Was looking to upgrade from my pevious gen Cefiro V6 2.0 and tested BMW 520i, Audi A6 2.4, Jaguar S Class 2.5, and Volvo S80. I ended up with Merc E200 Kompressor.
BMW 520Very nice driver's car. I was actually set on getting this. Handling was great along the bends behind NUH. But the interior is very simple and not as luxurious as expected. Legroom was so so.
Jaguar S ClassGood engine and nice retro looks. Interior is luxurious and very British. Too retro and British for me... so
Volvo S80 2.0Good 5 cylinder ligt pressure turbo engine. Interior is no nonsense, but not really luxurious. Handling was not as good as the rear driven options from Germany. Value for money option.
Audi A6 2.4Just heard it's in this weekend, but I don't want to wait anymore. I like the looks of the A6, ad I'm sure it's a good choice.
Merc E200 KompressorI always thought Mercs design and drive were dated. I went to the showroom on the insistence of my wife with a bias against Merc, but surprisingly, I was slowly won over. First tried the facelifted C Class C200K, and its adept handling pleasantly surprised me. Next, we tried the E200 K. Legroom was generous, interior was luxurious, elegant and modern.
Drive was a tad below BMW 520 (IMO), but much better than the S80. The Kompressor engine, although only 1.8l, is supercharged to give power and torque of a V6 2.4 engine. With Lancaster balancer and twinpulse, it's pretty quiet, although there is a sporty rumble from the Kompressor when pressed.
Having driven it for a while, the drive is getting better. Probably it's adapting to my way of driving.

The irony? I'm paying less road tax and fuel consumption than my old Cefiro V6 2.0![/b]