MODEL YEAR: 2007

BEST FOR : Going fast without sacrificing seating and lug­gage space.

LOOKS : Low and aggressive, like the muscle car your first boyfriend had back in the day.

ENGINE : 6.1 liter SRT Hemi V8; 425 hp.

PROS AND CONS : This high-performance version of the 300 sedan is a living room on wheels. But its interior lacks the panache of the European luxury sedans.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : Two to three.

HOW IT DRIVES: Loud and proud. The Hemi engine provides snap-your-neck acceleration, and the sport-tuned suspension gives this rear-wheel-drive vehicle a firmer ride for better handling.

COOL OPTIONS : Satellite navigation system, chrome-detailed side molding, chromed mirrors and door handles, rear entertainment system.

Infiniti G35X AWD

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR: A high-spirited romp through the urban jungle.

LOOKS : Performance meets sex appeal.

ENGINE : 3.5 liter V6; 306 hp.

PROS AND CONS : This all-wheel-drive version of the second-generation G35 is a low-slung sedan with a luxurious feel, thanks to the leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, violet-hued gauges and knobs, and textured aluminum trim. Some of our older passengers found it a bit too low to the ground.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY :Two Golf Bag.

HOW IT DRIVES : Even better than the original: quicker on the straightaway, and smoother on its feet in the twisters. It practically danced around tight corners.

COOL OPTIONS : XM satellite radio, Bose sound system, Blue- tooth hands-free phone system, African rosewood trim.

VW EOS

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR : Having fun, fun, fun till your husband takes the car keys away.

LOOKS : Cute as a button.

ENGINE : 2.0 liter, turbocharged inline four cylinder; 200 hp.

PROS AND CONS : Named after the Greek goddess of dawn, the Eos is one of the best convertible val­ues around. It’s also the only hardtop with a power sunroof. But the top hogs the trunk when down, so throw your bag in the backseat.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : One with top up, zero with top down.

HOW IT DRIVES : The turbo engine provides lots of smooth, easy power, and the car handled like a champ.

COOL OPTIONS: DVD navigation system, leather seats, Dynaudio sound system.

Bentley Continental GTC

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR : Instilling extreme envy in the hearts of friends and strangers alike.

LOOKS : Elegant and ultrarefined.

ENGINE 6.0 liter twin, turbocharged 12 cylinder; 552 horsepower (hp).

PROS AND CONS : The stylish cabin is cocooned in sumptuous leather and boasts every bell and whistle imaginable, including an easy-to-use DVD navigation system and a Breitling clock. But as with all hardtop convertibles, the top takes up the entire trunk when down.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : One in the trunk with top up, zero with top down.

HOW IT DRIVES: The Bentley is agile and fun. You’ll love the race-car rumble and the power on demand.

COOL OPTIONS : 19-inch alloy sport wheels, front-seat lumbar massage.

Porshe Cayenne Turbo

MODEL YEAR: 2008

BEST FOR : Shuttling your foursome and their bags in style-and burning up asphalt along the way.

LOOKS : Simple and stylish, with that iconic Porsche nose.

ENGINE: Supercharged 4.8 liter V8; 500 hp.

PROS AND CONS : The high-tech cockpit’s easy-to-use amenities include an optional hands-free call feature. While the elevated seat position offers a commanding view of the road, the high ground clearance may make getting in and out tough for a smaller, less-mobile adult.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : Four.

HOW IT DRIVES : Though heavy, the Cayenne handles itself almost like a Porsche sports cat powerful, aggressive and even somewhat agile.

COOL OPTIONS : 21-inch sport wheels, power moon roof, Bose Surround Sound system.

Audi S6

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR : Getting to and from the course at speeds that will terrify most old-school duffers.

LOOKS : Conservative yet classy.

ENGINE : 5.2 liter V10; 435 hp.

PROS AND CONS : This driving enthusiast’s version of the A6 sedan has a luxurious, impeccably crafted cockpit, with easy-to-read gauges and a simple-to-use multimedia interface in the console. While the bucket front seats held as in on the turns, our older passengers found them hard to get out of.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : Two to three.

HOW IT DRIVES : Exhilarating and quick, with the responsiveness of a wunderbar German motorcar.

COOL OPTIONS : DVD navigation system, Sirius satellite radio and a rearview parking system that helps you avoid backing up into signposts and delivery trucks.

Mercedes-Benz CLS550

MODEL YEAR: 2007

BEST FOR : Thrill- seeking golfers who want to push it.

LOOKS : Low to the ground and gorgeous.

ENGINE : 5.5 liter 32-valve V8; 382 hp.

PROS AND CONS : The interior is richly appointed in leather and wood, and the uncluttered gauge cluster is easy to read. Loved the iPod interface, but the low roof made it a little difficult to get in and out of the cockpit.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : Two to three.

HOW IT DRIVES : Firm, smooth and super powerful, it makes you feel like you own the road.

COOL OPTIONS : Tele-Aid roadside assistance, cockpit management and data system with radio, CD player and color LCD navigation screen.

BMW 335i Convertible

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR : Cruising to your favorite course-on the other side of the state.

LOOKS : Crisp and stylish, whether the top is up or down.

ENGINE : 3.0 liter 24-valve inline six cylinder; 300 hp.

PROS AND CONS : The leather upholstery has heat-reflective technology that can lower its surface temperature by as much as 36 degrees. (No more burning the backs of your legs on a hot day!) The hardtop disappears into the trunk in a mere 22 seconds, but it gobbles up trunk space when lowered.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : One with top up. Zero with top down.

HOW IT DRIVES: The lightning-fast six-speed manual shifter and firm, athletic suspen­sion combine for an incredible experience.

COOL OPTIONS: 18-inch alloy wheels and sport-tuned suspension.

Land Rover LR2

MODEL YEAR : 2008

BEST FOR : Indulgent, everyday driving, from the golf course to the mall.

LOOKS : A cross between the LR3 and Range Rover Sport: stylish, simple and, of course, boxy.

ENGINE : 3.2liter aluminum-alloy inline six cylinder; 230 hp.

PROS AND CONS : This small sport-Ute has an upright, muscular stance, a well-planned interior layout, supportive leather seats and seating for five. The gauges could be brighter and bigger.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : Four Golf Bag.

HOW IT DRIVES : Very stable and balanced, even when we pushed it hard. The engine delivered decent get-up-and-go and plenty of grunts for powering over speed bumps. All four wheels stayed firmly connected to the ground at all times.

COOL OPTIONS : GPS navigation system, Bluetooth integration, heated seats, heated windshield and windshield wipers.

Lexus LS460L

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR : Did someone say golf road trip?

LOOKS : Mus­cular yet refined.

ENGINE : 4.6 liter V8; 380 hp. (A hybrid version arrives this fall.)

PROS AND CONS This sleek freeway flier comes equipped with an amazing array of tech-savvy gadgets, such as a voice-operated navigation system that provides real-time traffic updates for major cities. The Advanced Parking Guidance System takes time to set up, but once programmed, it’s well worth the extra $700.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : Two to three.

HOW IT DRIVES Oh-so-smooth, thanks to electric power-assist steering and sporty air suspension. We steered through twists and turns effortlessly.

COOL OPTIONS : Rear-seat entertainment system, 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

Jaguar XKR Coupe

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR : Making like a Bond girl who plays a mean game of golf.

LOOKS : Sleek and seductive.

ENGINE : Supercharged 4.2 liter V8; 420 hp.

PROS AND CONS : The touch screen in the burled-walnut dash, which controls the radio, navigation and other systems, is easy to read and use. The trunk is surprisingly roomy, but the rear seats are nearly useless-too small for even toddlers.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : Two Golf Bag.

HOW IT DRIVES : Wow! The cat growled as we steered along twisting back roads and down straight-line highways. A supple ride, terrific handling and loads of get-up-and-go.

COOL OPTIONS : 20-inch Senta wheels, premium sound system, Adaptive Cruise Control that monitors traffic via radar and brakes accordingly.

Cadillac Escalade

MODEL YEAR : 2007

BEST FOR : Stylishly transporting your friends and their gear.

LOOKS: A big daddy Caddy, yet still refined and classy.

ENGINE : 6.2 liter Vortec V8; 403 hp. (A hybrid version arrives this fall.)

PROS AND CONS : Feels like a luxury vehicle, with faux wood and aluminum trim, double-stitched leather seats and electro­luminescent gauges. The touch-screen interface in the dash worked well in navigation mode, Sot so well in audio mode.

GOLF BAG CAPACITY : At least four, more if you fold down the third-row seat.

HOW IT DRIVES: Surprisingly quick, agile and quiet, more luxury sedan than land yacht.

COOL OPTIONS : DVD navigation system with rearview camera, Bose sound system, retractable assist steps.