Due to arrive in the spring of 2010, BMW’s ActiveHybrid 7 is a “mild” hybrid that delivers an average 2.0 L/100 km improvement in fuel economy over the BMW 750Li “with virtually no trade-offs”, reports contributor Brian Early.

“Smaller, leaner, and more efficient,” the new Cadillac SRX now shares its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “It’s a much better fit with key import competitors,” he says.

The 2010 911 Turbo features an all-new 3.8-litre bi-turbo direct injection flat-six that makes 500 horsepower, 20 more than its predecessor, reports contributor, Peter Bleakney. “It shaves 10 seconds off the previous car’s Nurburgring lap time,” he says.

The 2009 BMW 750i offers a “potent combination of luxury, convenience and performance in a much more attractive wrapper,” says contributor Russell Purcell. But it’s the 750i’s new safety technologies that most impressed him.

Equipped with an aftermarket body kit and 19-inch BBS alloys and Pirelli P Zeros available from Audi’s Accessory catalogue, reviewer Peter Bleakney’s A4 Avant 2.0T Sport “regularly pegged the needle on the gawk-o-meter” during his week behind the wheel.

Less sporty than its rivals, the Lexus IS350C has a “suspension tuned for comfort,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. Its retractable hardtop folds down in just 20 seconds, however there’s not much space left in the trunk.

While the new Lexus HS250h entry-level luxury sedan is technologically-advanced and “ticks off all the ecologically-friendly check-marks”, Editor-in-chief Greg Wilson wonders if it offers enough “style and refinement” to lure buyers away from non-hybrid luxury cars.

The redesigned 2010 Lexus RX 450h is more powerful than its predecessor, but returns better fuel mileage, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who finds it comfortable and elegant. It “nails the definition of a luxury hybrid SUV,” she says.

Unlike Lexus’ “full” hybrid system, Mercedes-Benz uses the simpler “mild” hybrid system, reports contributor Peter Bleakney, who averaged 8.3 L/100 km on the highway and 11.5 L/100 km in urban driving, “impressive for a swift, 2109 kg luxury sedan.”

A vehicle for the "passionate getaway," the new Acura ZDX is a four-door luxury vehicle with coupe-like styling that’s targeted at couples, empty nesters, and singles-on-the-go, says Senior Editor, Paul Williams. It goes on sale this December.

The second generation LaCrosse (formerly Allure) is a completely new car jointly designed by GM’s European, North American and Chinese subsidiaries, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase. It offers notably improved handling but the base V6 engine seems underpowered, he says.

With room for four adults and a rear hatch for easy access to its roomy cargo area, the 2010 Porsche Panamera “brings four-door sedan practicality to a brand known almost exclusively for high-performance sports cars,” says Senior Editor, Paul Williams.

The Brabus package adds an extra hit of style, greatly improved handling and $3,650 to the bottom line of the Smart Fortwo, reports contributor Peter Bleakney. “The Brabus Fortwo is actually fun to toss into the corners,” he says.

On a 2,600-kilometre drive from Vancouver to Winnipeg, author Michael Clark was impressed with the Boxster PDK’s easy-to-use steering wheel shifters, fast-opening three-layer power ragtop, nifty flip-top door storage pockets, and dual trunks, but didn’t like its dash-mounted swing-out cupholders.

The new Audi Q5 offers more utility to buyers who still want to enjoy a “premium sport” driving experience, says contributor Bob McHugh. Based on the Audi A4 platform, the Q5 is “versatile” and “surprisingly frugal”, he says.

Accelerating from zero to 100 K in 4.3 seconds, the DBS Volante’s six-litre V12 roars “like the hammers of hell” but when cruising unhurriedly “it’s a pussy cat”, says contributor Tony Whitney.

Priced $20,000 below the Lexus GS450h, the all-new Lexus HS250h “will appeal to a new category of entry luxury buyers...who want a comparatively affordable luxury car with a modern and proven hybrid drivetrain,” reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams.

The hybrid technology in the new Lexus HS250h is borrowed from the third-generation Prius and Camry Hybrid, reports contributor Haney Louka. Though “it doesn’t actually possess any new hybrid technology... it sits at the forefront of mass-production hybrid technology.”

Freshened styling, a new interior, a new transmission and more safety features highlight the changes to Lincoln’s entry-level luxury sedan for 2010, but are they enough to lure buyers away from the MKZ’s formidable competitors, asks Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson?

Acura’s top model, the V6-powered front-wheel drive RL luxury sedan, has been pretty reliable over the years, but “routine maintenance and repairs on older examples can be expensive, as with many luxury cars,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.