The 1997 Luxury Sedan Comparison Test: Four Icons, One Winner
The mid-to-late 1990s represented a golden era for the luxury sedan segment. Automakers from Japan, Germany, and across the globe were locked in a fierce battle to win over discerning buyers who demanded the perfect blend of performance, comfort, craftsmanship, and prestige. Few automotive showdowns from that era capture this rivalry as perfectly as the legendary 1997 luxury sedan comparison test, which brought together four of the most celebrated vehicles of the decade: the Infiniti Q45t, the Lexus LS400, the BMW 540i, and the Mercedes-Benz E420. Decades later, these four automobiles continue to fascinate collectors, enthusiasts, and automotive historians alike.
Setting the Stage: Why 1997 Was a Pivotal Year for Luxury Sedans
By 1997, Japanese luxury brands had firmly established themselves as serious contenders against their European counterparts. Infiniti and Lexus, both launched in 1989, had spent nearly a decade refining their flagship sedans and winning over skeptical buyers. Meanwhile, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were not standing still — each had pushed their engineering teams to deliver vehicles that justified their premium price tags and centuries-old reputations. The 1997 model year represented a high-water mark for all four competitors, making it the ideal moment for a head-to-head comparison that would go down in automotive journalism history.
Infiniti Q45t: Japan's Performance-Minded Flagship
The 1997 Infiniti Q45t was Nissan's bold statement in the full-size luxury sedan market. Powered by a 4.1-liter V8 engine producing around 266 horsepower, the Q45t distinguished itself with its sport-tuned suspension and driver-focused character. The "t" designation signified a touring-oriented setup that set it apart from the standard Q45, delivering a firmer, more engaging ride that enthusiasts appreciated.
Inside, the Q45t offered a cabin that blended Japanese minimalism with genuine luxury. Leather seating, wood trim accents, and a well-organized dashboard made the interior a refined place to spend time. From every angle, the exterior styling reflected Infiniti's commitment to understated elegance, with smooth body lines and a presence that commanded attention without resorting to ostentation.
Lexus LS400: The Benchmark of Refinement
If the 1997 luxury sedan comparison had a crowd favorite going in, it was almost certainly the Lexus LS400. Since its debut in 1989, the LS400 had consistently set the standard for ride quality, build precision, and near-silent cabin isolation. By the second generation, Lexus had refined the formula even further, equipping the LS400 with a 4.0-liter V8 delivering 290 horsepower and an interior that many reviewers described as the finest available at any price.
Photographed from every angle, the LS400's exterior conveyed a clean, timeless elegance. Its long hood, gently sloping roofline, and carefully proportioned body panels gave it a look that aged far better than many of its contemporaries. Inside, the attention to detail was extraordinary — every surface, switch, and material was chosen with obsessive care, creating an environment that felt genuinely special to occupy.
BMW 540i: The Driver's Choice
Where the Japanese entries emphasized refinement and value, the BMW 540i made no apologies for prioritizing the driving experience above all else. Powered by a 4.4-liter V8 producing 282 horsepower, the 540i came paired with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission — a choice that immediately signaled BMW's driver-centric philosophy.
The exterior of the 540i embodied classic BMW design language: a long hood, short rear deck, and the iconic kidney grille that had defined the brand for generations. Inside, the cockpit-style layout placed every control within easy reach of the driver, reinforcing the sense that this was a machine built to be driven rather than merely occupied. Premium leather, genuine wood trim, and meticulous German craftsmanship rounded out an interior that was both functional and luxurious.
Mercedes-Benz E420: Old-World Prestige Meets Modern Engineering
The Mercedes-Benz E420 brought something none of its rivals could fully replicate: the weight of history and one of the most recognizable nameplates in the world. Fitted with a 4.2-liter V8 producing 275 horsepower, the E420 delivered performance that was thoroughly competitive, wrapped in a body that oozed solidity and permanence.
From every exterior angle, the E-Class communicated strength and durability. Its upright stance, classic proportions, and signature Mercedes detailing — including the iconic three-pointed star hood ornament — gave it an authority that was difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore. The interior was equally impressive, featuring robust materials, logical controls, and a sense of structural integrity that made every journey feel reassuringly solid.
Interior and Exterior Design: How They Compared
When viewed side by side, the four sedans revealed just how different four luxury cars could be while occupying the same market space. Key observations include:
- The Lexus LS400 offered the most serene and impeccably built interior, with panel gaps and material quality that impressed even the most critical evaluators.
- The BMW 540i delivered the most driver-focused cockpit, with a layout and feel that made every mile feel intentional and engaging.
- The Mercedes-Benz E420 projected the strongest sense of historical prestige, with exterior and interior design elements that felt timeless and authoritative.
- The Infiniti Q45t struck an appealing balance between sport and luxury, offering a dynamic exterior presence and a cabin that punched above its class.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Beyond aesthetics, performance was naturally a central factor in any comparison test of this caliber. The BMW 540i consistently earned praise for its steering feel, chassis balance, and the sheer joy it delivered on a winding road. The Lexus LS400 impressed with its ability to isolate occupants from road imperfections while still delivering confident, composed handling. The Mercedes-Benz E420 balanced ride comfort and structural rigidity in a way that felt uniquely German, while the Infiniti Q45t's sport-tuned suspension made it the liveliest of the Japanese entries.
Legacy and Collectibility Today
Looking back from today's perspective, all four vehicles from the 1997 luxury sedan comparison test have earned a place in automotive history. The Lexus LS400 is widely regarded as one of the greatest luxury sedans ever produced, and well-maintained examples are increasingly sought after by collectors. The BMW 540i E39 — widely considered one of the finest BMWs ever made — commands strong prices on the used market. The Mercedes-Benz E420 W210 generation has a devoted following, and the Infiniti Q45 is finally receiving the enthusiast appreciation it always deserved.
Whether you are a longtime fan revisiting these classics or a younger enthusiast discovering them for the first time, the 1997 luxury sedan comparison test stands as a remarkable snapshot of an era when automakers were pushing harder than ever to define what a luxury car could and should be. These four sedans did not just compete with each other — they collectively raised the bar for the entire industry.