Volvo S90 Price: $47,945 - $56,445

This svelte sedan is the XC90’s under-the-skin twin; as a Volvo, it mixes style with safety in a decidedly Swedish way. The powertrains, however, are slightly less sporty. There’s a choice of four-cylinder engines: a 250-hp turbo (T5) or a 316-hp turbocharged and supercharged model (T6). Both pair with a silky eight-speed automatic. The ride is quiet and well controlled; steering is heavier than we’d like. Brakes are excellent. Tech includes Pilot Assist, which steers the car at up to 80 mph.

Read More

Lincoln Continental Price: $45,645 - $66,000

Dramatic styling, sumptuous interiors, and the latest tech are on hand to restore luxury-car relevance to the Continental. The interior is handsomely appointed with heated, 10-way adjustable seats; a 10-speaker audio system; and a chrome-trimmed dash. Engines include a 305-hp and a 335-hp V-6, both standard with front-drive; all-wheel drive is optional. The top engine is a 400-hp V-6 with all-wheel drive. The ride, however, is harsh and not in keeping with the car’s luxury aspirations.

Read More

Mercedes-AMG E43 Price: $73,325

This autobahn burner is headed for a freeway near you, packing a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 with 396 hp. A fast-shifting nine-speed automatic shoots that power to the road via 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds; top speed is 155 mph. The interior has front sport seats and red stitching throughout; red seatbelts make for maximum redness. An air suspension imbues the ride and handling with the right mix of sport and comfort. Look for the E43 in early 2017.

Read More

Lincoln MKZ Price: $36,095 - $50,645

Despite its sleek design, the MKZ is a bit of a quandary: It shares its underpinnings with the Ford Fusion but costs more. There are two gas-engine choices plus a hybrid version. The base engine is a 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder; a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 is optional with 350 hp for front-drive models and 400 hp with all-wheel drive. Both engines have a six-speed automatic. The hybrid is front-drive only with a CVT. The 400-hp MKZ hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds in our testing.

Read More

Lexus IS Price: $38,800 - $44,510

Like Clark Kent and Superman, the IS transforms from relaxed and refined to surprisingly capable. The base 241-hp turbo four has an eight-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive is available on both V-6 variants—a 3.5-liter producing 255 hp or 306 hp—but they only get a six-speed automatic. An F Sport package features a sport-tuned ride, supportive seats, and aggressive styling cues. Added safety assists include automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Read More