Levels of Performance: Premium Compact Sedan Segment

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind) 05/28/2016 at 15:45 • Filed to: Car Buying, Comparisons

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So here is the second draft diving into the Premium Compact Sedan Segment. Initially I started this loose segment analysis to prove that the M3 is NOT in the same segment as the AMG C63 S or Giulia QV and to STOP comparisons with those cars. I’m not a BMW person at all, but I hate seeing vehicles being unfairly compared. When you look at the segment, the M3 is a pretty astounding performance value.

My other goal was to gauge where brand’s performance offerings stand (it’s like a ladder, the more you can offer, the higher your performance standings are). Hopefully this will explain the over AMG-ing and Lexus “F” shortcomings.

Sub-Entry - Under $35k start. Over 15 lb/hp.
Entry Level - Around $38k start. Benchmark 14 lb/hp.
Executive Level - Around $45k start. Benchmark 12 lb/hp.
Entry Performance - Around $52k start. Benchmark 10 lb/hp.
High Performance - Around $60k start. Benchmark 9 lb/hp.
Super Performance - Around $70k start. Benchmark 8 lb/hp.
*Hyper Performance - Around $82k start. Benchmark below 7 lb/hp. *

The Sub-Entry (aka Lease/Rental Special) compact luxury sedan is a dying class. It’s been replaced by subcompact vehicles (A3, CLA, possible Cruze-based Cadillac, possible 2-Series Gran Coupe).

Hyper Performance Compact Premium Sedans do not exist on the market. However, due to the Giulia QV’s near 7 lb/hp, it is very apparent the segment will exist within the next few years. My expectations are the Jaguar XE and Cadillac ATS-V breaking the mark. Imagine if the M4 GTS were a sedan, it’s power-to-weight ratio would be under 7 lb/hp, which is crazy in a sedan. However, it’s a coupe and those performance expectations are quite a bit different.

Sub-Entry
2016 320i Sedan : $33,150
3,295 lbs.
23/36 mpg.
2.0T I4
180 hp @ 5,000 rpm.
200 lb-ft @ 1,250 rpm.
(18.31 lb/hp).* Awful. A Hyundai Accent will give you 18.10 lb/hp standard. *

Entry Level
2016 328i Sedan : $38,350 * Premium of $350 for level *
3,360 lbs.
22/34 mpg.
2.0T I4
240 hp @ 5,000 rpm.
255 lb-ft @ 1,250-4,800 rpm.
(14 lb/hp).

Executive Level
2016 340i Sedan : $45,800. * Premium of $800 for level *
3,555 lbs.
20/30 mpg.
3.0T I6
320 hp @ 5,200 rpm.
330 lb-ft @ 1,380 rpm.
(11.11 lb/hp) * 0.89 lb/hp reduction from 12 lb/hp benchmark. *

Entry Performance
*Due to the incredible performance value at the Executive level, the 340i splits the two categories and works at both levels. However, a power bump in the M-Sport at around $52k would place the vehicle closer near top of this level. (benchmark 10 lb/hp).

High Performance
2016 M3 Sedan : $63,500. * Premium of $3,500 for level *
3,540 lbs.
17/26 mpg.
3.0T I6
425 hp @ 5,500 rpm.
406 lb-ft. @ 1,850 rpm.
(8.33 lb/hp). * 0.77 lb/hp reduction from 9 lb/hp benchmark for level. *

Super Performance
*Room for M3 CS Sedan. Benchmark $70k and 8 lb/hp. M3 needs to make 443 hp to be at this level (or lighter). Assuming same weight, a 500 hp M3 would be at the top of this level even with the AMG C63 S and Giulia QV.*

Sub-Entry
*None Replaced by CLA Coupe-Sedan.*

Entry Level
2016 C300 Sedan : $38,390. * Premium of $390 for level*
3,417 lbs.
25/34 mpg.
2.0T I4.
241 hp @ 5,500 rpm.
273 lb-ft @ 1,300-4,000 rpm.
(14.18 lb/hp). * 0.18 lb/hp over benchmark 14 lb/hp *

Executive Level
*No C400 currently available. Around $45k with power-to-weight near 12 lb/hp*

Entry Performance
2016 C450 AMG Sedan : $50,800. *Value of $2,800 for level *
3,748 lbs.
21/29 mpg.
3.0T V6.
362 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm.
384 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,200 rpm.
(10.35 lb/hp). * 0.35 lb/hp over benchmark 10 lb/hp. *

High Performance
2016 AMG C63 Sedan : $65,250. * Premium of $5,250 for level *
3,924 lbs.
18/25 mpg.
4.0T V8.
469 hp @ 5,500-6,250 rpm.
479 lb-ft. @ 1,750-4,500 rpm.
(8.37 lb/hp). * 0.63 lb/hp reduction for level *

Super Performance
2016 AMG C63 S Sedan : $73,250. * Premium of $3,250 for level *
3,935 lbs.
18/25 mpg.
4.0T V8.
503 hp @ 5,500-6,250 rpm.
516 lb-ft. @ 1,750-4,500 rpm.
(7.82 lb/hp). * 0.18 lb/hp reduction for level.*

Sub-Entry
* None, Replaced by A3 Sedan.*

Entry Level
2017 A4 2.0T Premium : $37,300. * Value of $700 for level *
3,483 lbs.
25/33 mpg.
2.0T I4.
252 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm.
273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm.
(13.82 lb/hp). * 0.18 lb/hp reduction for level *

Executive Level
2016 S4 : $49,200. * Premium of $4,200 for level *
3,869 lbs.
17/26 mpg.
3.0T V6.
333 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm.
325 lb-ft @ 2,900-5,300 rpm.
(11.62 lb/hp). * 0.38 lb/hp reduction for level *

Entry Performance
*My guess would be an S4 Performance model. Level benchmark of $52k and 10 lb/hp.*

High Performance
*RS4 Sedan. Level benchmark $60k and 9 lb/hp. Remember that AWD is part of the premium*

Super Performance
*RS4 Performance Plus Sedan. Level benchmark $70k and 8 lb/hp. As you can tell, that AWD premium is what kills the chances of offering these cars. Here’s where not being RWD is especially difficult for Audi. They’ll need to figure out a great marketing package to make this sedan work. Now it makes sense why the US got so few RS models this past generation, they just don’t fit the market yet.

Sub-Entry
2016 ATS 2.5L Standard Sedan : $33,215.
3,319 lbs.
22/32 mpg.
2.5L NA I4.
202 hp @ 6,300 rpm.
191 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm.
(16 lb/hp). * Far better value than BMW 320i, but still awful. *

Entry Level
2016 ATS 2.0L Turbo Standard Sedan : $35,245. * Value of $2,755 for level. *
3,373 lbs.
20/29 mpg.
2.0T I4.
272 hp @ 5,500 rpm.
295 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm.
(12.40 lb/hp). * 1.60 lb/hp reduction from 14 lb/hp benchmark! Performance almost a level above.*

Executive Level
2016 ATS 3.6 Luxury Collection Sedan : $41,340 * Value of $3,660 for level. *
3,461 lbs.
20/30 mpg.
3.6L V6.
335 hp @ 6,800 rpm.
285 lb-ft @ 5,300 rpm.
(10.33 lb/hp). * 1.67 lb/hp reduction from 12 lb/hp benchmark. Again, crazy performance value. *

Entry Performance
*Like the 340i, segment not needed due to performance value of level below. 3.6L is practically an entry performance level sedan at the executive sedan price point. ‘Murica! (Level Benchmark $52k, 10 lb/hp). However, Caddy could make an ATS V-Sport to place into this level.*

High Performance
2016 ATS-V Sedan : $60,465. * Premium of $465 for level. *
3,812 lbs.
17/23 mpg.
3.6T V6
464 hp @ 5850 rpm.
445 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm.
(8.22 lb/hp). * 1.78 lb/hp reduction from 9 lb/hp. Almost level above performance. *

Super Performance
*Level $70k, 8 lb/hp. Currently NOT NEEDED due to lower power-to-weight ratio compared to direct competition, however nothing is stopping Cadillac from having a sedan that nears the 7 lb/hp Hyper Performance Sedan Segment. ATS V-R perhaps?*

Sub-Entry
* None, though likely some sub-compact sedan eventually. *

Entry Level
2017 Giulia Sedan : *Level benchmark, $38k.*
2.0T I4.
276 hp.
295 lb-ft.
(possibly 12 lb/hp). * This would mean the vehicle performs one level above 14 lb/hp benchmark. *

Executive Level
2017 Giulia Ti Sedan : * Level benchmark, $45k.*
2.0T I4.
276 hp.
295 lb-ft.
(possibly 12 lb/hp). * The Ti uses the same engine as the Base model according to the US website. That means the performance would only be equal to the benchmark 12 lb/hp of this level. *

Entry Performance
*None currently stated. Level benchmark, $52k and 10 lb/hp.*

High Performance
*None currently stated. Level benchmark, $60k and 9 lb/hp.*

Super Performance
2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde : * Level benchmark, $70,000. *
3,600 lbs.
3.0T V6.
505 hp @ 5,500 rpm. * May be @ 2,500-5,500 rpm according to US site. *
443 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,500 rpm.
(7.13 lb/hp). * This thing must be heavier. But 0.87 lb/hp reduction for level is crazy! Just touching Hyper Performance Level with 7 lb/hp benchmark. *

Sub-Entry
2017 XE 25t : $34,900. * Just $100 below switching levels at $35k. *
3,350 lbs.
2.5T I4.
240 hp @ 5,500 rpm.
251 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,000 rpm.
(13.96 lb/hp). * Great value, performance is one level above. *

Entry Level
2017 XE Premium 25t : $37,500. * Value of $500 for level.*
3,350 lbs.
2.5T I4.
240 hp @ 5,500 rpm.
251 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,000 rpm.
(13.96 lb/hp). * At benchmark 14 lb/hp for level. *

Executive Level
2017 XE Premium 3.5T : $41,700. * Value of $3,300 for level. *
3,605 lbs.
3.0T V6.
340 hp @ 6,500 rpm.
332 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm.
(10.60 lb/hp). * Great performance value! 1.40 reduction from 12 lb/hp benchmark.*

Entry Performance
*XE S, level benchmarks are $52k and 10 lb/hp. Assuming 380 hp still and same weight, power-to-weight ratio would be 9.49 lb/hp. 0.51 reduction to benchmark.*

High Performance
*XE R, level benchmarks are $60k and 9 lb/hp. Likely the 5.0T downrated into the 450-plus horsepower range.*

Super Performance
*XE SVR, level benchmarks are $70k and 8 lb/hp. Likely the 5.0T downrated into the 510 horsepower range, not the full 550-plus horsepower variants we see in the F-Type. At 510 hp and the same weight, that would still get the XE just under the 7 lb/hp benchmark of a theoretical Hyper Performance level.*

Sub-Entry
* None. Covered by CT200h, though not a sedan. *

Entry Level
2016 IS 200t Sedan : $37,325. * Value of $675 for level. *
3,583 lbs.
22/33 mpg.
2.0T I4.
241 hp @ 5,800 rpm.
258 lb-ft @ 1,650-4,400 rpm.
(14.87 lb/hp). * Poor performance. 0.87 lb/hp over benchmark 14 lb/hp. *

Executive Level
2016 IS 350 Sedan : $40,870.
3,593 lbs.
19/28 mpg.
3.5L NA V6.
306 hp @ 6,400 rpm.
277 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm.
(11.74 lb/hp). * 0.26 lb/hp reduction to level benchmark 12 lb/hp. *

Entry Performance
* None. Level benchmarks are $52k and 10 lb/hp. 360 hp minimum. *

High Performance
* IS F. Level benchmarks are $60k and 9 lb/hp. 400 hp minimum. *

Super Performance
* If Lexus goes the route I’m expecting, adding 100hp in electric motors to the 5.0L, then that could put a theoretical IS F Sport Hybrid into this level of performance. Don’t hold your breath for this decade though. Would need to approach 500 hp peak system output total in order to adjust for weight and make level benchmark of $70k and 8 lb/hp. *

Sub-Entry
2016 Q50 2.0t Base : $33,950. * Expect QX30 to replace. *
3,574 lbs.
23/31 mpg.
2.0T I4.
208 hp @ 5,500 rpm.
258 lb/ft @ 1,500-3,500 rpm.
(17.18 lb/hp). * Worse than the ATS, better than the 320i. Still awful performance. *

Entry Level
2016 Q50 3.0t Premium : $39,900. * Premium of $1,900. No Base 3.0t yet. *
3,707 lbs.
19/28 mpg.
3.0T V6.
300 hp @ 6,400 rpm.
295 lb-ft @ 1,600-5,200 rpm.
(12.36 lb/hp). * 1.64 lb/hp reduction. Performance nearly one level above. *

Executive Level
Q50 3.0T Red Sport: $47,900. *Premium of $2,900 over benchmark.*
3,675 lbs.
20/26 mpg.
3.0T V6.
400 hp @ 6,400 rpm.
350 lb-ft @ 1,600-5,200 rpm.
(9.19 lb/hp). * VALUE LEADER! 2.81 reduction from benchmark 12 lb/hp. Performance nearly TWO levels above. *

Entry Performance
* Covered by Executive level “Red Sport.” Benchmarks are $52k and 10 lb/hp. *

High Performance
* Q50 IPL. If same weight, it would only need an 8 horsepower bump to meet the benchmark of 9 lb/hp for $60k. Now the old IPL models make slightly more sense for having such small horsepower increases.*

Super Performance
*Again, assuming same weight, the Q50 would need to make 460 hp to be at the same performance level as the C63 S and Giulia QV.

*Everything below is just speculation, no info has come out about this model yet. Seems as though it will be revealed at the end of this year or the NAIAS at the latest.*

Entry Level
G70 2.0T : *Level benchmark, $38. Likely priced below $35k as Sub-Entry.*
3,600 lbs (just a weight, I expect it to be heavy).
245 hp @ 6,000 rpm . (from Sonata 2.0T).
260 lb-ft @ 1,350-4,000 rpm . (from Sonata 2.0T).
(14.69 lb/hp) . *Level benchmark 14 lb/hp. However at Sub-Entry price, performance exceeds 320i, Q50 2.0t, ATS 2.5, IS 200t.*

Executive Level
G70 3.8L : *Level benchmark, $45k. Likely priced at $38k as Entry Level.*
3,700 lbs.
311 hp @ 6,000 rpm . (from Hyundai Genesis Sedan)
293 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm . (from Hyundai Genesis Sedan)
(11.90 lb/hp) . *Level benchmark 12 lb/hp. However at Entry price, performance of 2.10 lb/hp reduction over 14 lb/hp benchmark.*

Entry Performance
G70 3.3T : *Level benchmark, $52k. Likely priced at $45k as Exec. Level.*
3,800 lbs.
365 hp (from Genesis G90)
376 lb-ft @ 1,300 rpm. (from Genesis G90)
(10.41 lb/hp). * Level benchmark 10 lb/hp. However at Exec. price, performance of 1.59 lb/hp over 12 lb/hp benchmark. *

High Performance
G70 N : Level benchmark, $60k and 9 lb/hp. Likely priced around 50k and making 400 hp. Literally it will be as close to the Infinti G50 Red Sport as possible. Hyundai has been targeting Nissan/Infiniti in terms of performance/luxury sedans for almost a decade. Genesis Coupe was a cross between the 370Z and G37. The Genesis Sedan (G80) is as a cross between the Q70 and Q70L. This G70 Sedan will be a Q50 with more cruiser ability over sport sedan.

Super Performance
Nothing this decade.

This was probably information overload, but have a good time checking out the bits you’re most curious about. This is just the premium compact sedans. But I think those power-to-weight figures in correlation to pricing schemes are the best way to really tell where models fall.

Takeaways:

The higher the trim of the BMW 3-Series, the better the performance value is.

Mercedes has reset the bar as far as performance levels go in this segment.

Audi is being held back purely on the fact that the A4 isn’t RWD based. They have the performance, but they can’t hit the US price points as the levels increase.

The Cadillac ATS for the most part offers the best overall performance for dollar across the range.

The Giulia QV is the closest thing to a production Hyper Performance Sedan we have coming.

Jaguar has legitimately moved into being a performance value proposition within this class.

Lexus IS isn’t performing well within this segment in terms of performance for the price. Really needs a turbo 6 option. It saved Infiniti.

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is the High Performance value of the decade. The Q50 2.0t is pretty awful though. Something about Japanese premium brands and 4-cyls just doesn’t seem to be working.

The Genesis G70 could be an awesome performance value throughout it’s entire range (which makes sense why Hyundai rolled out the brand now).

Volvo, Lincoln, and Acura would have the exact same issue as Audi. The vehicle’s are almost required to be RWD in order to get the value and performance to the right price. AWD helps, but once you are into the High Performance level, the RWD vehicles get a huge price advantage over the AWD vehicles. For now anyways...

E92M3 > Wobbles the Mind 05/28/2016 at 17:14

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Something else worth mentioning. Edmunds recently named the M3 as the car that retains the most value for it’s segment. Most people that shop in this segment might not care that the M3 will deprecate $10k less compared to the C63 over a 5 year period, but it’s worth considering. They are pretty equal in performance, as far as lap times. If you’re just going to use it on the street, either is a great choice. It really boils down to personal preference.

46and2aheadofme > Wobbles the Mind 05/28/2016 at 18:39

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Really interesting. A lot to digest here, I’ll be coming back for a second read. First impression: I personally *thought* most things in your takeaways, as in they were my personal opinion. Feels great to see the numbers support my opinions. I think there's another giant takeaway here: Styling matters when things are this close because I think for a lot of people it comes down to what they like to look at the most.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Wobbles the Mind 05/28/2016 at 22:22

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Outstanding! It’s great to see the weight/hp value. But the price to performance is the best info here.

I really thought that Cadillac or BMW would be the ones outperforming their price class but Jaguar is a pleasant surprise! This is good good Oppo Wobbles!

TrustMeImAnEngineer, but I'd rather be an InternationalArtThief > Wobbles the Mind 05/29/2016 at 00:28

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What would be really interesting to compare (and don’t actually do this because it would be a huge time sink) would be price-capping each segment. Then, whatever was left over in unused cost is applied towards aftermarket performance upgrades, and looking at the performance of stock+affordable aftermarket while keeping price a constant. If that makes any sense?