1st Place
Mercedes R500

Mercedes throws definitions out the window and builds the right vehicle for those with a fat income. It's a daring experiment that results in a premium vehicle that could change the way people examine their needs.

7-Speed Automatic
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
339 lb-ft @ 2700 rpm
0-60 - 6.5
0-100 - 17.7
passing 45-65 - 3.5
1/4 mile 14.9 sec @ 92 mph
braking 100-0 - 363 feet
braking 60-0 - 126 feet
600 ft slalom - 57.5 avg
lateral acceleration .78g
figure eight - 28.2 sec @ .60g avg
base price $56,275
price as tested $70,770

2nd Place
Volvo XC90 V8

Sticking to the program, Volvo has done a terrific job of making a seven-passenger SUV work in more ways than many others have thus far. If you go off-road, your family can do so safely and in comfort. The XC90 also offers the best value message maong this trio.

6-Speed Automatic
311 hp @ 5850 rpm
325 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
0-60 - 7.0
0-100 - 18.1
passing 45-65 - 3.4
1/4 mile 15.4 sec @ 92.4 mph
braking 100-0 - 372 feet
braking 60-0 - 129 feet
600 ft slalom - 58.2 avg
lateral acceleration .77g
figure eight - 28.3 sec @ .60g avg
base price $46,535
price as tested $49,840

3rd Place
Cadillac SRX V8 AWD

Cadillac takes the wagon theme to new heights of premium performance but comes up short for seven passengers. Skip the third-row option.

5-Speed Automatic
320 hp @ 6400 rpm
315 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
0-60 - 7.4
0-100 - 18.9
passing 45-65 - 3.7
1/4 mile 15.6 sec @ 91.1 mph
braking 100-0 - 352 feet
braking 60-0 - 124 feet
600 ft slalom - 60.9 avg
lateral acceleration .80g
figure eight - 28.3 sec @ .61g avg
base price $49,895
price as tested $56,590