Overview: The Model S dispels conventional thinking about EVs, with a handsome interior and excellent driving dynamics—it’s a glimpse of the future, which earns it a 10Best award. Two rear-drive versions each offer 380 hp; the 60-kWh battery has a range of 208 miles, while the 85-kWh has a range of 265. With dual motors and all-wheel drive, the 85D has 376 hp and 270 miles (est) of range. The P85D boasts 691 hp, 253 miles (est) of range, and can hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds; going green just got faster!
Of all the Mercedes-Benz models that could be accused of being born with a silver spoon in its mouth, the SL arguably tops the list. Unlike many grand-touring cars, the Mercedes SL has never been forced to compromise its blue-blood personal-luxury/sport ideals with feigned attempts at practicality to please executives or attract buyers. It has, more or less, remained an unapologetic take-it-or-leave-it proposition since it debuted nearly six decades ago, and the 2013 SL550 does nothing to alter its course. Cool, Quiet Confidence Every move the 2013 SL550 makes is steeped in a competent, laid-back confidence; pin the throttle, and the car takes a moment to gather itself, as if saying to the driver, “Okay, dude, you ready? This is gonna be pretty awesome.” And with that, the seven-speed automatic downshifts, the twin turbos gorge themselves on air, and the whole shebang takes off, pulling hard to an observed 159-mph top speed (Mercedes claims an electronically limited 155). Life in th...