all-electric range. We figure it will come equipped much like the 740i base trim, but with a hybrid powertrain. This year, the 7 Series also adds optional all-wheel drive for the 740i.

Compared to other big luxury sedans, the 7 Series is the driver's choice. It's more athletic than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Lexus LS, which favor buttery ride comfort and unruffled cruising manners. The rival Audi A8 comes close, but lacks the BMW's skillful balance of power and handling. The Genesis G90, still a relative newcomer, looks smart, comes loaded with features, and costs substantially less than the 7 Series, but recent price increases diminish some of its original appeal.

Introduced in the 1990s as the brand's entry-level model, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has evolved into one of the best compact luxury sedans on the market. It's now positioned above the smaller CLA and below the recently redesigned E-Class. This fifth-generation C-Class was last redesigned in 2022, but the 2024 C-Class brings a very notable addition.

Joining the 255-horsepower C 300 and 402-hp AMG C43 is the new AMG C63. Previous C63 models opted for a burly V8 engine that pumped out up to 500 hp. This new model gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces an exceptional 671 hp using technology gleaned from Mercedes' Formula 1 race car. The coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class are dropped from the lineup, but a new CLE model is scheduled to fill that void next year.

With the addition of the AMG C63, the C-Class sedan lineup now seems complete. Luxury-minded shoppers will find the standard C 300 to their liking, while the AMG C43 is a great pick for those seeking a bit more performance. The C63 is for the rare individual who craves the highest levels of athleticism. These pieces of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class portfolio compare very favorably to rivals in the class, including the BMW 3 Series and M3, Audi A4 and S4, as well as the Cadillac CT4 and CT4-V.

Mercedes-Benz has never shied away from innovation and in most cases, revolutionary features tended to debut on the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan. This still holds true, but since 2022, the S-Class has been joined by the all-electric EQS sedan. They're similar in size and purpose, which is to transport passengers in unparalleled comfort.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS and the conventional S-Class share the honor of bringing the first commercially available Level 3 automated driving system to market. The new Drive Pilot system not only allows for hands-free driving, but also permits the driver to watch videos or play games on the central infotainment screen. Use is currently restricted, but is expected to expand in the future. Elsewhere, the EQS makes other improvements. Some models get improvements to range and power, while all now come with the bold Hyperscreen that spans the entire dashboard.

These additions and upgrades should keep the EQS sedan at the top of shoppers' lists, but it's not the only all-electric luxury sedan anymore. The BMW i7 is the most direct rival and even though it can't challenge the EQS in terms of range, it benefits from similar levels of refinement and technology, while delivering a more engaging driving experience. The Lucid Air is another worthy alternative, and is the range leader with an estimate of 516 miles. The Tesla Model S also turns in some impressive range figures, but falls short in regard to comfort and refinement. Drivers looking for more performance, should also consider the smaller Porsche Taycan and related Audi e-tron GT models.

Almost every type of vehicle has gotten quite a bit larger over the years. That's great for family vehicles that benefit from the added interior space, but weight and a larger footprint are drawbacks for a sporty and fun coupe or sedan. Thankfully, there are still a few compact alternatives with the kind of excitement that enthusiasts desire.

The 2024 BMW 2 Series is a prime example, and it's offered in two different body styles. The traditional 2 Series coupe is the sportiest, while the four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe adds some practicality. Both are available with the choice of two engines and all-wheel drive. Power is plentiful from both models, and as expected, prices rise along with performance.

Both 2 Series variants benefit from a refined interior that is comparable to more expensive BMW models. The 2 Series coupe has an aesthetic advantage for its modern curved glass display screen, but the Gran Coupe's infotainment system is just as easy to use.

There aren't many direct rivals to the BMW 2 Series, though, and the closest competitors are all sedans. The Audi A3 is worth comparing against the BMW's lower trim levels, while the S3 is a challenger to the top M240i coupe. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is more of an entry-level luxury choice, but there are some sportier AMG variants to get your blood pumping. The BMW 2 Series is the most spirited of the bunch.

Cadillac has never aimed to be a sporty, performance brand. Instead, the automaker has always aspired to set the benchmark for luxury driving. That all changed about 20 years ago when Cadillac launched the V-Series line. The V-Series sought to close the gap with European rivals that offered high-performance versions of their standard sedans. The 2024 Cadillac CT5-V continues that tradition, and is likely to be among the last of the gasoline-powered cars to do it.

The standard CT5-V and the extreme CT5-V Blackwing take nearly every aspect of the regular CT5 sedan and crank it up several notches for more responsive feel and blistering acceleration. The base trim impresses with its handling and athleticism, but its power lags behind its competitors. The supercharged 668-horsepower Blackwing model is a different story, packing a bonkers amount of power that handily exceeds its European rivals and makes the sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. Cadillac even offers new Blackwing owners driving instruction at its Cadillac V-Performance Academy.

The beauty of both trims is that they're roomy, comfortable, and ride smoothly, relative to their high-performance suspension and steering systems. On the downside, neither offers an interior that can match the luxury or refinement of the European cars. It's also disappointing to find heated seats are optional on a $50,000 car, although this disappointment is softened by the several thousands of dollars saved when opting for the Cadillac over the Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz alternatives.

As Cadillac transitions into a mostly electric-powered lineup, the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing may represent a pinnacle of fossil-fueled greatness. Most electric cars offer quick acceleration, and some can even beat the torrid CT5-V Blackwing to the 60-mph mark. But these gas-powered Cadillac super sedans are arguably more engaging to drive than many electrics, much lighter on their feet (no 1,000-pound EV battery to haul around), and can be quickly refueled at any of the nearly 150,000 gas stations nationwide. Collectors will want to consider adding a Blackwing before it makes an exit. Regular buyers will enjoy a high-performance American luxury sport sedan and have plenty of cash left over for gas and the occasional set of new tires.

For decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the standard-bearer for luxury vehicles. In recent years, larger SUVs have mounted a serious challenge with their spacious interiors and generous cargo capacities, but luxury sedans are still more agile and efficient. The current S-Class generation was last redesigned in 2021 and since then, a plug-in hybrid and additional features have enhanced the lineup.

This year, the sportier AMG S 63 E Performance joins the stable. Its twin-turbocharged V8 engine is augmented with a plug-in hybrid component and produces an otherworldly 791 horsepower. The powerplant pairs well with a confidence-inspiring suspension that makes it more capable when cornering. This top-performing S-Class joins the six-cylinder S 500; another plug-in hybrid, the S 580e; and the already strong S 580 with its own V8.

For ultimate luxury and refinement, you can step up to either of the Maybach long-wheelbase sedans. At the top of this limited pair is a V12-powered S 680 with a buttery-smooth V12 engine.

But wait, there's more. The S-Class is now offered with Mercedes' new Drive Pilot system. It not only allows for hands-free driving, but also allows the driver to take their eyes off the road (though sleeping is not allowed and the system will know if you try). It's only available on models that are specifically outfitted with additional sensors and in select states on pre-approved highways, but expect more to be added over time.

If you're seeking unassailable comfort and all the latest technology features, you should start your search with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Audi A8, S8, and BMW 7 Series are more athletic alternatives, but their sportiness comes at the expense of ride comfort. If that's not a problem for you, the Porsche Panamera pushes performance even higher. All-electric choices have also multiplied, delivering an eerie silence when cruising. The best part is, there isn't a bad choice among them.