The sedan is dead. Long live the sedan. Well, maybe not entirely. There’s no question that sedans, as well as coupes, hatchbacks and sports cars have ceded plenty of market share to SUVs, CUVs and other light trucks in recent years. But were Mark Twain reincarnated as an automotive journalist I expect he’d declare that “reports of the death of the sedan have been greatly exaggerated.”
I asked my colleagues at TheDetroitBureau.com to weigh in on the sedans they’d love to own. And you can add to that a few concept sedans we’d love to see the industry actually put into production.
Assistant Managing Editor Larry Printz
Ford Fusion: “Ford cancelled this when it was still selling 200,000 a year. What it really needed was a change in design after a decade.”
Lincoln Town Car: “I think there’s still a market for a modern, up-to-date version of the classic American full-size luxury car”
Buick Riviera: “America needs a beautiful grand touring car as much today as it did in 1963.”
Chevrolet Monza: “Here’s a car you can buy in China but not here. Americans deserve an affordable economical sedan as much as the Chinese.”
Managing Editor Michael Strong
Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE: “It’s got a bit of performance and it’s really comfortable — an easy car to drive.”
BMW 7 Series: “I have always loved the 7 Series, and I think the look of the new model is really amazing.”
Hyundai Ioniq 6: “There is nothing else like it. The styling and the technology makes it the car I want to buy next.”
Audi S8: “It’s kind of the anti-BMW. It’s low and sporty and makes me think it’s a sports car, despite its size.”
Executive Editor Jeff Zurschmiede
Mercedes C-Class: “It offers great performance and top-tier luxury at a reasonable price.”
Acura RLX: “Especially if you get the SH-AWD you get great handling and performance,”
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: “You get a compact form factor and a wonderful driving experience.”
Toyota Crown: “Fantastic performance with matching fuel economy and comfort.”
Volvo S90: “If you want a full-size car this one offer all kinds of luxury.”
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Paul A. Eisenstein
Ford Fusion: “I have to agree with Larry on this. Ford stunned everyone when it introduced a radical redesign of this midsize sedan. It needs to do it again.
Genesis G90: “The upstart Korean carmaker has shaken up the luxury establishment and the G90 is both stylish and loaded with an array of luxury features at a surprisingly affordable price.”
Hyundai Ioniq 6: “I’m in Mike’s camp with the ‘Electric Streamliner.’ It’s beautiful, roomy has great range and is a lot of fun to drive.”
Porsche Panamera: “Is it a hatchback, a sports car, a sedan? I don’t care what you call it, I’ve loved this quirky offering since the day it debuted.”
Not available, but still wanted
And here are four sedan concepts we’d love to see in production:
Buick Wildcat: “It’s simply gorgeous,” says Jeff. And it’s hard to disagree.
Cadillac Escala: Larry’s in love with this 2016 Caddy concept due to its striking design and plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
Cadillac Sixteen: This massive and obscenely over-the-top design was intended to feature a 16-cylinder powertrain. Paul would love to see it go all-electric.
And to break up the love letter to GM, let’s add Mike’s personal favorite, the Lincoln Model L from last year. “Low, long and elegant — just like me,” he said, almost straight-faced. “It’s a beautiful machine with suicide doors and a luxurious interior just covered in technology.”