Overview: With a sleek, fastback body, aggressive styling modifications, and gorgeous 20-inch wheels, the A7-based RS7 could get by on looks alone. As an RS model, however, that’s not necessary, packing as it does a spectacular twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 making 560 hp, a performance-tuned eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, a lowered suspension, and a 174-mph top speed. Its six-figure price tag is none too cheap, but the RS7 is as close as it gets to an R8 supercar with four doors and a hatch.
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...