Updated Buick Regal and Volvo S60 challenge the class leaders

BMW, Mercedes, and . . . Buick? Among upscale sporty sedans, the BMW 328i and Mercedes-Benz C250 have topped our Ratings. Now the recently freshened Buick Regal and Volvo S60 are giving their sportier and more prestigious German competition a ser­ious challenge—for less money.

If you still think of Buick as a brand only for octogenarians with a taste for whitewall tires and vinyl roof treatments, the Regal will change your mind in one test drive. It's a thoroughly developed and satisfying midsized sports sedan that's more reminiscent of an Audi A4 than a softly sprung luxo-barge. That European feel is no coincidence, because the Regal is based on a German design from General Motors' Opel division.

For 2014 the Regal got a 259-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that boosts performance and fuel economy. Other changes include improved controls, an upgraded infotainment system, and more standard features. Overall, that helped the Regal tie the C250 for second place in our class Ratings while costing several thousand dollars less.

The S60 has benefited from a new-for-2015 powertrain, called Drive-E, that features an eight-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's a sign of things to come; over the next few years, Volvo's familiar five- and six-cylinder engines will be replaced by Drive-E designs. And if the one in our tested S60 T5 is any indication, those engines won't be missed.

The new powertrain transforms the S60 into a much more enjoyable and compelling car. Very comfortable seats highlight a well-finished interior. And a safety highlight is an automatic braking system that can help avoid low-speed crashes. But the ride is overly firm, and the S60 lacks the handling of a true sports sedan.

Only the Regal is recommended because we don't yet have reliability data on the S60's new powertrain. Other S60s have had average reliability.

Make no mistake: The Regal is not your traditional Buick. With its agile handling, supple and controlled ride, high-quality interior, and quiet cabin, it's a highly capa­ble car for people who enjoy driving and appreciate a Eurocentric ambience. At $34,485 for our nicely equipped tested sedan, the Regal also costs thousands less than alternatives such as the Audi A4 or Volvo S60.

Freshened for 2014, the Regal builds on its solid foundations with a revised 2.0-liter turbo­charged four-cylinder engine that makes the car quicker and more fuel-­efficient. Also, all-wheel drive is now available, controls are improved, the infotainment system is upgraded, and the standard equipment list has become more lavish.

The turbo engine accelerates effortlessly, posting a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.4 seconds. The smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission is quick and responsive. Even though this is a powerful front-wheel-drive car, torque steer is almost absent.

We measured 24 mpg overall, which is midpack for this category, but unlike many turbocharged engines, the Regal doesn't require premium fuel. That said, some V6-powered midsized sedans without the Regal's sporty intentions are quicker and more fuel-efficient.

GM's e-Assist mild-hybrid powertrain is also available. It provides a 5-mpg overall gain in fuel mileage but extracts a penalty in trunk space and performance.

The Regal rides very well, with a trace of firmness at lower speeds. Handling is agile and tied down, but it's not in the same league as the best sports sedans. The steering is appropriately weighted, with quick turn-in response. On the track, the Regal was quite capable, snaking through our avoidance maneuver at a commendable speed of 53.5 mph with plenty of grip.

The interior is nicely finished overall. It has padded surfaces and a mixture of glossy wood and metallic trim. Drivers will find supportive seats and ample elbow room, as well as a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel that has a good range of adjustment. Like other sports sedans, the Regal's rear seat is snug. And access is made more difficult than necessary by the low roof.

The infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, including steering-wheel shortcuts and a small screen in the instrument panel. Thick pillars and a high rear deck limit visibility, but the standard backup camera helps. Trunk room is quite large and free of obstructions.

Best version to get. All Regals come with a leather interior, a power driver's seat, and automatic climate control. The Premium I trim on our tested car adds a power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, and the availability of a hybrid powertrain. To get electronic safety systems such as blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning requires the Premium II trim, which also brings HID headlights. Enthusiasts may prefer the seldom seen but capable GS version, with its slightly more aggressive styling, available stick shift, bigger wheels and tires, and sports seats.

Solid, practical, and quiet, the S60 brings to mind the qualities you might want in a good neighbor. It's the upstanding citizen of European sedans. But if you want fun and excitement, shop elsewhere.

The S60's 2015 freshening brought styling tweaks and a new 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo­­­charged four-cylinder engine. Matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it results in a marked improvement in drivability, fuel economy, and refinement. Power is generous and smooth, with a well-integrated turbo that makes the car very responsive and provides effort­­less power. We also measured a decent 25 mpg overall.

Handling is fairly nimble, responsive, and secure, although the car doesn't really live up to its sports-sedan pretensions. The steering is appropriately weighted but not very quick or communicative. When pushed to its handling limits, the S60 was secure and composed, posting a commendable speed of 54 mph through our avoidance maneuver.

The ride is so firm that it borders on being stiff. It's an unfortunate trait that has become something of a Volvo hallmark.

As you'd expect from the brand, safety is a big part of the S60's package. It provides a long list of advanced features, including the standard City Safety system, which can automatically brake the car to avoid or reduce the severity of a low-speed collision. Crash-test results are excellent as well.

Inside you'll find a well-finished and reasonably quiet interior with a simple, clean design. Front seats are roomy and very comfortable, but the rear seat is snug, with tight leg and head room. The coupelike styling limits rear visibility and contributes to a cramped rear seat. Trunk room is decent.

Oddly for a brand that has built a reputation for safety, a backup camera is standard only on upper trim levels; it's an expensive option on lower trims. And though the infotainment system is up to date, it's not particularly easy to use. With the optional $1,485 Sensus Connected Touch system, you can browse the Internet (except when driving), stream Internet radio, and use Google Maps, among other features. More important, you get audio voice-command capability, which our car sorely lacked.

The S60 does not come with a spare tire. Instead, it's equipped with a tire sealant and air-compressor kit.

Overall, the 2015 update helps the S60 stay competitive, although it has neither the spirited performance nor the country-club status of its German alternatives. But for some buyers, that's part of its appeal.

Best version to get. Base models start at $33,300 and are well-equipped, including dual power front seats and Bluetooth. But to get popular niceties such as leather seats, a backup camera, and other electronic safety and convenience features, the $3,250 Premier Plus trim is the best bet. The 2.0-liter engine offers the best blend of power and fuel economy, but it's not available with all-wheel drive. We'd skip the Sports package, which makes the ride feel even stiffer.