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.

SUN MOUNTAIN SUPERLIGHT 3.5 WITH HUG TECHNOLOGY

Weighing in at less than four pounds, this new bag features a unique padded aluminum arm that fits snugly around your waist, transfer­ring most of its weight from your shoulders to your hips.

OGIO DIVA

Another featherweight at just over four pounds, the Diva has an innovative top
that keeps each wood separate for easy access. With a comfortable double strap and eight pockets, it’s everything a girl could want.

NIKE XTREME SPORT

This five-pound women’s bag features a double strap that becomes a single strap with a simple click. Extras include seven roomy pockets, a sturdy stand and six-way, full-length club dividers.

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.