This is my first post!

I currently lease a 2001 Lexus GS 300. My lease ends in August, and I'm shopping around for something new. I'm looking at the Audi A4 3.0 Quattro Tiptronic, BMW 330 (coupe or sedan), and Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (or just another GS).

My lease on the lexus is $646/mo. (incl. tax) for 39 mos. I'd like to keep my next car around $500/mo (probably for 48 mos.).

Does anyone have any comment on what I'd be able to get away with among the A4, 330, and CLK for ~$500/mo?

MSN Autos compares the three here

Some must-have features for me include:

"best pick" rating on www.highwaysafety.org
Automatic tranny
Xenon headlamps
Premium stereo (I love my Mark Levinson in the GS)
CD changer
and...oh yeah...A/C! (I live in South Florida!)

I've grown to ignore the navigation system in my Lexus...my passengers really dig it though.