   2013 Lexus ES 350. Click image to enlarge |
Lexus ES 350: Lexus has fine-tuned their recently-enhanced ES 350 for drivers who equate luxury motoring with tranquility, quiet, and a sense of isolation from the world around them.
Extensive sound-deadening implements make for one of the quietest rides this side of $100,000, and the suspension filters out virtually any feeling from the road beneath – even rougher ones. The highly assisted steering means drivers can guide this front-drive cruiser along with a fingertip, if desired. (DISCLAIMER: Autos.ca doesn’t condone driving with one fingertip.)
The unique haptic-feedback controller even allows manipulation of infotainment and communications functions with little more than a few millimetres of fingertip movement. Fully automatic lights, climate control, high beams and wipers leave little to do but sit back and relax. The ES 350 offers up one of the most un-stimulating, peaceful and laid-back driving experiences in your writer’s recent memory.
    2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.8. Click image to enlarge |
Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.8: Here’s a simple proposition: provide your local Hyundai dealer with $49,499, and they’ll provide you with a Genesis 3.8 with Technology Package. A comparably-sized and equipped A6 or E-Class would cost many thousands more than this rolling showcase of Korean luxury tech.
A recent cosmetic and engine update make the Genesis Sedan even more appealing than ever. Direct injection and eight-speed transmissions put its powertrains into world-class territory, too.
Genesis’s standout attribute? Bang for the buck. Here’s a machine that could confidently compete with cars twice its price all day long. That holds especially true if you dip a little into the $50,000 range and order the R-Spec, with a five-litre V8 churning out 429 of the most buttery horsepower on the road today.
    2013 Acura MDX. Click image to enlarge |
Acura MDX: Like that proverbial perfect bowl of porridge that nearly got Goldilocks munched by a ravenous family of grizzlies, the MDX strikes a just-right balance. Arguably, the most important thing about the MDX is its inclusion of all the sensible stuff luxury crossover shoppers like: long-term value, flexibility, and a great reputation. Sales numbers, residual values and owner satisfaction back this up.
To the wholesomeness of owning a luxury Honda is added a VTEC V6 that turns in robust power output, respectable real-world mileage and a slick SH-AWD system which tackles lousy weather conditions with an eye for responsiveness and agility. In fact, unlike many competitors, the MDX is a big crossover ute that’s actually fun to drive.
There’s an all-new model hitting dealer lots in the immediate future, too – and all signs point to continuation of the MDX’s award-winning lineage. However, don’t overlook a low-mileage used MDX – it has a reputation for reliability and durability that make it an excellent used vehicle purchase as well.
