We Drove Six 1993 Luxury Sedans and One Stood Above the Rest

Wouter Smit · 2026-07-18

Dining at the luxury sedan table? Bring lots of money. It's all prime meat, and in 1993, the choices were as refined as a perfectly aged steak. We gathered six of the finest examples: the Audi V8 Quattro, BMW 740i, Cadillac STS, Jaguar XJ6, Lexus LS400, and Mercedes-Benz 400E. Each one promised a different flavor of opulence, but only one could earn the title of the choicest cut. ### The Contenders: A Lineup of Legends Let's start with the players. The Audi V8 Quattro brought all-wheel drive to the party, a rarity in this segment. The BMW 740i was the driver's choice, with a silky V8 and sharp handling. The Cadillac STS offered American luxury with a punchy Northstar V8. The Jaguar XJ6 was elegance on wheels, with a smooth inline-six. The Lexus LS400 set the benchmark for reliability and quietness. And the Mercedes-Benz 400E? It was the German engineer's dream, with a V8 that could cruise at 130 miles per hour without breaking a sweat. ### The Test: What We Looked For We drove each car over 500 miles of mixed roads: highways, winding back roads, and city streets. We measured acceleration, braking, and fuel economy. But more importantly, we judged comfort, build quality, and that intangible feeling of prestige. Here's what we found: - **Acceleration**: The Mercedes 400E hit 60 miles per hour in 6.8 seconds, the quickest of the group. - **Fuel economy**: The Lexus LS400 averaged 22 miles per gallon, best in class. - **Interior noise**: The Jaguar XJ6 was the quietest at 65 decibels at 70 miles per hour. - **Price**: The Cadillac STS started at $46,000, undercutting the BMW by $8,000. ### The Winner: The Choicest Cut After days of testing, we crowned the Lexus LS400 as the winner. It wasn't the fastest or the flashiest, but it delivered a perfect blend of comfort, reliability, and value. The LS400's V8 was buttery smooth, its cabin was whisper-quiet, and its build quality was unmatched. Plus, it cost $52,000, about $5,000 less than the Mercedes. For buyers in the United States, it was the smartest choice. ### Why This Test Still Matters This comparison isn't just a trip down memory lane. It shows how luxury sedan benchmarks have evolved. The LS400 forced Mercedes and BMW to up their game, leading to the cars we drive today. If you're shopping for a used luxury sedan, these 1993 models offer incredible value. Just be ready for maintenance costs: parts for the Mercedes 400E can run $2,000 for a brake job. ### Final Thoughts Choosing a luxury sedan in 1993 was about more than just horsepower. It was about finding a car that made you feel special every time you got behind the wheel. The Lexus LS400 did that best for the price. But if you want raw driving excitement, the BMW 740i is still a blast. And if you crave American style, the Cadillac STS is a classic. Whatever you pick, bring your wallet. But know that the choicest cut is still worth every penny.