Pride of Luxury: Getting what you want has never been so rich (auto)

Pride flows through all facets of our lives. Being a gearhead, I started to think about the pride of ownership and the vehicles we aspire to own. Not all of us want a luxury car, but then luxury isn’t the same to every person anyway. So let’s look at the pride of some of the top auto manufactures: BMW, Lexus and Mercedes and Land Rover.

2013 BMW M6

If you like raw power, luxury features and a design that just screams “sex,” look no further than this Sakhir Orange Metallic coupe. With 560-hp coming from the TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8, the only thing you can’t outrun is the speeding ticket. With the traction and vehicle stability control systems the M6 is driveable, but lay into the throttle too hard at the wrong time and it will let you know. Fast is an understatement when 0-60 mph comes in about 4.1 seconds (a little less here at altitude). From the outside the full LED lights and 20 inch M light alloy wheels will really say you have arrived. But is it drivable daily? Sure, if you like a two–seater (because the backseat is unsuitable for most passengers) and don’t mind keeping your right foot in check. This is a car you can take pride in owning and says you have a passion for the wild side, but it’s really best as a weekend treat. Price as Tested: $123,345

2013 Lexus LS460

This is a flagship sedan intended to be large, comfortable and powerful. The 2013 LS460 sports the redesigned front appearance with the signature Lexus spindle grille. At the top of the range, the LS460 can be optioned up to limousine levels of luxury with reclining rear seats, beverage cooler, massaging seats and more. Our test vehicle (actually a pre–production version) was a little more modest, the package the average LS460 customer would select. This includes the comfort package with heated and cooled front memory seats, adaptive cruise control, power one–touch opening and closing rear trunk and rear sunshade. It has navigation utilizing the 12.3 inch color screen in the dash, and with the upgraded Mark Levinson sounds system everything from Vivaldi to Pitbull come through with clarity and richness. Comfort is what this car is meant for, so it is quick on the straights powered by the 4.6-liter V8, but this isn’t a car for the curves – it is more at home heading to dinner and the theater. I would have liked to see additional standard features for its more than $80K price tag, for example auto–start. That said, you can’t beat the quiet ride and smooth suspension. Price as tested: $82,279

Mercedes-Benz GLK350

Mercedes is definitely a brand that carries some cache. The GLK350 is a nice vehicle to look at. It has chrome accents, a slightly edgy look that is on the boxier side and engineering you would expect from a German manufacturer. What is more is that you can step into one of these for a Base MSRP of $37,090 (without delivery). That buys you all the looks and performance of the GLK350 including the 3.5-liter 302-hp V6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission and ECO Stop/Start. The ECO Stop/Start is pretty cool on a vehicle of this price level and allows the GLK350 Crossover to achieve an EPA estimate 19 mpg in the city. Having it turn off at a light does take some getting used to, but it’s the way of the future. Price as tested: $53,545

2013 Lexus RX450h

If you are looking for a Crossover with the environmental sentiments of a hybrid and the refinement associated with luxury, the RX450h hard to ignore. Its testament to hybrid technology is the 30 mpg city it can achieve while still having the power on tap to take you 0-60 in 7.4 seconds – only 0.9 seconds slower than the Mercedes GLK350. Since this is a Lexus they put a lot of emphasis on a quiet and comfortable cabin, a real plus in the urban environment. The best part of this RX450h is the dual–screen rear seat entertainment package that allows your passengers to watch their favorite movie or listen to their music through wireless headphones while the driver listens to something totally different. Another benefit is the On–Demand All-Wheel Drive featuring electric motors powering both front and rear wheels. My only gripe really is the heavy steering. Price as tested: $64,339

2013 Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport is no stranger to the Big Toys column; I wanted to include it because it really represents one of the most comfortable SUVs I’ve driven. The seats are impeccable from the power adjustable bolsters to the support in the seat bottoms. The seats, a captain chair style in the front, are the perfect combination of height, support and materials. The Range Rover Sport also has a wonderful sound and good power coming from the Jaguar developed 5.0-Liter 375-hp V8 engine. Gas mileage won’t be a conversation piece at 15 mpg combined, but then again you will be able to get anywhere with the multifunction Terrain Response® System. As for reliability, J.D. Powers rates the powertrain mechanics in their Power Circle Rating™ at a 3 and powertrain design at a 4 – an improvement from the early 2000s. Price as tested: $68,235