MotorMouths

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is an executive-class cruise missile that coddles you while taking you and three of your friends up to speeds reserved for most 2-passenger exotics. It’ll cost you plenty, but few cars can deliver the E63’s level of luxury, performance, and daily drivability.

The Mercedes-Benz SL has come to represent style and luxury. The 2013 edition continues in that fine tradition, with excellent performance and a first-class interior. If you’re a big shot and want to show it, the SL is a fine choice that’s impeccably finished and delightful to drive.

While they might be “base” cars in the sense that they’re the least-expensive models, the V6-powered Panamera is arguably the best in the lineup. Its just-right blend of power, handling, ride, and luxury makes it stand out in this elite class.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 convertible is enjoyable to drive and extraordinarily engineered. Though especially enjoyable with the top down, this car can be practically used in four-season climates because it’s so solidly built.

This BMW is a distillation of what makes the 3-Series a favorite of owners, enthusiasts, and media. If you think the 335i is too mundane and the M3’s cost too dear, the 335is is an ideal compromise.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is a better vehicle in every way than its predecessor. Impressive weight loss and powertrain engineering promise greatly reduced fuel consumption. These changes also benefit handling, which is among the most car-like you’ll ever experience.

The 2, rides better, is more refined, and is more fun to drive than the competition. Combine these virtues with reasonable pricing, and you have a subcompact car that stands out.

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is smooth, quiet, rides well, and is competitively priced even without tax credits and other cash incentives. If you’re sick of gas pumps and are aware of and can live within its limitations, the Leaf is a very compelling choice.

The 2011 Touareg offers most of the attributes of its predecessor, save for the billy-goat off-road ability. All three powertrains offer high levels of refinement, and we applaud Volkswagen for offering gasoline, diesel, and gas/electric hybrid options. We’re most fond of the latter two,

The Jaguar XF offers a fine balance of ride and handling along with impressive powertrain performance. For those wanting distinctive style and fresh, “gee-whiz” technological features, this premium sedan is well worth your consideration.

The 2013 Infiniti JX’s well-executed exterior and interior design and engaging driving experience should please the high-earning families whom Infiniti is targeting. It could use a bit more power, and rear visibility isn’t the greatest.

The 2011 Ford Explorer’s wealth of high-tech features will certainly delight tech-savvy shoppers. For everyone else, it’s still a very nice 7-passenger crossover that’s in danger of being lost in the crowd of very nice 7-passenger crossovers.