2013 Acura TL

There aren't many better all-around luxury values than the 2013 Acura TL. Fresh off last year's styling tweak that brought the midsize sedan's front grille in line with the rest of Acura's lineup -- particularly its popular RDX and MDX crossovers -- the TL does just about everything well. It's also priced quite attractively when measured against comparable rivals.

Acura has become renowned for the meticulous quality of its interiors, and the TL is no exception. Just don't expect a lot of soft wood and tufted leather, since the TL's ambience is modern, tech-oriented luxury. Its interior teems with the best electronic features Acura can conjure, while surfaces and textures are inviting but minimalist in spirit. And because the TL is one of the wider midsize luxury sedans you'll find, there's plenty of stretch-out space, even in the back.

In its base form, the TL features a standard USB iPod/MP3 interface, an eight-speaker audio system, and a crisp, high-resolution center-mounted display for controlling the infotainment system. The Tech Package adds a navigation system with live traffic, weather, and rerouting, plus a rearview camera; solar-sensing temperature control, keyless access, and an upgraded 440-watt Acura/ELS surround sound system--a system that we love for its thunderous power yet clarity. However, we're not fans of the navigation interface itself, or of the cobbled-together way its menu system feels. As we see it, the SH-AWD model with the Advance Package--which gets items like ventilated front seats, a blind-spot system, 440-watt ELS surround sound, and a nav system with live traffic--makes quite the well-rounded, high-tech sport sedan. But at the same time, with a bottom-line price of about $46k, it's worth keeping in mind that's nearly the cost of a base-level Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5-Series.

If you have higher expectations for pure sport driving, the TL SH-AWD amps up the experience, largely by benefit of its all-wheel-drive system. There's a noticeable upgrade in agility and response, particularly during brisk driving when the system's cornering abilities are most evident. The extra 25 hp generated by the TL SH-AWD's 3.7-liter V6 isn't a huge upgrade, but combined with the engine's additional torque, it does make the TL feel quicker.

Engine type Aluminum-alloy V-6
Displacement, liters 3.5: TL
3.7: TL SH-AWD
Valvetrain Belt drive, SOHC, VTEC® 24-valve
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) 280 @ 6200 rpm: TL
305 @ 6300 rpm: TL SH-AWD
Torque lb-ft @ rpm (SAE net) 254 @ 5000 rpm: TL
273 @ 5000 rpm: TL SH-AWD
Compression ratio (:1) 11.2
Redline 6800: TL
6700: TL SH-AWD
Throttle control Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system
Ignition Electronic direct
EPA Fuel Mileage Rating27 (city / highway / combined) 20 / 29 / 23: TL
18 / 26 / 21: TL SH-AWD AT
17 / 25 / 20: TL SH-AWD MT
Required fuel19 Premium unleaded 91 octane
CARB emissions rating ULEV-2
Tune-up interval3 No scheduled tune-ups required for 100,000 +/- miles
Transversely mounted front engine, front-wheel drive or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
Automatic Transmission 6-speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control
Manual Transmision (SH-AWD only) 6-Speed manual transmission with heavy duty clutch and short-throw shifter

EPA MPG Rating (city / hwy / combined)
TL
20 / 29 / 23
TL SH-AWD (AT)
18 / 26 / 21
TL SH-AWD (MT)
17 / 25 / 20

2013 Smart Car

The two-seat Smart Fortwo is one of the smallest cars on the market, but it has a surprising amount of cabin space. They say that tall adults will have plenty of head- and legroom. Visibility is also good, but only in the coupe model. When the convertible top is folded down, it hampers rear visibility. The Fortwo doesn’t have much cargo space, but the available room is useful. The Fortwo’s cabin is made with a lot of hard plastics, but that’s common for a lot of small cars. The Fortwo, however, lacks standard features that are expected in this class. Air conditioning and a radio, for example, are optional. These amenities, as well as a surround sound system and navigation, can be added. Overall, I think the Fortwo’s interior features are straightforward and easy to use.

Every smart is crammed with engineering designed by the forward-thinking safety pioneers at Mercedes-Benz to meet the strongest industry standards and beyond. Meet the awesome features that come standard with every smart below. Inspired by racecar roll cages, the reinforced high-strength steel tridion safety cell is engineered to be a barrier between you and pretty much anything else you might encounter. It evenly distributes crash energy so you’ll have peace of mind.

Engine: Gas I3 1.0/61
Horsepower: 70 @ 5800
Torque: 68 @ 4500 1.0/61

Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
MPG: 34 City / 38 Hwy

2013 Lexus RX 350

Lexus vehicles have a reputation for being not just refined and comfortable, but also for being exceptionally well-equipped. That's definitely the case here in the 2013 RX 350 and RX 450 you'll find a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features, while options are pretty much limited to interior upgrades and top-notch infotainment systems. Major options include leather; a USB port; navigation with real-time traffic; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system; and a superb Mark Levinson sound system. The Remote Touch controller remains a mandatory part of the interface that we're conflicted about, but nearly everyone will like that the new Enform system enables apps for Pandora streaming audio and other information services.

Displacement

3.5 liters (211 cubic inches)
Horsepower

270 hp @ 6,200 RPM 2

Total System Horsepower

 295 Total System Horsepower
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

(city/highway/combined) 18/25/21 mpg
Transmission

Six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), Sequential Shift and Snow modes
Braking System

Four-wheel power-assisted discs with four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist 

The new-for-2013 F Sport trim was intended to counteract the RX’s reputation for capable but boring performance and inject some sport into the SUV. However, nearly every reviewers says that shoppers shouldn’t consider the F Sport. They say that its sport-tuned suspension makes the ride overly harsh. Perhaps most importantly, though, the F Sport package doesn’t actually improve the RX’s performance. 

2013 Tesla Model S

The 2013 Model S lineup is defined by a battery hierarchy. The 60-kWh, 85-kWh and 85-kWh Performance models each offer increasing levels of driving range, power and performance. All versions feature rear-wheel drive and an 8-year battery warranty with varying mileage limitations. Tesla is also in the process of constructing a network of "Superchargers" strategically placed along heavily trafficked corridors, giving owners of 85-kWh and properly equipped 60-kWh Model S's the ability to quickly replenish their batteries to 50-percent charge in 30 minutes. By exponentially speeding recharge times Tesla's Supercharging network hopes to make pure-electric long-distance travel a reality.

 Behind the wheel, you’ll notice that Tesla has combined meticulous noise engineering with Tesla’s uniquely quiet powertrain to obtain the sound dynamics of a recording studio. The gem of the interior is the 17” touchscreen. It puts rich content at your fingertips and provides mobile connectivity.The touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and steering wheel controls seamlessly integrate media, navigation, communications, cabin controls and vehicle data. From the moment you open the door, the high-resolution Model S touchscreen
powers on and returns to its last function. The most commonly used controls line the bottom of the screen for easy access any time and connectivity keeps you connected while on the go.

Model S Performance takes electric performance to the next level. Equipped with the 85 kilowatt-hour battery and a high performance drive inverter, Model S Performance accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. If driven the same way as Model S, both cars achieve the same efficiency thanks to the unique powertrain design. Model S Performance features an interior replete with Alcantara and carbon fiber accents.

60-kWh
302 horsepower @ 5,000-8,000 rpm
317 lb-ft of torque @ 0-5,000 rpm
Range 230 miles @ 55 mph

85-kWh
362 horsepower @ 6,000-9,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 0-5,800 rpm
Range 300 miles @ 55 mph

85-kWh Performance
416 horsepower @ 5,000-8,600 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 05,100 rpm
Range 300 miles @ 55 mph

2013 BMW M3

The M3 was first launched in 1986 by M GmbH who took what they learned on the race track to develop a high-performance street car that lives up to its motorsports heritage. The M3 is powered by a high-revving 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 414 horsepower. All that power is driven through the rear wheels via two different transmissions, a six-speed manual or a seven-speed double-clutch, and a variable differential lock. High-performance anti-lock brakes with cross-drilled discs work with electronic stability control and M sport suspension to keep things under control. Available options include electronic damping control, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, navigation system, heated seats, various dash trim choices such as aluminum, wood or leather, BMW Assist, satellite radio, USB audio adapter and park distance control.

What makes the M3 a unique automotive icon is not just how well it can provide an enthralling driving experience (and it does), but that it can do so without sacrificing everyday drivability, practicality or even price. So why mess with a winning formula like that? BMW agrees and essentially left both the coupe and convertible M3 models as-is for the 2013 model year.

The 2013 BMW M3 has few peers that are as well-rounded. But for the money, there are three natural competitors, and each comes from a similar "special division." The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG boasts a larger, comparatively more brutish V8 engine and similarly adept handling that combine to give the M3 a run for the euros. Also from Germany is Audi's new RS 5, which looks fantastic and has superlative grip exiting corners thanks to its standard all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the 2013 Cadillac CTS-V is a larger, American-style take on the M3 ethos.

Performance
Base engine size 4.0 liters
Base engine type V-8
Horsepower 414 hp
Horsepower rpm 8,300
Torque 295 lb-ft.
Torque rpm 3,900
Payload 882 lbs.
Drive type rear-wheel
Turning radius 19.2 ''
Base 2dr Rear-wheel Drive Coupe

Fuel tank capacity 16.6 gal.
EPA mileage estimates 14 City / 20 Hwy

2013 Cadillac CTS

On its own merits, the CTS sedan still has plenty of appeal, including a stylish cabin replete with plenty of modern technological conveniences and pleasant materials. The CTS also drives quite well, with respectable power from the larger 3.6-liter V6 engine and confident handling. However, when you drive it back to back with its import competitors, even these admirable qualities tend to fall short of the now-current standard.

The cabins of rival sedans present better interior workmanship and even more features, while the CTS suspension allows more of the road's many imperfections to intrude into an otherwise serene cabin. Opting for one of the optional sport suspensions only adds additional harshness. This Cadillac's size, while beneficial for passengers, also makes it feel less agile and maneuverable than other so-called sport sedans

The 2013 CTS is a mix of highs and lows. While they’re impressed with the CTS’ high-quality interior materials and attractive design, a few test drivers note that the seats are stiff, and that rearward visibility isn’t as good as it could be. They also say that the CTS has a small trunk opening, which can make it difficult to load bulky objects. One reviewer writes that while the navigation screen has a large, attractive display, it can also be difficult to use. Despite these concerns, reviewers say the 2013 CTS has a great-sounding stereo, and that its other controls are intuitive. The CTS also comes with more standard features than many cars in its class. Leather, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth are all standard equipment on the base 2013 CTS Luxury.

3.0L Direct Injection V6 VVT engine
 270 Horsepower @ 7000 RPM  

3.6L Direct Injection V6 VVT engine
 318 Horsepower @ 6800 RPM  

 ZF Servotronic power rack-and-pinion steering
 StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System
Audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and Bose® 8-speaker system
SiriusXM Satellite Radio1 with 3 trial months Standard
Bluetooth® for phone interface Standard
Automatic dual-zone climate control Standard
Ambient Interior Lighting Standard
Adaptive Remote Start (automatic transmission only) Standard
Wipers, Rainsense™ Standard
Memory Package Standard
OnStar® with 1 year of Directions & Connections® Plan Standard
Rearview backup camera Standard
 Leather Seating Surfaces Standard
Adjustable front seat lumbar support Standard
Heated front seats Standard
Universal Home Remote Standard
17" premium painted aluminum wheels Standard
Sport suspension Available Standard
18" premium multi-coat painted aluminum wheels
Audio system with single-slot CD player and Bose® surround sound 10-speaker system
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting Available Standard
 Fog lamps, integrated in front fascia Available Standard
Audio system with navigation and Bose® surround sound 10-speaker system Available
Keyless Access
Keyless start
 Steering wheel, heated
Split-folding rear seat
Heated and ventilated front seats
Steering column, power, telescoping
UltraView® power sunroof Available
Sapele Wood Trim Package Available
Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist 

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the rear-drive, automatic-equipped CTS 3.0 is 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops it slightly to 18/26/21 mpg.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid

 Inside, things are as plush and refined as ever, with generous amounts of wood and chrome trim creating a decadent environment. Notable new touches include a revised steering wheel, a classy, Art Deco-inspired clock and a reworked center stack with more intuitive controls. Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system remains; controlled either by voice commands, a central knob or steering wheel-mounted buttons, it integrates the sedan's audio, navigation and Bluetooth-based connectivity functions into a single unit - a seven-inch display screen mounted on the dashboard.

An optional mbrace system adds a host of cloud-based goodies, including a concierge service, location-based traffic and weather updates, stolen vehicle location assistance, automatic collision notification and more. Available apps add internet browsing, Google local search with street view, Yelp reviews, Facebook access and news reports. Owners can even use an mbrance smartphone app to remotely lock, unlock or locate their E-Class.

A wide variety of optional extras can be spec'd to enhance the E-Class experience, including premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 14-speaker Harman/kardon surround sound system and a rear seat video entertainment system.

The E400’s hybrid system is an evolution of the larger S400’s setup (as opposed to the more complex unit in the last-gen ML450 hybrid). The S-class pairs a 275-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with a 20-hp electric motor, while the E400 gets a 302-hp, direct-injection, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 27-hp electric motor. In both cars, the motor is sandwiched between the gas engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The major difference between the two systems has to do with their respective electric motors and their operating capabilities. The S400’s motor produces 118 lb-ft of torque, while the E’s makes 184. The S400 can’t move without the gas engine firing, but the E400 can go up to 22 mph and cover up to half a mile on the electric motor alone. As in the S400, a stop/start system and regenerative braking are standard in the E400, and both cars house their lithium-ion battery packs in the engine bay. This placement means they avoid the reduction in trunk space that most other hybrids suffer.

Standard Engine 3.5L V6
Standard Transmission 7 Speed Automatic
Cylinders 6
Horsepower @RPM -19@-19
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy 24/30
Combined Fuel Economy 26
EPA Class Mid-Size
Number of Valves 24
Fuel Type System Hybrid Gas/Electric / DI
Turbo
Overdrive Transmission
Compression 12.0:1
Displacement 3498/213
Bore X Stroke 3.66x3.39
Cruising Range 548.6 miles
Valves Configuration Dual Overhead Cam/Twin Overhead Cam
Electric Torque Feet Per Pound 184
Electric HorsePower BHP 27

Fuel economy

City fuel economy
24 mpg
Highway estimate
30 mpg