Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M Garner IIHS Top Pick Status

Cadillac and Infiniti have been increasingly aiming for their German competition as of late. The CTS and M, as mid-size models, are both crucial to each of their respective manufacturers in achieving that goal.

Safety is a highly important aspect for customers when purchasing a new vehicle, and all luxury manufacturers aim to score well (and usually do). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M are Top Picks for 2010.

This in particular is a pretty impressive new entry for Infiniti, showing the brand has really advanced in the area of safety. The CTS has been picked for this award before, showing continued excellence.

The Top Pick status comes after passing new, more stringent roof testing standards. The CTS and M are added to the current Top Pick list that includes the BMW 5-Series, Hyundai Genesis, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Notable models not to score as well include the Audi A6 and Lexus GS, which both scored "Acceptable."

Even worse is the Acura RL with a "marginal" rating. Ouch. You don't see that usually anymore, especially in the luxury segment. The good news is that manufacturers are learning quickly - Acura should have it fixed with the RL soon.

Cars are safer than ever, and that is a good thing. With so many cars garnering impressive scores, is it time for a further rise in standards? It certainly seems like something worth debating.