Luxury Sedan 2016: The Models That Defined the Segment

The 2016 Luxury Sedan Landscape

The 2016 model year represented a mature, refined moment in the luxury sedan segment. The core competitors—the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, and Volvo S90—were well-established rather than revolutionary. Each brand focused on sharpening its existing formula, improving interior quality, refining available technology, and tightening emissions without sacrificing the comfort and quietness that buyers expected. For shoppers, the choice was less about which car was newest and more about which driving character, interior ambiance, and ownership experience felt right.

What follows is a breakdown of the key contenders, the features that set them apart, and the considerations that still matter for buyers looking at this generation today.

BMW 5 Series (F10) — The Benchmark

The 2016 BMW 5 Series carried the F10 platform into its final years, and it remained the benchmark for rear-wheel-drive athleticism in the segment. The standard 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the 535i produced 300 horsepower and delivered linear, predictable power. The 550i stepped up to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 making 445 horsepower. BMW's emphasis on driving feel meant the steering was precise and the chassis balanced, even as the car grew more comfortable over its predecessor.

• Standard rear-wheel drive; xDrive all-wheel drive optional
• Available adaptive M suspension for sharper handling
• iDrive infotainment with a conventional rotary controller
• Interior materials of high quality, with leather and aluminum trim

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) — Comfort and Presence

The W212 E-Class, still widely sold in 2016, prioritized a serene, luxurious cabin. The design was elegant rather than aggressive, and the interior felt calmer than its BMW rival. The E350 used a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower, while the E400 deployed a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 making 329 horsepower. Mercedes emphasized ride comfort, and the available AIRMATIC suspension soaked up road imperfections with ease.

• Available DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
• COMAND infotainment with a central display and touchpad controller
• Quiet cabin with excellent sound insulation
• Wide selection of standard and optional driver-assistance features

Audi A6 — Technology and All-Wheel Drive

The 2016 Audi A6 offered a more modern, restrained exterior design and a cabin built around virtual cockpit technology. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder made 220 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the A6 3.0T produced 310 horsepower. Quattro all-wheel drive came standard on most trims, giving the A6 a confidence-inspiring edge in cold climates.

• Available virtual cockpit with a high-resolution 12.3-inch display
• MMI infotainment with a touchscreen and touchpad interface
• Standard quattro all-wheel drive on most configurations
• Strong resale value and proven reliability

Lexus GS and Volvo S90 — The Alternatives

The Lexus GS, available in 2016 with a 3.5-liter V6 or the hybrid GS 450h, offered a uniquely smooth powertrain and Lexus's reputation for long-term reliability. The Volvo S90, introduced late in the 2015 model year, carried a 2016 facelift with a clean, Scandinavian interior design and a focus on safety. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower or the T6 twin-engine plug-in hybrid variant gave buyers a different kind of luxury—one centered on well-being and understated style.

What Matters When Buying a 2016 Luxury Sedan Now

Buying a used 2016 luxury sedan today means weighing depreciation against ongoing maintenance costs. The BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class offer strong performance but can be expensive to service once the factory warranty expires. The Audi A6 and Lexus GS tend to have lower maintenance costs over time, with the Lexus GS often cited as the most dependable of the group. Key checks for any used example include transmission smoothness, suspension component wear, and the condition of the infotainment screen and electronics.

Final Take

The 2016 luxury sedan class remains one of the strongest used-car values in the segment today. Each model offers a distinct personality, and the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize sportiness, comfort, technology, or ownership peace of mind. A well-maintained example from any of these brands can deliver years of refined, quiet driving at a fraction of the original price.