MotorMouths

In the end, it’s clear Lexus didn’t set out to redefine the luxury sedan with the 2013 LS. Still, a large number of small improvements help keep the LS relevant in a market that Lexus itself says is slowly melting.

Like at Porsche, we couldn’t care less what Maserati needs to sell to pay the bills, as long as it continues to build cars like the GranTurismo MC.

The McLaren accomplishes what it sets out to do, namely providing an incredible driving experience while increasing usability. Could you drive the MP4-12C daily? You sure could. Would you want to? We would, gladly.

For the 2012 model year, the M-Class enters its third generation, and while revisions may appear subtle, they are aimed at keeping this luxo-ute at the top of its game.

One of the best features of the ML350 is that beyond its practicality, the all-wheel-drive sport ’ute also is among the top in its class when it comes to driving experience.

Once you drive the ML63, you’ll never turn back. It hits all the right buttons for someone who needs a do-it-all utility vehicle and has a little coin to splurge on some luxury. It also has more torque than a Lamborghini Aventador.

It’s the engine that really makes the SL63 AMG, but those looking for a little more connection to the road will be disappointed. Overall, we wished the SL63 was a bit more involving to drive.

The Carrera GTS is a sensible intermediary step on the Porsche Pyramid of Performance. With 408 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, the Carrera GTS slots in neatly between the 385 horses of the Carrera S and the 435 found in the GT3.

The Cayenne S Hybrid isn’t the sportiest member of the Porsche range, but it does offer a level of precision, feel, and driver gratification that is lacking in many other luxury SUVs.

The Panamera S Hybrid is not only be the most fuel-efficient vehicle Porsche has ever offered, but also the fastest production hybrid vehicle in the world. We’re in a brave new world, and it’s one Porsche is embracing.

The FR-S is about driving dynamics that are some of the best we’ve experienced, combined with an affordable price and a total package that can be used for both the weekday commute and the weekend track session. Scion nailed this one.

The Toyota Avalon’s raison d’etre is quite simple: Provide a full-size sedan packed with luxury features for a price the average workingman can afford. And the Avalon does that job even more admirably for 2011 with a recent redesign.