Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 Performance The all-wheel-drive 2009 Mercedes-Benz R320 Bluetec is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that was engineered expressly to achieve 50-state emissions certification. To make a complicated story simple, Mercedes‘ solution was to add a tank of urea and water mixture to the exhaust system. When the engine is running, this mixture is automatically injected into the exhaust stream, catalyzing a chain reaction that results in the conversion of polluting nitrogen oxides into harmless water vapor and nitrogen.

Pontiac G8 V6 Design/Fit and Finish The 2008 Pontiac G8′s interior won’t win any design awards, but there’s simplicity and restraint here that’s been missing in recent Pontiacs. Most surfaces are flat black with varying textures. Doesn’t sound too sexy, right? Luckily, in practice, the dash and major controls have an intentionally straightforward look that never veers into stark or cheap.

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Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 Nonetheless, this Benz’s combination of top-shelf luxury, superior fuel-efficiency and environmental friendliness is bound to win over a good number of deep-pocketed SUV shoppers. In this era of volatile fuel prices and an uncertain automotive future, clean diesels hold considerable appeal as a green alternative to the status quo.

BMW 550i Design/Fit and Finish Our 550i came with the Sport package’s aerodynamic package that includes a revised rear bumper and an M5-like front airdam that nicely complements the 5 Series’ dramatic headlights. With accompanying lower-side sills and double-spoke wheels, this is the snazziest-looking regular 5 Series you can buy.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Design/Fit and Finish With its uncluttered lines, crouching stance and elegant thin-spoke 18-inch wheels, the E550 has a classy yet powerful presence. Some of us prefer the E550′s cohesive look to Mercedes‘ new design language, with more angular lines and exaggerated wheelwell flares, as seen on the S-Class sedan.

Honda CR-V EX-L A weak spot is the standard equipment tire choice — Bridgestone Dueler H/T all-season tires, most likely selected for long tread wear and mud and snow capability. Their low rolling resistance caused the CR-V to feel sloppy and lacking in grip at the limits during performance testing, and they hunted quite fiercely on the grooved concrete freeways near our editorial offices in Southern California.

Volkswagen Tiguan Performance One notable weak link in the Tiguan’s driving dynamics was its steering; response during aggressive driving felt somewhat vague. Overall, though, the average driver will no doubt find the Tiguan’s demeanor polished and adept in most situations.

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Volkswagen CC VR6 4Motion Performance

The 2009 Volkswagen CC is hardly what we’d describe as a sport sedan. Although its chassis felt capable enough when pushed on our favorite mountain roads, with minimal body roll and a surprisingly tossable feel, the electric power steering is devoid of feel and doesn’t lend a lot of confidence. It weights up OK in such high-speed driving situations, but is generally on the too-loose side and noticeably numb on-center, particularly on the highway. Parking is at least easy on your arms.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Performance

With all that said, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E550 has an affable nature that should please most luxury sedan intenders. It has the firm, reassuring feel that’s the hallmark of a premium Euro-bred sedan, and a plush ride quality, as bumps and ruts are absorbed without any excess body motions. Wind noise is virtually nonexistent, as is road noise, except when running over grooved concrete freeways (common in Southern California), where the latter is noticeable but not intrusive.

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BRIAN J STRASNICK News: Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV Sport Performance

A particular bright spot in the generally shining 2009 Nissan Maxima is the wonderfully light and precise steering that should be appreciated by both driving enthusiasts and casual commuters alike. With its combination of low-friction weighting and high feedback, the Maxima’s steering can be manipulated with the delicate touch of one’s fingertips on the well-formed steering wheel as every nuance of the road is transmitted from tires to skin. This, in combination with a taut chassis derived from the Altima, produces impressive handling that should please all but the most demanding enthusiasts.
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