Sport Wagon
*Power: 507 hp
*0-60: 4.3 sec.
*Top Speed: 155 mph (ltd.)
$85,800
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate
For those people with a few extra shekels to spend who just can't find the 'sport' in Sport Utility Vehicles, the E63 Estate is the answer. It packs no less than 507 hp, with sedan handling and the utility of that big back end. It's the ultimate sport wagon. And honestly, who would really want to drive a truck?
Sport Wagon Runner-Up
New For '08
*Power: 150 hp
*0-60: 7.1 sec.
*Top Speed: 130 mph
$23,000 (est.)
Volkswagen Jetta Wagon TDI
It doesn't have 507 hp, but it gets more miles to the gallon than the Benz. The Jetta has always been a great car; the new TDI diesel should make it that much better and hopefully draw a whole new set of buyers to VW dealers. Once there, we're betting they'll be impressed by the interior, build quality and uniquely European driving experience.
Full-Size SUV Runner-Up
*Power: 500 hp
*0-60: 4.9 sec.
*Top Speed: 171 mph
$93,700
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
When Porsche introduced its SUV, the company went to great lengths to prove the vehicle's off-road capabilities. They're for real and, as it turns out, the Cayenne is also probably the best handling truck-like thing on the road today. Then there's the monster acceleration: zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds-keeping in mind this beast weighs nearly 7000 pounds. If ever an SUV could claim to be a sports car, this is the one.
Small SUV
New For '08
*Power: 200 hp
*0-60: 8.5 sec.
*Top Speed: 130 mph
$25,000 (est.)
Volkswagen Tiguan
Of the vehicles in the small segment, nothing holds a candle to the Tiguan. Most small SUVs are more often referred to as cheap SUVs-and for good reason. The Tiguan bucks the trend with quality materials and great features not found even on big SUVs. The model to buy will be the TDI version.
4-Door Compact
*Power: 420 hp
*0-60: 4.8 sec.
*Top Speed: 155 mph (ltd.)
$66,000
Audi RS4
In this category, the RS4 is beyond reproach. No other sedan out there provides anywhere near the driving experience. The 4.2-liter V8 has plenty of torque down low, but spins up with the ferocity of a sport bike. The steering and shifter feel as though they are straight out of a DTM car, and the exhaust note isn't far off either.