The three cars we’ve assembled here are natural competitors in the executive saloon segment. They are comparable in size, with powertrains that have similar outputs despite their different configurations (turbo 1.6-litre in the Volvo, turbo 2-litre in the Audi and naturally aspirated 2.5-litre in the Lexus). Their prices are close, too – at press time, all three contenders cost under $250,000.
The oldest contender in this shootout is the Volvo S80 T4, but you won’t know with just a glance, because the Swede still looks fresh, thanks to a recent facelift that restyled the exterior and renovated the interior to keep the S80 competitive against company such as these.
The A6 is Audi’s representative in this corporate contest. Specified with sporty components such as upsized alloy wheels and lowered suspension, the Audi aims to wow keen drivers, while its advanced infotainment system will also satisfy the “HWZ” geeks among them.
Driven by Lexus’ brand of omotenashi (Japanese-style hospitality) is the ES250. The best-selling Lexus model in Singapore since its debut last October, the ES emphasises cruising comfort with its cushy cabin, excellent refinement and “pampering” equipment.
Read on to discover the comparative good points of these sub-$250k executive saloons, and make up your own mind afterwards. 
The Audi A6 2.0 has more than just road presence – it is a dynamic drive, too, with nimble handling. The bugbears (albeit minor ones) are the Audi’s drivetrain and interior – the former is less responsive than the rival drivetrains, while the latter is less spacious than the rival interiors. The Audi’s price tag is closest to $250k, too. Nevertheless, the A6 suits middle managers who want an executive saloon that announces: “I have arrived”.
The Volvo S80 T4 is no spring chicken in this company, but it hasn’t lost any of its strengths. The driver’s seat, for instance, is more comfortable than any high-end office chair, while the array of safety features will do their utmost to keep the occupants safe in the event of an accident. Conservative buyers looking for a sensible and impregnable saloon will feel right at home in the S80, which is also the most affordable vehicle here.
Proving even more irresistible than its two key rivals is the Lexus ES250. Its hushed cabin and smooth ride provide a welcome respite after a long day at the office, while its many refinements will impress not only managers, but directors as well. This is a car that not only says, “I have arrived”, but also “I’m headed to the top”.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audi A6 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1984cc
BORE X STROKE 82.5mm x 92.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 9.6:1
MAX POWER 180bhp at
4000-6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 320Nm at
1500-3900rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 115bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with 8-speed
override
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 8.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 226km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.6km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 149g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Pirelli P Zero
SIZE 255/35 R20
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 8
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4915mm
WIDTH 1874mm
HEIGHT 1455mm
WHEELBASE 2912mm
KERB WEIGHT 1565kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.9m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $249,250
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most efficient powertrain, tidiest handling, best infotainment
– Highest list price, tightest backseat, least responsive gearbox
* BEST OF THE THREE IN HANDLING
SPECIFICATIONS
Lexus ES250 2.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 2494cc
BORE X STROKE 90mm x 98mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.4:1
MAX POWER 184bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 235Nm at 4100rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 114bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 207km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 188g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Dual-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Yokohama
Decibel dB E70
SIZE 215/55 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 10
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4900mm
WIDTH 1820mm
HEIGHT 1450mm
WHEELBASE 2820mm
KERB WEIGHT 1615kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $234,000
(no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ The most amenities, roomiest interior, smoothest drivetrain
– Over-assisted steering, thirstiest motor, least versatile boot
* BEST OF THE THREE IN LUXURY
SPECIFICATIONS
Volvo S80 T4 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
turbocharged
CAPACITY 1595cc
BORE X STROKE 79mm x 81.4mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 180bhp at 5700rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at
1600-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 112.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h
CONSUMPTION 14.1km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 165g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Pirelli P Zero Rosso
SIZE 245/40 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4854mm
WIDTH 1861mm
HEIGHT 1493mm
WHEELBASE 2835mm
KERB WEIGHT 1606kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.7m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $205,000
(no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Sense of security, value-packed price, class-leading seats
– Ageing design, confusing infotainment, weakest air-con
* BEST OF THE THREE IN SAFETY
