State of the large family sedans

THE VOLKSWAGEN Passat is a compelling alternative to the usual German luxury car.

SEDANS are no longer the default choice for the premium and luxury market, with the many crossovers, SUVs, sports cars and even MPVs that can compete in comfort and desirability.

Still, for many applications, particularly ferrying people in supreme comfort and silence, the sedan is still the preferred car. Here are some of the family sedans that debuted in 2015.

Jaguar XE

Jaguar is taking on the German big boys with its own all-new compact sedan. Making extensive use of aluminum lets the XE sedan be lighter, stiffer, and potentially more nimble than its rivals.

The XE adds a healthy dose of dark-side style, including a coupe-like raked windshield and roofline. There’s adequate power starting with a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

BYD Qin

The most pleasant surprise of the year was the BYD Qin, a plug-in hybrid sedan. Its homely looks hide a host of high technology that can compete with BMW i and Tesla.

The BYD Qin has a large-capacity battery that allows nearly 50-kilometer range on electric power alone. A small gasoline engine acts powers up once the battery is depleted, for propulsion and to recharge the battery.

The Qin even has a full-on launch mode, when the electric motor and gasoline engine combine for tire-smoking acceleration.

Mazda6 Wagon

Mazda continues with its string of stylish cars, with one of the latest being the Mazda6 wagon. This doesn’t just look like a 6 sedan with a wagon roof grafted on. It actually looks better, and based on its turning radius, potentially more nimble, too.

Powering the 6 Wagon is the SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine.

Volkswagen Passat

A compelling alternative to the usual German luxury cars is the Volkswagen Passat.

The Passat will have two variants. The Highline (P2.25 million) will feature triple-zone climate control, keyless go, and eight-speaker audio. The Business Edition (P2.75 million) adds 18-inch alloys, LED headlamps, 12-way electric front seats, panoramic sunroof and navigation system.

The Passat will have a 2-liter gasoline engine matched to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and available XDS differential lock.

Aston Martin Rapide S

This is stretching the definition of a sedan, literally. Based on the Aston Martin DB9 sports car, the Rapide adds length and two doors. British design and a powerful 550.15-horsepower V12 engine are the key attractions here. The family that storms together, “Bonds” together.