MotorMouths

We can have power, fun in driving and fuel efficiency. All we need is money — in a rounded sum, at least $44,000. But it’s worth it, the 2011 BMW 335d sedan.

The 2012 BMW 650i convertible is more art than car, stunningly beautiful art, the kind that draws admiring crowds and gets preferred spots in big-city parking garages with no request or bribe. If you are looking for practicality, look elsewhere. Convertibles are inherently impractical automobiles.

The all-wheel-drive 2012 Volvo XC60 is worth the price. It beats most things its class. Even the base model elevates the notion of “base.” It is so structurally sound and well equipped with standard equipment, it flirts with premium.

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec redefines notions of luxury and value — lots of power exquisitely delivered, deft handling that rivals anything in its class, a beautifully appointed passenger cabin, all at a base price below $50,000.

The Cadillac XTS is a beautiful car that moves much faster than the most liberal speed law allows. It handles quite well, presents some of the most advanced automotive technology, and does it all while delivering 17 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.

The Audi S4 Quattro offers elegance in balance, enough power to do what needs to be done, enough comfort to grant an ease and enjoyment in doing, all blessed with safety, good looks and, at least, a daily operating price somewhere in the range of “affordable.”

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra coupe is a stylish, excellently crafted, fun-to-drive coupe that is easy to maintain and fuel, with one of the best new-car warranties in the business. All of this in an ‘economy’ car that is better designed and better equipped than many more expensive rivals.

Little is more pleasing than the guilty pleasure of driving a car as rambunctiously powerful, fast and wasteful as the Charger SRT8. It is too big, powerful, fast and mean-looking for most American motorists. It costs substantially more than cheap or “affordable.”

The Audi A6 3.0T is the perfect car for rascally speed freaks and relative saints. I love this car — love it so much that I have to check myself.

The S350 4Matic is luxury defined. It has every imaginable amenity and safety technology. It has a healthy exhaust note, and you fall in love with the sheer movement of this one.

The SLK350 is stunningly beautiful — sleek, muscular, diminutive, yet unmistakably powerful. I love this car. I returned it to Mercedes-Benz reluctantly.

There is seduction aplenty in the 2013 GT to keep the mind focused on the pleasures at hand. Is there a more tufted, lavishly outfitted coupe? I doubt it.