Most Expensive Cars to Insure

High-priced cars aren't just expensive to buy — they can cost a lot to protect, as well.

The more expensive the car, the more it costs to insure. But just how expensive may come as a shock. For modest coverage ($500 deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage, $100,000 each for personal and property coverage, and $25,000 each for medical and uninsured coverage) on this year's $135,400 Mercedes SL, owners will pay about $22,536 a year.

For pricey cars like this, yearly insurance costing 20 percent of the base price is typical. But for those with low monthly payments on high-end cars, that could mean spending more on insurance than on the car itself.

"The cost of the vehicle is primary when setting the price of a policy," says David Wurster, president of Vincentric, a Detroit-based automotive data firm that studies car insurance costs. Vincentric gets its data from state agencies and averages these figures in compiling its list of most expensive yearly rates. "But there's also the type of vehicle it is. Sports car owners tend to drive them a little more aggressively."

This, in turn, leads to higher-priced policies. With this in mind, it's no surprise that racy offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche make for some of the most expensive cars to insure.

How It Works
"We start with the manufacturer's suggested retail price," says Kip Diggs, a spokesman for State Farm, the largest insurer of autos in the U.S. Diggs says State Farm then considers how expensive it is to repair each model. The more costly the parts, the higher the policy. For foreign brands with parts from afar, expect to pay more. "From there," Diggs says, "we look at safety features to see if a vehicle qualifies for a safety discount."

Allstate, the second-largest U.S. car insurer, also considers the price, but places more weight on a policyholder's driving record.

"Pricing has more to do with the driver than the car," says spokesman Raleigh Floyd. "If there are two drivers with the same car, the driver with accident histories will have a higher rate. He's shown himself to be a higher risk." Those with a penchant for wrecking Ferrari Enzos on California's Highway 1, for example, can expect to pay more.

Age is also a factor. "A 17-year-old driver is going to be more expensive to insure than a 40-year-old with a family," says Floyd. "Experience counts. It counts a lot."

There are some anomalies in the ranking.
"You would think a Corvette Convertible would be hideously expensive to insure," says State Farm's Diggs. "But that car is involved in very few accidents, so it's fairly low." This is because research shows Corvettes typically aren't driven every day.

More utilitarian models like the Toyota Camry can be more expensive to insure because, with more road time, they are more likely to be involved in an accident. Vincentric doesn't collect data on exotics like Ferraris and Lamborghinis because, says Wurster, there are too few owners to make the data useful.

Policy pricing also has to do with where a car is garaged, with urban areas considered higher-risk. "In a more concentrated area, your chances of bumping into something are higher," says Floyd. "Jersey's going to be on one end of the spectrum, and a less populous state is going to be on the exact opposite."

But if you have a hundred grand to spend on a car, you're probably not worrying about insurance.

"For people of that caliber," says a salesman at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, "the cost of insurance really isn't an issue."

1. Mercedes SL Class and S Class
SL Class (pictured)
MSRP: $135,400
Insurance: $22,536

S Class
MSRP: $123,888
Insurance: $21,161

The convertible SL is Mercedes' most expensive production offering. A two-door roadster built for speed, the SL features a 5.5 liter V8 engine. The retractable hardtop roof is classier than its canvas counterparts, and the trunk is surprisingly spacious. The S Class sedans, while no less luxurious (and only slightly less expensive), aren't quite as sporty. But with the Benz logo front and center, they're not cheap to insure.

2. Mercedes CL Class
MSRP: $122,050
Insurance: $20,942

Who said coupes were small? Mercedes' CL is based on the stately S Class sedans, but sports only two doors for a sleeker profile. Zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds will get you to the office in time, but it comes at a price. With a monster V8 engine, the federal gas-guzzler tax applies. And then there's the insurance.

3. BMW Alpina B7
MSRP: $115,000
Insurance: $20,100

Good luck getting your hands on an Alpina B7. BMW is only selling 200 in the U.S. A souped-up version of the 7-series full-size sedan, the Alpina features bigger wheels, better suspension and an advanced stabilization system. All of this makes going fast a bit safer. But speed comes at a price.



4.BMW M5 and M6
M6 (pictured)
MSRP: $102,000
Insurance: $18,548

M5
MSRP: $82,500
Insurance: $16,220

The M Series cars are meant to go fast, and for insurers, speed is dangerous. The flagship M6 hardtop coupe is arguably the fiercest-looking BMW to roll off the production line, and inarguably one of the priciest. Both the M6 and the more practical M5 sedan have roaring V10 engines.

5. Mercedes G Class
MSRP: $95,600
Insurance: $17,784

The G Class is a boxy, military style SUV from Mercedes. Indeed, it was originally designed for the battlefield. But don't let the lack of finesse fool you--today the G Class is all luxe. The door handles are wrapped in leather, and a DVD-based navigation system keeps drivers on target.



6. Audi S8 and A8
S8 (pictured)
MSRP: $92,200
Insurance: $17,353

A8
MSRP: $92,000
Insurance: $17,353

The A8 and its fancier cousin, the S8, are the best Audi has to offer, and they're not half bad. The V10 in the S8 make this sedan faster than the Porsche 911 Carrera in a zero-to-60 sprint. And with enormous cast-aluminum tires concealing oversize brake discs, even speed demons can stop on a dime.

7. Cadillac XLR
MSRP: $87,898
Insurance: $16,973

The only American entry on the list, Cadillac's XLR is a serious roadster meant to rival its European competitors. The V8 is plenty strong to pull the light aluminum chassis, and the interior is posh--trimmed with eucalyptus. A retractable hardtop makes the XLR a speedy option in any weather, and there's also an exclusivity factor: GM is planning to sell only 1,000 a year.

8. Porsche 911
MSRP: $91,208
Insurance: $16,955

The fundamentals of Porsche's 911 have hardly changed over the years, and with good reason: Its teardrop shape keeps it aerodynamic and recognizable, and its hardware keeps it among the fastest cars in the game. Today's iteration comes equipped with Porsche's Active Suspension Management system, which adapts the suspension to match road conditions and driving styles.

9. Jaguar XK
MSRP: $83,335
Insurance: $16,154

The XK, in coupe or convertible, is a brand-new offering from the storied Jaguar brand. Designed to recall the XKE of the 1960s, today's XK appears perhaps a bit too similar to its countryman, the Aston Martin. That doesn't stop it from performing. The V8 propels a relatively light frame with ease, and this two-seater is the most teched-out Jag ever built, with a computer adjusting it to Comfort or Sport modes.

10. Land Rover Range Rover
MSRP: $84,285
Insurance: $16,042

One of only two SUVs on the list, the Range Rover is capable of climbing mountains, but more at home in the city. Four-wheel drive and a supercharged V8 make this among the most powerful production vehicles on the market, while options like Sirius satellite radio and a rear-seat DVD system ensure creature comforts are never far off.
(C)Forbes

Most Affordable Luxury Cars

Entry-level luxury cars offer most of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, but at a reasonable price.

Preparing to plunk down $61,715 on a brand-new Lexus LS 460? Save your money. Instead, buy a $30,000 IS 250. Toss in another $5,000 worth of options, and you get the prestige of the Lexus plus many of the same bells and whistles, including heated and ventilated front seats, bi-xenon headlights and an optional sound system that includes a DVD player.

Call it the trickle-down theory of economics for cars. For a fraction of the price of their more expensive counterparts, entry-level models are getting top-of-the-line features.

Consider the 2008 Cadillac CTS. It allows customers (with some options) to play music off an iPod, a memory stick, a CD, satellite radio or terrestrial radio. It even allows the customer to pause and rewind live radio broadcasts.

The $32,500 (estimated) car, which goes on sale in August, also boasts an innovative "infotainment" system that uses several digital formats. Besides music, the dashboard system can play DVD movies when parked. The optional navigation system runs off the car’s hard drive, as opposed to a removable DVD or CD-ROM. As technology improves, customers will someday be able to download updates wirelessly.

It makes sense that starter luxury cars are increasingly being outfitted with top-of-the-line features, says George Peterson, president of Tustin, Calif.-based auto industry consulting firm AutoPacific.

"Entry-level luxury cars need to demonstrate the capability of their brand — just as the more premium entries do," he says. "As more and more has been added at the top of the pile... these features become expected as part of the standard [or typical] feature load of even the lowest level luxury-brand vehicle."

Examples for the mechanically inclined include: six-speed manual transmissions or automatic transmissions with up to seven speeds that you can shift manually if you want.

To get more than four automatic gears or to shift your automatic manually, you used to have to buy a Porsche with a Tiptronic transmission, or a six-speed BMW, or even a Ferrari, with Formula One racing-style "paddle" shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

Technical Touches

But as much as transmissions have improved, nothing is trickling down faster in this digital age than electronic gizmos, especially car stereos, and new-and-improved navigation systems.

It takes three to five years for automakers to make substantial changes to the car itself, but the lifecycle for electronics gear can be six months long, says J. Ferron, automotive partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Detroit.

"So there's an eight times shorter cycle [for electronics]," Ferron says. "There’s a collision between that and what’s shaped in the marketplace in terms of customer expectations versus what a car can do."

Some of the vehicles on this list can have 10 or more audio speakers, as much wattage as an in-home system, half a dozen ways to download and swap music between formats, plus many different ways to control it — buttons on the dash, buttons on the customer's MP3 device, buttons on the steering wheel or even voice control.

Sounds great, but keep in mind that "entry level" is a relative thing. The most expensive car on our list is the redesigned 2008 Porsche Cayenne, at $44,295 (including required $895 delivery). That’s not cheap, but it's the least-expensive Porsche. All the cars (and two trucks) here are the least-expensive new models offered by their respective luxury brands. Since it’s nearly fall, most are already 2008 models, but a few are 2007s, pending model year changeover.

The least expensive overall is the little Volvo C30, an all-new 2008 model, at $23,395 (also including delivery). Even so, it comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, a feature that once was found only on high-end BMWs.

"These entries today need to be fully featured and are," says Peterson. "They need to support their brand identity and mostly do."

Audi A3 2.0T
Starts at $25,340

The 2007 A3 has several features that once were found exclusively on more expensive cars, like a six-speed manual transmission; an optional six-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually; and electronic brake-force distribution to reduce skids. Thanks to turbocharging, the A3's standard four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower. Optional upgrades include a more powerful six-cylinder engine with Audi Quattro all-wheel drive.

BMW 328i
Starts at $33,175

The least-expensive BMW--until the 1 Series lands next year--the 2007 328i has a 230-hp, six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. The optional six-speed automatic has a "Steptronic" mode, for manual gear selection without a clutch. High-tech brakes include Brake Standby, which almost but not quite applies the brakes when the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator pedal, anticipating hard braking.

Cadillac CTS
Starts at $32,500 (estimated)

Sales of the 2008 model start in September.

The 2008 CTS, with a 304-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine, is a redesigned model. Its innovative "infotainment" system uses several digital formats. Besides music, the dashboard system can play DVD movies when parked. The optional navigation system runs off the car's hard drive, as opposed to a removable DVD or CD-ROMs. As technology improves, customers will someday be able to download updates wirelessly.

Infiniti G37
Starts at $32,000 (estimated)

Sales of the 2008 model start in August.

The G37 Coupe, with a 330-hp V-6 engine, replaces the 2007 G35. Optional features include advanced four-wheel active steering, where the rear wheels help steer the car. Like the Cadillac CTS, the optional navigation system shows "3-D" landmark buildings. And like some more expensive cars, the G37 has optional "intelligent cruise control," which, within limits, maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead.

Jaguar X-Type 3.0
Starts at $34,995

X-Type sales are down more than 40% year to date through May, but the entry-level 2008 model Jag has its fans. The X-Type has standard all-wheel drive, which is unusual but "trickling down" among luxury cars. Other upscale features include electronic brake force distribution to prevent skids, wood trim and a 120-watt sound system.


Land Rover LR2
Starts at $34,700

The smallest Land Rover is an all-new 2008 model, with a 230-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine. Like its bigger siblings, it can "wade" across streams up to about 20 inches deep. Its six-speed automatic transmission has different settings for different slippery conditions. The LR2 isn't exactly roughing it, however: It has a nine-speaker, 320-watt audio system with an MP3 plug-in.

Lexus IS 250
Starts at $30,970

The 2007 Lexus IS 250 has a once-rare six-speed manual transmission, plus a 204-hp, 2.5-liter V-6 engine. An optional luxury package includes features that were scarce a few years ago, like heated and ventilated front seats; bi-xenon headlights; adaptive headlights, which redirect the beam of light around a corner for better visibility. An optional sound system includes DVD-audio and DVD-video playback.

Lincoln MKZ
Starts at $29,305

The 2008 MKZ on sale now has a powerful, 263-hp V-6 engine and a size advantage over some of its entry-level competitors. Options include a thumping 600-watt, 14-speaker audio system.




Mercedes-Benz C300
Starts at $31,975

2008 model goes on sale August 7.

The 2008 C300 Sport Sedan, the first all-new C-Class since 2000, has a 228-hp, six-cylinder engine. (There is also a slightly pricier "Luxury" variant.) Features from the flagship S-Class include a computer hard drive for the optional navigation system. "Selective damping" debuts first on the C-Class. It automatically provides a stiffer ride in sporty driving and a softer, smoother ride for highway cruising.

Porsche Cayenne
Starts at $44,295

The 2008 Cayenne, on sale now, is a new generation of the Porsche SUV. The priciest vehicle on our list is the third most powerful (after the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37), with a 290-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, one second faster than the old Cayenne. Bi-xenon headlights are standard.


Saab 9-3
Starts at $26,995

The Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan has a 210-hp, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard. A five-speed automatic with manual shifting capability is optional. A 150-watt, seven-speaker audio system is standard. A nine-speaker Bose system is optional. Like most luxury cars, even entry-level ones, anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are standard.

Volvo C30
Starts at $23,395

Even the cheapest of our entry-level luxury cars has a six-speed manual transmission standard. Volvo calls the base model "Version 1.0." The upgraded model is "Version 2.0." A five-speed automatic with manual-shifting capability is optional. A turbocharged, five-cylinder engine previously shared with some of the bigger, more expensive models produces 227 hp. A glass hatchback is probably the single most distinguishing feature.
(C)Forbes

Top 10 Off-Road Luxury SUVs

Ironically, some of the most luxurious and expensive SUVs are the best equipped for dirty off-road duty — not that most drivers will ever test these capabilities.

Even though most drivers would shudder at the thought, some of the priciest, most luxurious SUVs relish trouncing through mud, bounding over boulders and powering up steep inclines. Think of them as well-mannered brutes, frustrated for lack of opportunity to display their brawn.

As car buyers abandon truck-based SUVs for car-based ones — called “crossovers” by industry insiders — to gain more on-road comfort and capability, it’s the costlier truck-like models that continue to flaunt true rock-crawling abilities. (Click here to read about the difference between car- and truck-based SUVs.)

“This is the carryover from the idea that any ‘real’ SUV had to be able to get to the top of the mountain with its 4x4 system,” says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific Group, a California-based automotive research firm. In many ways, this makes a luxury SUV the vehicular equivalent of costly professional-quality stove and oven ranges sold to wealthy people who don’t cook much but would like to think they have the tools to whip up a gourmet meal if the need ever arises.

“Substantially less than 10 percent [of luxury SUV owners] indicate that they actually go off-roading,” says AutoPacific’s Peterson. “We actually think that the percentage that actually off-roads is less than 5 percent, but we have to go with what the owners report.”

While some lower-cost SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Xterra boast the largest percentage of “real” off-roader enthusiasts — Jeep says 60 to 80 percent of Wrangler owners take their vehicles to the trails — some large luxury models are equipped to tackle tough terrain. “The price of a Land Rover has always been higher than many other four-wheel-drive vehicles, based not just on luxury but on capability,” says Bob Burns, off-road events manager for Land Rover North America. “Range Rover customers want to buy the best and want to experience what their vehicles are built to do.” Go to the Land Rover Showroom to compare prices for different models.

Land Rovers have the highest off-road penetration among luxury SUVs, with 26 percent of all LR3 owners engaging in “real” off-roading, and 22.2 percent of all Range Rovers and 14.8 percent of Range Rover Sport drivers occasionally leaving the pavement. By contrast, the study found that no Cadillac Escalade EXT, Infiniti QX56 and Volvo XC90 owners ever venture off-road. (See the chart below for more data.)

Defining 'Off-Road'

How motorists define off-road driving affects those numbers. “Off-road for some of these folks could be in the shopping mall parking lot,” Peterson says. “We try to get at that by differentiating ‘real off-roading’ with ‘getting to fish/camp/hike sites’ in our study.” In other words, AutoPacific defines “real” off-roading as driving on rugged off-road trails, versus merely traversing a dirt or gravel path to access a fishing, hiking or camping site, for instance.

“The definition of ‘off-road use’ varies greatly, and we’re OK with that,” says Land Rover’s Burns. “Some customers consider it to be the snowy driveway to the ski house, while others may well define it as scaling the Sierra Nevada mountain range.”

Industry analysts agree that among all luxury SUV brands, Land Rover does the best job of creating an active community of off-roaders. For starters, most dealerships maintain their own off-road test courses, which can range from a simple hill climb to a full-blown facility for buyers to test their vehicles’ mettle and their own fear threshold. Beyond that, Land Rover dealers help make sure their customers have access to an assortment of off-road events and excursions.

“Our owners have the option of learning how to drive their vehicles off-road at a driving school, a retailer-organized event, or they can take a dive off the deep end by signing up to attend a Land Rover Adventure,” Burns says.

SUVs have been around for decades, arguably starting with limited but growing enthusiasm for truck-based station wagons post-WWII that were generically called “Suburbans” (long before Chevrolet trademarked the name. Luxury SUVs are a more-recent phenomenon. Born out of the SUV boom in the 1990s, today every mainstream luxury brand except for Jaguar offers at least one SUV.

Kings of Off-Road

Vehicle	Percent of owners who drive off-road
Acura MDX	1.4%
BMW X3	7.4%
BMW X5	4.3%
Cadillac Escalade	2.2%
Cadillac Escalade EXT	0.0%
GMC Yukon XL	6.1%
Infiniti FX	2.2%
Infiniti QX56	0.0%
Land Rover LR3	26.0%
Land Rover Range Rover	22.2%
Land Rover RR Sport	14.8%
Lexus GX 470	6.1%
Lincoln Navigator	9.1%
Mercedes M-Class	3.1%
Porsche Cayenne	10.5%
Subaru B9 Tribeca	3.5%
Volkswagen Touareg	9.8%
Volvo XC90	0.0%
Average Luxury SUV	7.15%

What to Look for

There are some basic parameters that every SUV must have for serious off-road duty. Primary among them is a four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing that enables a slow crawl often needed to negotiate rough terrain.

Other important specifications include ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and fording depth. Go to the next page for definitions of these terms. A host of expensive accessories are available to improve off-road performance and safety. But instead of focusing on expensive add-ons, like brush guards and winches, those serious about off-roading should invest in training, off-roading expert Pietschmann says.

“The main thing you want to have when you’re off-roading is a prepared driver,” he says. “Ninety percent of everything off-road has to do with the driver — only 10 percent depends on the equipment.”

Bill Burke, an off-road driving instructor who runs 4-Wheeling America, in Fruita, Calif., stresses that drivers should adhere to the “three Ps” of off-roading:

• Patience – Drive slowly enough to be able to gauge the terrain and react accordingly.

• Planning – Stop and decide exactly how to negotiate an obstacle rather than just plow forward without a plan.

• Practice – Learn the capabilities of your vehicle and its equipment in safe surroundings before setting out to conquer a remote trail.

It’s also imperative to always be mindful of how the vehicle will impact the environment, Burke says. “Treat the outdoors where you drive like your own home — take care not to damage it or clutter it." Land Rover's motto of “tread lightly” encapsulates this idea.

Prior to the SUV boom of the 1990s, most SUVs were referred to as “four-by-fours,” expressed as “4x4s,” by virtue of four-wheel-drive systems that imbued them with nearly superhuman off-road and foul-weather abilities. Back then you had to get out of the truck and manually “lock” the front wheel hubs to send power to all four corners, however. Today’s 4x4 systems are much more sophisticated and come in several varieties, each of which is skewed more toward either off- or on-road use.

Here’s a quick rundown of the various similarities and differences between the competing types of systems:

• Part-Time 4WD: Typically the most-basic type of 4WD system found on the least-expensive models; the engine powers only the rear axle until the driver pushes a button or shifts a lever to engage the front wheels. Vehicles with this system include the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan XTerra.

• Full-Time 4WD: A driver can choose between rear-drive, 4WD and an “automatic” mode that engages the front wheels as needed when sensors detect wheel slippage. This system typically affords the best compromise between on- and off-road use. Vehicles with this system include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.

• Permanent 4WD: Found on many higher-priced SUVs, this includes the automatic system mentioned above, but doesn’t offer two-wheel-drive. To some degree, all four wheels receive power at all times. Such systems may or may not include low-range gearing for extreme off-roading. Vehicles with this system include the Hummer H2 and Land Rover Range Rover.

• All-Wheel Drive: Similar to permanent 4WD and available on most car-based “crossover” SUVs and a few truck-based SUVs. AWD not only boosts traction, but also can improve cornering abilities on-road. Some systems vary the amount of power sent to each wheel, individually. Unlike 4WD, however, no low-range gearing is included, which means the system is not intended for serious off-roading. Vehicles with this system include the Buick Enclave, Cadillac Escalade, Lexus RX 350 and Mercury Mountaineer.

Some automakers will refer to their car-based SUVs as having 4WD, when really they’re equipped with AWD. This is a marketing ploy to create a burly image. The rule of thumb is that if it doesn’t include a switch or lever to engage low gear, it’s not a true 4WD system.

About Our Ranking

In our top 10 list of luxury off-road SUVs, we’ve listed the models retailing for $30,000 or more that we feel are the most rugged, based on a combination of personal experience, published performance reports and the manufacturer’s specifications.

We’ve included a few critical specs in that regard for each model on the list: ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and fording depth (see below for definitions of each). Sometimes these numbers are expressed as a range because the measurements either differ from version to version within a particular model line — given different suspension systems, tires and so on — or vary because of features like an adjustable-height suspension. We’ve also included a list of off-road enhancements available as factory options for each ranked model, though separate dealer-installed accessories may also or alternately be offered.

Definitions

• Ground clearance: One of the key specs for those looking to take an SUV off-road, ground clearance refers to the space between the lowest point on a vehicle’s chassis and the ground beneath it. The higher the ground clearance, the less likely the underbody and associated components will sustain damage over rocky and uneven terrain. Generally, this is measured from a point under the differential housing, though on some models this may not actually be the lowest spot, so bring a tape measure with you if you’re serious about comparing various models’ ground clearances. A serious down side to having higher ground clearance is the resulting higher center of gravity, which adversely affects the vehicle's on-road handling and makes it more susceptible to rollovers. Many luxury SUVs offer suspensions that can be lowered for highway use and raised for added off-road clearance at the push of a button.

• Approach angle refers to the steepest incline angle a vehicle can drive up from a flat surface without damaging the front bumper or undercarriage.

• Departure angle is like the approach angle for the back of the vehicle. It refers to the degree of incline a vehicle can negotiate without having the rear bumper or other overhang scrape.

• Fording depth represents the maximum depth at which an off-road vehicle can operate in water. Fording depth is important if you plan to cross creeks and streams along a trail.

10. Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg hasn't been a big seller, despite being both luxurious and capable. It shares some components with the Porsche Cayenne. A standard 4Motion permanent AWD system enables the Touareg to scale a 45-degree grade; a sophisticated suspension gives relatively responsive on-road handling. Three engine choices include a 310-hp 5.0-liter V10 turbodiesel that generates 553 pound-feet of torque for extreme pulling and climbing power. A freshening later this year will rechristen it the Touareg 2.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 6.3-11.8 inches
Approach Angle: 28-33 degrees
Departure Angle: 28-33 degrees
Fording Depth: 19.7-22.8 inches

Off-Road Options:
Rear Locking Differential ($700)



9. Lexus GX 470
Introduced as a smaller and lower-cost alternative to the LX 470, the GX 470 is essentially a luxury version of the Toyota 4Runner with a V8 engine. A full-time 4WD system is standard, the vehicle's ActiveTRAC technology is able to apply the brakes to a slipping wheel while transferring the engine's power to wheels with better traction. An optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System hydraulically controls a set of oversized front and rear stabilizer bars to further enhance its trail response.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
Approach Angle: 31-30 degrees
Departure Angle: 25-29 degrees
Fording Depth: N/A

Off-Road Options:
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System ($1,750)



8. Porsche Cayenne
After taking the 2007 model year off, the Porsche Cayenne is updated and reintroduced as an early-2008 entry. As before, it's offered in 290-hp base, 385-hp S and 500-hp Turbo S models, the latter of which boasts the best off-road specs, but is priced just short of $100,000. The Cayenne's sophisticated 4WD system can send up to 100 percent of the vehicle's traction to the front or rear axle if needed. The available Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system limits vehicle roll on pavement through corners and enables maximum axle articulation and improved traction off-road.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 8.6-10.7 inches
Approach Angle: 28.6-31.8 degrees
Departure Angle: 22.8-25.4 degrees
Fording Depth: 19.7-21.9 inches

Off-Road Options:
Fire Extinguisher ($140); Off-Road Technology Package ($2,640; includes rear differential lock, rocker panel protection, additional skid plates and undercarriage protection); Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control ($3,510); Sportdesign Package with Off-Road ($3,395; includes front and rear lower bumper covers, extended roof spoiler and rocker panel extensions, front and rear stabilizer bars that can be disconnected hydraulically, rear differential lock, additional skid plates and undercarriage protection, headlamp washers, additional tow lug)



7. Mercedes-Benz G500
Derived from a German military vehicle designed in the 1970s, the G500 soldiers on as an unabashedly boxy, low-volume, high-priced and somewhat eccentric luxury SUV. While it offers a comfortable cabin, the G500 remains rugged and is one of the few SUVs of any kind to offer three separate locking differentials for exceptional off-road aptitude. Its 292-hp V8 engine has to work hard to move the un-aerodynamic bulk with authority; the G55 AMG version includes a much-quicker 469-hp supercharged V8, but at a steep price.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 8.3 inches
Approach Angle: 36 degrees
Departure Angle: 27 degrees
Fording Depth: 19 inches

Off-Road Options:
N/A



6. Lexus LX 470
Lexus' upscale version of the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser excels as a posh off-road adventurer, thanks to a hardy, full-time 4WD system that features a locking center differential and four-wheel traction control. A height-adjustable adaptive suspension provides added ground clearance for off-road use. While the 2007 model's 4.7-liter V8 is rather meek at 268 hp, the vehicle will receive a more-powerful 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine with its 2008 redesign, which will prompt a name change to the LX 570.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 9.8 inches
Approach Angle: 30-32 degrees
Departure Angle: 23-26 degrees
Fording Depth: N/A

Off-Road Options:
N/A



5. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
This big SUV is sporty by SUV standards, thanks largely to well-balanced handling and strong engines (300-hp V8 or 390-hp supercharged V8). However, the Range Rover Sport can be just as entertaining on the trails. It shares the LR3 and Range Rover's low-range 4x4 gearing, lockable center differential and the Terrain Response system that maximizes performance according to five settings that correspond to different road conditions; three of which are off-road (mud, sand and rocky surfaces).

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance 7.4-9.6 inches (front); 7.9-10.0 inches (rear)
Approach Angle: 30.2-34.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 26.0-29.0 degrees (with spare tire); 13.9-16.9 degrees (with tow bar)
Fording Depth: 27.6 inches

Off-Road Options:
Locking Rear Differential ($500); Dynamic Response Package ($2,000; includes dynamic-response suspension, Brembo front brakes)



4. Land Rover LR3
You could certainly pay less for a midsize SUV, but few combine the inherent luxury and off-road readiness of the LR3. Known as the Discovery in other markets, this upper-crust Brit offers a choice of V6 and V8 engines, with five- or seven-passenger seating. A center-locking differential, a long list of chassis control functions and the automaker's adjustable Terrain Response system combine to deliver secure handling and a smooth ride in a wide range of conditions.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 8.0-10.2 inches (front); 8.4-10.6 inches (rear); 7.3-9.5 inches (under differential)
Approach Angle: 32.2-37.2 degrees
Departure Angle: 24.9-29.6 degrees
Fording Depth: 27.6 inches

Off-Road Options:
Heavy-Duty Package ($625; includes active locking rear differential, full-size spare with alloy wheel)



3. Mercedes-Benz GL450
Introduced for 2007, the seven-passenger GL450 is well suited for both carpooling and off-roading. Unlike most 4x4s, it's built on a reinforced unibody structure that affords more of a car-like feel on pavement than the truck-based competition. Be aware, however, that you'll need to specify the $2,200 Off-Road Package to maximize ground clearance and off-road prowess. A 4.6-liter V8 engine is rated at a hearty 335 hp and comes mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 7.9-10.9 inches
Approach Angle: 33.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 27.0 degrees
Fording Depth: 19.3-23.6 inches

Off-Road Options:
Off-Road Package ($2,200; includes additional ground clearance, locking differentials, underbody skid plates, adaptive damping suspension)



2. Land Rover Range Rover
With a well-heeled British pedigree, the V8-powered Range Rover continues to lead SUVs that venture into the wilderness. It's also one of the costliest, most luxurious SUVs offered. Land Rover's Terrain Response system allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's electronic controls and traction aids according to various road conditions, while an electronic rear differential (standard on the 400-hp Supercharged model and optional on the 305-hp base version) improves the vehicle's already tenacious trail-forging talents.

Off-Road Specs:
Ground Clearance: 8.7-11.0 inches (front); 9.5-11.5 inches (rear)
Approach Angle: 29.0-34.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 24.2-26.6 degrees (with spare tire); 15.2-17.4 degrees (with tow bar)
Fording Depth: 27.6 inches

Off-Road Options:
Locking Rear Differential ($500)



1. Hummer H2
Though it has become the mascot for excessive consumption, the Hummer H2 is nonetheless one of the most capable off-road vehicles around. A rugged, full-time 4WD system with low-range gearing enables it to climb 16-inch steps and rocks; short front and rear overhangs and a generous ground clearance mean there's less of a chance the vehicle will get hung up on bumpy trails. A 325-hp 6.0-liter V8 offers ample power and a 7,000-pound tow rating.



Off-Road Specs:Ground Clearance: 9.7-10.1 inches
Approach Angle: 39.8 degrees
Departure Angle: 37.1 degrees
Fording Depth: 24 inches

Off-Road Options:
Adventure Kit ($325; includes two-way radios, tire deflators, light, binoculars, compass, wind-resistant lighter); Adventure Series ($2,530; includes brush guard, first-aid kit, roof rack, CD changer, air suspension, tool kit, floor mats); Brush Guard (basic, $525; wrap-around version, $675; chrome wrap-around version, $995); Off-Road Lights ($1,410); Spot Lamps ($450; roof mounted, $998); Taillamp Protectors ($250; chrome, $350)
(C)Jim Gorzelany, Forbes

10 cars worth waiting for

There are new and redesigned cars coming out all the time. But these look so enticing you should consider holding off on other purchases until you've had a chance to check them out.

Working with Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com and Karl Brauer of Edmunds.com, we've selected 10 that might well be worth the wait.

Mid-sized sedan
Chevrolet Malibu
Expected release: Fall 2007
The new Chevrolet Malibu, introduced in January at the Detroit Auto Show, has nothing to do with any Chevrolet Malibu you may have rented in the past. If you're looking at a mid-sized car and you don't have to move now, you'd do well to hang on and check out the Malibu when it becomes available.
This car is bigger, much nicer looking inside and out, and it will drive much better, too. (We know this because we've driven the Saturn Aura, which shares its engineering.)

Outside, the new Malibu looks substantial and attractive. The interior features a sweeping twin-cockpit design inspired by 1950s Corvettes.

General Motors has finally realized that, while people will happily buy boring sedans from Toyota, they will not buy them from GM. So GM has worked hard to improve the quality as well as the emotional appeal of its cars and trucks. The improved designs give you a reason to look and improved quality gives you no reason to turn away.

Available engines will be a 3.6-liter V-6 and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Optional features will include a panoramic sunroof that stretches over both front and back seats.

Large luxury crossover
Buick Enclave
Expected release: On sale
The Enclave will be the third GM vehicle based on the company's new three-row crossover SUV platform. To GM's credit, though, these three don't look like rebadged versions of the same vehicle.
The Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia are available now. Both are strong performers. The Enclave promises more luxury, nicer amenities and an even quieter ride. Outside, it features sweeping, muscular lines with Buick's trademark fender vents. Inside, the feeling is casual but classy.

It will be powered by a 275-horsepower V6 engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

"I'd suggest that it's a less expensive Audi Q7," said Edmunds.com's Karl Brauer.

Full-sized truck
Toyota Tundra
Expected release: On sale
Toyota's been successful in small trucks for a long time. But big trucks are a different thing altogether. This is traditional American territory.
New entries into this market, especially ones with Japanese names tacked onto their tailgates, face a tough audience. But Toyota comes to market with a truck that, by the numbers, is just as big and tough as anyone's along with a reputation for reliability.

For its part, Toyota boasts engines that include a 260-horsepower V6 and a 271-horsepower V8. The truck's biggest powerplant is a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter aluminum block V8 that comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Small luxury SUVs
Land Rover LR2
Expected release: On sale
Land Rover has a deep history building bush-beating safari machines. These days Land Rover is known to most Americans as a suburban black-top crawler, but the ability to tramp off into the deep, dark forest is still key to the brand
That's why the new LR2 will have Terrain Response technology. It allows you to use a single knob to set the SUV for a variety of different conditions. It will also have Gradient Release Control to help drivers manage a steep grade in the unlikely event they encounter one.

The LR2 will be powered by a 230-horsepower, 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine. It will have a six-speed automatic transmission.

Land Rover's one weak point - but it's a big one - is reliability. Parent company Ford's Lincoln and Mercury brands finished near the top of the most recent J.D. Power vehicle dependability rankings. (Mercury was second only to Lexus.) But Land Rover finished last by a canyon-sized margin.

"People who have them love them," said Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, "but you've got to put up with stuff".

Luxury sedan
Cadillac CTS
Expected release: September 2007
The new CTS has rounder lines and a classier look than the current version. It also has a two-inch wider track than the current CTS. It keeps the prominent vertical headlights and LED taillights with the sharp, blade-like center brake light.
The wider track was required because of a new all-wheel-drive option. That wider stance also allowed designers to give the vehicle a more muscular stance with a lower roofline without compromising headroom.

The CTS's front seats are built on a thin shell that, GM says, provides as much comfort and support as thicker seat while allowing more legroom for rear-seat passengers. Among the options will be a panoramic sunroof covering both front and back seats.

Large luxury sedan
Lexus LS600h L
Expected release: On sale
Toyota added a hybrid system to their Lexus LS sedan to give it the power of a V12 while improving fuel economy. The LS600h L will be priced at about $100,000, the same neighborhood as competing BMW and Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans. (BMW and Mercedes do not make hybrid cars, so by "competing" we're talking about high-end luxury cars
The Lexus LS600h gets a bigger engine than the non-hybrid version, as well. The hybrid's electric motor runs along with 5.0-liter V8 engine. Combined, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce a total of about 430 horsepower. The regular, non-hybrid LS has a 4.6-liter V8 that produces a maximum 380 horsepower.

The Lexus LS600h will also have an Advanced Pre-collision System designed to detect other vehicles or pedestrians in the car's path. It uses two small cameras in the front bumper and another that watches the driver's face. If the system detects that the driver is not watching the road for more than a few seconds when a crash seems about to happen, an alarm sounds, seatbelts tighten and the car's steering and brakes are primed for immediate, quick response.

Compact car
Mitsubishi Lancer
Expected release: On sale
The new Lancer's engine will be a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder unit producing up to 152 horsepower. The standard transmission will be a 5-speed manual. A continuously-variable automatic transmission, Mitsubishi's first, will be optional. Cars equipped with the CVT will also have a six-step manual shift mode.
The Lancer's new "shark nosed" look was inspired by jet fighters.

The body is 50 percent more rigid which allows for a sportier suspension tuning while, at the same time, providing for a smoother ride. The engine is also placed farther back in the car to improve balance and handling.

Luxury convertible
BMW 3-series convertible
Expected release: On sale
The body remains the same, but BMW offers, for the first time, a hard convertible top. Hard-top convertibles have become increasingly popular because they offer the top-down fun of a convertible with the quietness and security of a hard roof when the top is up.
The 3-series' three-piece steel top will open or close in about 20 seconds, the company says. When the roof is up, the "Hofmeister kink," a traditional BMW design cue, is still there around the rear side windows.

The car is expected to cost a little over $40,000.

Entry luxury sedan
Mercedes-Benz C-class
Expected release: August 2007
The new C-class follows the recent redesign of the brand's flagship S-class, giving the car a sharper-edged look. It's also slightly larger, inside and out than the current version.
The C-class will have the active suspension system that Mercedes is now calling "Agility Control." It automatically adjusts the suspension to suit the driver's behavior as well as road conditions. A system with driver-selectable settings will be available later in 2007.

As with the current C-class, the new version will be available in Sport and Luxury versions. In addition to different engine and transmission choices, each version will have a different grille. Luxury versions will get the traditional stand-up hood ornament while sport versions will have the three-pointed star in the center of the grill.

The C-class will have an improved COMAND system for entertainment and navigation similar to the one now used in the company's S-class sedans.

Hybrid sedan
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Expected release: On sale
For its first hybrid vehicle, Nissan licensed technology from Toyota. But the new Altima offers buyers interested in a hybrid car an alternative to Toyota's own Camry hybrid or General Motors' Saturn Aura, with its "mild hybrid" system, due out in the Spring of 2007.
The Altima hybrid will be powered by the same 158-horsepower 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine as the base non-hybrid Altima but with assistance from a 40-horsepower electric motor. It will have a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Prices will start at $24,400
(C)CNN

Automakers new rules

Automakers scramble to catch up with changes in consumer behavior. Fortune's Alex Taylor reports how they're dealing with seismic shifts in the business.

In the auto business, where new cars take 36 months or more to move from a designer's inspiration to the dealer showroom, changes can take years to reveal themselves.

At least they used to. These days, seismic events seem to rock the industry on a daily basis. Take the impact of private equity. Now that Cerberus has taken over Chrysler, and financiers are sharpening their pencils for Jaguar and Land Rover, a few far-seeing analysts expect greater innovation and faster decision-making to ripple through the rest of the industry.

Equally big changes are shaping consumer behavior. Recent conversations with import automakers on the West Coast, as well as some surprising announcements by General Motors, suggest that some current business practices are rapidly becoming obsolete. Here are just a few of the new rules.

Toyota is tops. Now everybody pile on.
Long ago, Toyota brand passenger cars passed the Ford and Chevy nameplates to become the number one seller. Now Toyota is poised to become number one in car and truck sales combined. How does "baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Toyota" roll off your tongue?

What's the price of leadership? People taking potshots at your backside. As soon as Toyota rolled out customer cash and zero percent financing on its new Tundra pickup, a competitor leaked the news to journalists.

Others tried a subtler approach. GM went public what it called "full-size pickup facts" that seemed carefully selected to portray its Chevy and GMC in the best light. So instead of talking about their sales this year, which have improved only modestly despite the rollout of new models, GM chose to herald big improvements from 2003 to 2007 in "Brand image" (up 17 percent) and from 2004 to 2007 in Average Transaction Price (up $2,600 per unit). That's like a baseball player ignoring his lousy batting average and bragging about his sacrifice bunts.

Automakers are radically reshaping the way they approach advertising.
Marketer Jim Farley, who recently took over as head of Lexus, made his name at the Scion division by eschewing print and television advertising in favor of the Internet and other less traditional methods that he hoped would build stronger relationships with potential consumers.

Now General Motors confesses that it is shifting more of its ad dollars into online advertising too. The reason, according to marketing boss Mark LaNeve, is that the Web is more effective in combating the lagging perceptions that continue to dog GM: poor fuel economy, bad quality and high prices.

LaNeve likes the way that digital ads can direct consumers to thousands of pages of information about products, prices and the competition. He sees an even bigger payoff from the potential of immediacy. Since consumers turn to the Web when they are getting serious about buying a new car, advertising there allows GM to get more involved in the shopping process.

The hybrid revolution gathers speed - and Toyota's Prius is way out front.
While Honda announced that it is discontinuing the gasoline-electric version of the Accord because of slow sales, the Toyota Prius continues to defy gravity. Once considered a novelty, the Prius is selling more strongly now than at any time in its seven-year history. Its volume is running at twice the rate of a year ago and Toyota now expects that Prius will outsell every single domestic passenger car nameplate except for the Chevy Impala.

Why the diverging fortunes? Honda was selling added performance in the Accord hybrid, which didn't resonate with consumers the way that better fuel economy does. Besides, the hybrid Accord looked like every other Accord, meaning consumers couldn't get credit for being "green" when they parked it in front of their homes. The Prius, by comparison, can't be confused with anything else.

Celebrities interfere with car sales
Those with long memories can remember Dinah Shore pitching Chevrolets in the 50s and Ricardo Montalban rhapsodizing about Corinthian leather in the Chrysler Cordoba of the 1970s.

Now GM has decided that Tiger Woods, one of the world's best known athletes - and best paid endorsers - is getting in the way of Buick sales. GM is nudging Woods away from pitching Buicks and getting him to appear in ads for OnStar, its telematic service, instead.

LaNeve says the presence of Woods "detracts from the product message." He adds: "We don't want a celebrity at the core of any brand." He didn't mention whether he blames Woods for the fact that that sales of Buick cars are down 21 percent this year.

I guess that means Paris Hilton won't be inking a deal to endorse Hummers anytime soon.
(C)By Alex Taylor III, Fortune senior editor

TOP-10 Great Vehicles for Road Trips

There's a car or truck suited for road trips of every type. Here we highlight 10 great road-trippers along with tips for optimum driving safety and enjoyment.

Skyrocketing fuel costs, be damned — vacationers are expected to open their maps and take to the road in record numbers in the weeks ahead, though many may scale back their spending in other ways to offset the budget-busting cost of a fill-up.

“High gas prices won’t deter Americans from traveling,” predicts Sandra Hughes, travel vice president for the American Automobile Association (AAA). “Families will travel closer to home, they will travel for fewer days and will save money by staying in less-expensive hotels and eating in cheaper restaurants. But they will continue to take vacations and plan getaways,” she says.


The AAA forecasts that 84 percent of all travelers will reach their destinations by car this summer, which is an increase of about 1.8 percent over 2006. Based on the association’s projections, more than 115 million Americans will hit the highways during the summer's three main holidays, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day.

Family Vacations: Toyota Sienna

A minivan is without question the ideal family-vacation vehicle. Among the current crop of seven-passenger people movers, we picked the Sienna by virtue of its wide range of available road-trip trappings, including several features its closest competitor, the Honda Odyssey, lacks. We think the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country holds promise, but have yet to test it and so we cannot recommend it here.


The Sienna can be fitted with a full-time all-wheel-drive system and run-flat tires for added safety, along with adaptive cruise control to conveniently maintain a set speed and distance from the traffic ahead. The Sienna also offers iPod audio-system connectivity so you — or the kids — can bring an entire library of tunes along for the ride.






Trip for Two: BMW 650i

Being an empty nester is all about personal indulgence. The kids have grown up and moved on, and it's time to ditch the SUV or minivan for something more expressive and entertaining to drive. The sensuous 650i coupe is ideal for a quick getaway to escape life's tensions and rekindle passions. Its generous size makes it comfortable for long trips.




Exploring the limits of the 650i's 360-hp 4.8-liter engine adds excitement to any trip. An Active Roll Stabilization system ensures optimum comfort over bumps and potholes while cruising in a straight-line, but tightens up the suspension through turns for exhilarating handling. A coddling interior includes supremely comfortable seats and a standard navigation system with real-time traffic information.





College Road Trip: Scion xB

The college years are all about exploration, and what better way to reach a divey roadhouse in search of that undiscovered band than in the 2008 xB? While it retains the prior generation's boxy profile, the eminently affordable and practical xB takes on a more-muscular and menacing appearance. It also has a longer wheelbase and larger wheels and tires for enhanced handling.



The newly redesigned xB includes a more-powerful engine (158 hp) than the outgoing model's that should still prove fuel-efficient. It can be mated to a new four-speed sequential-shift automatic. The xB has many safety features, a roomy interior and a generous assortment of standard equipment, including a premium audio system with full iPod integration.







Camping: Land Rover LR3

If you've never outgrown your desire to play in the dirt, the midsize LR3 can blaze the roughest trails, allow you to commune with nature and still transport you back to civilization with panache. Land Rover's innovative Terrain Response system automatically picks the most appropriate settings for various vehicle systems and traction aids according to five driver-selectable modes.


Not long ago, Land Rovers would've been our last choice for a road trip, as they were terribly uncomfortable on paved roads over long distances. But the LR3 is pleasing even off the trail, and its cavernous interior will swallow lots of gear and still let passengers stretch out. The base LR3 includes a 216-hp V6 engine, while the top versions pack a potent 300-hp V8.






Fuel Economy: Toyota Prius

With the Prius, it could be your bladder and not the gas tank that dictates the frequency of pit stops on your journey. The hybrid gas/electric-powered Prius is frugal enough with fuel to make the 540-mile trip from Chicago to Memphis on a single tank of gas, with enough left over to tour the town.





The Toyota Prius marries a small gasoline engine to an electric motor/generator and a self-charging battery pack to garner an EPA-rated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway. Its futuristic profile affords a roomy interior for four adults to ride in comfort over a long haul.







Towing: GMC Yukon Denali

While steep fuel prices may have dampened demand for full-size SUVs, they remain purposeful purchases for those who need to tow a boat to the lake or a trailer to a campsite. The Yukon Denali effortlessly serves those needs with a 380-hp 6.2-liter V8 that boasts 417 pound-feet of torque for a top towing capacity of 7,900 pounds.




The Denali version of the Yukon is as plush as its Cadillac Escalade twin, but not as pricey. It's laden with luxury items like leather seating, dual-zone A/C and standard XM satellite radio. Practical luxury features to help the driver include a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, remote start and rear parking assist.

Moving the Kids: Lincoln Mark LT

A large and luxurious four-door pickup truck isn't for everyone. But if you're transporting the kids to college and want to do so in high style, the Mark LT is among the best. The new-for-2007 long-wheelbase version includes a class-leading 6.5-foot cargo bed that's large enough to hold a dorm room's worth of Ikea accoutrements.

The Mark LT's cabin is posh, swathed in wood and leather trim. It comfortably seats two parents and up to three future valedictorians. A 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine assures strong acceleration, even with a full load of passengers and cargo, while a smooth-riding suspension soaks up pavement imperfections with ease. An ample assortment of upscale amenities belies its working-class roots (it's based on the Ford F-150 pickup).

Tailgating: Honda Element

Perfect for hitting the road to catch three baseball games over the course of a long weekend — in separate cities — the Element was literally designed with tailgating in mind. Offered in front- and all-wheel-drive versions, its boxy shape affords a spacious interior with rear-hinged back doors for easy access.

Limousine-like rear legroom makes a long ride comfortable, though there's only room for four occupants altogether. That's because the backseat is split in the middle and folds to the sides for added cargo space. Accessories include a cabana tent and poles that attach to the rear of the vehicle, a tailgate seat back, and legs for the spare-tire cover to be used as a table. Best of all, if you spill anything, the Element's rubber floors can simply be hosed off.

Convertible: Jaguar XK

This is a competitive category — albeit a small one. We settled on the Jaguar XK Convertible for its unique blend of luxury, style and athleticism. It rides almost as comfortably as a luxury sedan, yet has superb handling for spirited driving thanks to be being light and rigid as well as having a deftly engineered suspension. The XK Convertible's sonorous 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine is strong and the six-speed automatic precise.

The XK Convertible's interior is lavish and comfortable for two. It remains calm and quiet even with the top down on the highway, which is essential for long drives. The multilayer fabric top requires only the push of a button to quickly deploy. Once in place, it completely insulates for sound and the elements. The backseat and trunk will accommodate all the luggage a couple will need.

Overall: Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

The midsize E320 Bluetec is ideal for a party of four on a long journey; a fifth can fit if necessary. Typical of a diesel engine, its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than a comparable gasoline engine. Yet it bears none of the vices of past diesels: namely poor acceleration and stinky exhaust smoke. Its 208-hp and 400 pound-feet of torque allow strong acceleration, which can be crucial for highway driving.

The E320 Bluetec offers all of the luxury and comfort Mercedes-Benz is known for with class-leading fuel economy: 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway. That may seem low because the EPA just implemented more-stringent fuel-economy tests that dropped ratings for all vehicles. Compare the E320 to other midsize luxury sedans at www.fueleconomy.gov to see just how efficient it is.
by Jim Gorzelany