MotorMouths

The Aston Martin DBS Carbon Volante is a beautiful-looking and -sounding convertible with practical shortcomings easily conquered by its memorable driving experience.

Cannibalization is what happens when there are four crossovers to choose from in the $25,000-$35,000 range, and it’s why you might want to pass on the 2012 Ford Edge SEL EcoBoost.

The LaCrosse eAssist is a good fit as an entry-level model, though it’s too bad Buick limits the car’s potential. In efforts to save something for V-6 customers, ventilated seats and passive keyless entry aren’t available on the LaCrosse eAssist. Nor are decently sized wheels.

The 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate is a reasonably executed flagship luxury sedan. But when you’re playing in the $60,000 and above range, there’s a special X factor that becomes increasingly important, and that’s what the Equus arguably lacks.

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h is for drivers who appreciate a car that finds a meaningful compromise between speed and efficiency, but leans toward the latter.

The 2011 Enclave remains one of the most attractive full-size crossovers available today, and the ride is appropriately cushy. There’s still work to be done, though, before the Enclave can be considered world class.

Lexus’ LS 600h L is an astoundingly quiet and smooth-riding sedan, though there’s still room for improvement.

Without taking IS 250 F Sport too far, Lexus has crafted a daily driver with an added dose of sport for those looking for a departure from the BMW 328i’s of the world. The IS 250 is a car that relaxes as much as it excites.

The 2011 M37 is much improved over the model it replaces, particularly with a loaded non-sport model like our M37 tester. The Infiniti has plenty to offer. And with an as-tested price of almost $60,000, it had better.

With head-turning styling inside and out, we have little doubt the XJ’s fortunes will improve with the new model, despite its few niggling shortcomings.