HEAD OF THE CLASS

Sport sedan lovers, your time is now. Although crossover SUVs have invaded the market like a herd of stampeding cattle, there are still plenty of options for those who prefer a lower center of gravity in a traditional three-box shape. As you’re reading this, no fewer than 12 automakers, from Acura to Volvo, offer a spirited, premium, well-equipped four-door in the $50,000 range. The sport sedan segment might be down, but it is definitely not out.

In our latest comparo, we focus on the standouts in the class—three shining stars that each bring something class-leading and unique to the table. There’s the sport sedan legend, an award-winning newcomer, and, finally, a disruptive upstart. Which one has what it takes to wear the crown?

The 2019 BMW 330i brings seven generations of legacy and some ridiculously high expectations. Perhaps sensing the formidable task at hand, BMW supplied us with an example that carried nearly $7,500 worth of performance-enhancing goodies. A further healthy sampling of options raised its as-tested price to an eye-popping $59,920. That’s considerably north of our price target, especially when a bare-bones