Buy/Drive/Burn: Near Premium Midsize Sedans From 2011

Today’s Buy/Drive/Burn trio are near-premium sedans from the midsize segment. This set was a suggestion from commenter CoastieLenn on our B/D/B entry from last week. The year is 2011 – does Acura, Audi, or Volvo get the Buy nod?

Acura TSX

The TSX has been with us since the 2009 model year and goes into 2011 with a revised grille that features horizontal slats. Manual and automatic transmissions are available, and so are sedan and wagon body styles. Engines powering TSX are either a 2.4-liter inline-four or a 3.5-liter V6. Today we’ll select the sedan with V6 and Tech Package. The familiar Honda 3.5 is good for 280 horses, sent through the front wheels via the five-speed automatic. TSX asks $38,250.

Audi A4

The A4 entered its fourth generation for the 2008 model year and continues this year relatively unchanged. Like the TSX, the A4 is available in sedan or wagon shapes, and all examples this year share the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Base models are front-drive and use a CVT, while more upscale trims employ a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or even a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Today’s selection is the 2.0T Premium Plus sedan, the most expensive sedan trim. $36,300 ensures Quattro delivers 211 horses to all four wheels via the six-speed automatic.

Volvo S60

The midsize S60 is new for 2011 after Volvo skipped a midsize offering in the 2010 model year. Volvo offers its 60 model in a V wagon variant as well, though wagons have not been big sellers for Volvo as of late. In its debut year in North America, the S60 is available in just one trim: The fully-loaded T6. All examples are powered by a turbocharged inline-six of 3.0 liters, connected to a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard and helps to tame the considerable 300 horses underfoot. Yours for $37,700.

Three expensive sedans with near-premium badges on the front. Which one’s worth over $35,000 to you?

[Images: Acura, Audi, Volvo]