LifeStyle/Luxury Cars

The 2007 Top Luxury Car Reviews

By JL Staff Jan. 22nd, 2006

For LxM James Rothaar

Send out a cheer for the luxury vehicles of 2007 are here! Showrooms are aglow as the latest greatest automobiles are now on display. Since variety is the spice of life, we deemed it appropriate to present a well-rounded array of 11 heavenly vehicles from SUVs to sedans to coupes to roadsters. Throughout the year other lustrous 2007 entries will be added to our list. So, these beauties are not our final findings of the most elite, spectacular, extraordinary, functional, or powerful vehicular offerings of 2007. It is simply our first presentation of 2007 luxé autos en masse to our most-valued and prestigious readers.
Eleven selections are provided because everyone else shows 10 only. And when it comes to presenting the premier portal of luxury lifestyle, we always strive to be one up!

The 2007 Bentley GTC is an all-out awesome vehicle,offering the smoothness of a sedan and the performance of a sports coupe all rolled into one spectacular package. The four-seat convertible, with its 12-cylinder, 6-liter, twin-turbocharged engine, does zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 198 mph. Its driveline is continuous all-wheel drive, and its transmission is a six-speed, automatic. The GTC converts to a convertible in less than 25 seconds too.

The Volvo XC90 is a welcomed addition to the luxury SUV market with its versatility, three-row seating, plush interior, and sharp exterior. It is offered up in two models, the XC90 AWD V8 and the XC90 3.2. The former offers all-wheel drive and a 4.4-liter V8 engine, whereas the latter has front-wheel drive and 3.2-liter V6 engine. Both models' transmissions are six-speed adaptive automatic with a sequential gearbox, while Mannesmann Sachs' Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension is standard in the V8 and optional for the V6.

The 2007 Jaguar XK is the latest model from the formidable luxury vehicle maker. It is Mr. Ian Callum's first design for Jaguar. Callum also designed Aston Martin's sporty DB7. The XK comes in either a coupe or a convertible. The rear-wheel drive offers a six-speed automatic transmission, with shift paddles on the steering column, and it is equipped with either a 4.2-liter V-8 with 300 horsepower or a supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower.

The 2007 Cadillac XLR-V is the highest performing Cadillac ever made. The Detroit News Autos Reviews recently reported that it might be "the best car built in America, period." The roadster compares most favorably to the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG despite costing around $30,000 less. It comes with a supercharged 4.4-liter version of the Northstar DOHC V-8 and delivers with 443 horsepower, going from nothing to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The XLR-V's underbody is built on the same assembly line in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the Corvette Z06. The Cadillac has magnetic ride control that automatically adjusts its suspension to compensate for pavement conditions and speed. It has firmer settings than the standard XLR version. It also has a rear stabilizer bar, stiffer bushings, larger wheels and tires, and a few other modifications to boost its price up about $20,000 more than the regular XLR.

Luxury Cars

For LxM James Rothaar

Each release of the Lexus GX 470 proves that something great still has room for improvement. Over the few years, the alpha midsize SUV has picked up numerous awards and accolades for its quality and performance. The 2007 model has the largest engine ever used in an SUV by Lexus. The five-speed automatic has a 32-valve, four-cam, V-8 engine with 263 horsepower. It also has continuous four-wheel drive with a limited-slip center differential. Other performance attributes include rear-air suspension, kinetic-dynamic suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and speed-sensitive steering.

The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang ever to roll off Ford's assembly line. Racing legend Carroll Shelby and Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) jointly designed this vehicle to make it special. Forty years following the Cobra's introduction, it remains among the most brutish cars ever produced. Just like the old days, the Shelby GT500 is available in a coupe and a convertible. The engine was upped to a 5.4-liter, V-8 block with overhead cams and four valves per cylinder with a supercharger and an intercooler, giving the GT500 500 horsepower. Its transmission is a six-speed manual and, believe it or not, it gets over 20 miles per gallon on the highway.
2007 Ford Shelby GT500

The Audi Q7 is the firm's first SUV release. The vehicle's engine comes in either a 4.2-liter V-8 FSI or a 3.6-liter V-6 FSI engine, and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission comes with either engine. The SUV is just over 200 inches long, and its width is 85.7 inches. The ubiquitous Q7 goes from rugged to sporty flawlessly. The optional adaptive air suspension further enhances the smoothness of the all-wheel drive for both on-road and off-road riding. The additional airbag protection increases safety for passengers, as the airbags wrap around nearly covering the entire side windows.
2007 Audi Q7

The <2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 is definitely more luxurious, definitely sportier, and definitely more expensive. However, it may be the most luxurious sedan of its class, which makes that last "more" more palatable. This front-engine, rear-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan is loaded with plushy perks. It has an easy-to-shift seven-speed automatic transmission backed by a powerful 5.5-liter V-8 engine with 382 horsepower and dual-overhead cams. The S550 accelerates from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Its air-suspension system prompts various reviewers to rate it "best-in-class" for comfort and stability.
2007 Mercedes-Benz S550

Luxury Cars

For LxM James Rothaar

The 2007 Lexus GS 450h is the first hybrid vehicle that simultaneously evokes the passions of luxury lovers and environmentalist. Although it is expected to be available in the spring of 2006, it may be a bit later. The New York Auto Show is the site of its U.S. debut in March 2006. Unlike its practical ecological-oriented predecessors, this car offers high-end performance along with better gas mileage and low emissions.

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is an adventurous SUV with luxurious amenities, plenty of space, and ample power. The optional features are magnificent. The sound system offers a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system with rear audio plugs, and there is a mounted auxiliary input for MP3 players, including iPods, in the glovebox. The rear-seat entertainment package offers two screens and two sources, which are mounted into the front-seat head restraints. There is a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and the front seats are heated and powered with eight-way movement.

Many pundits call the Porsche Cayman models Boxsters with a hardtop. The Cayman (no "S") mid-engine coupe goes from zero to 60 mph in approximately six seconds and has a top track speed of 160 mph. With a bigger engine and an accompanying higher price tag, the Cayman S is a bit faster with its top track speed just over 170 mph, and the S package goes from zero to 60 mph in just a whisker over five seconds.

JL Staff

The JustLuxe Team strives to bring our members and readers the very best in luxury news and conversations. We love to hear your opinions and suggestions, but most of all, we love to interact with you. ...(Read More)