This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

The S80 line keeps losing sales ground, down 31.6 percent year-to-year in first nine months of 2001 after a 13-percent slip in calendar 2000. Though this might imply some heavy remedial redesigning, sources say only a minor facelift is in the offing, probably for 2003.

Meanwhile, Volvo will soon market a new premium crossover SUV called XC90. Specifics weren't available for this report, but XC90 is apparently based on the S80 platform, judging by the transverse-mounted engines and overall size that looks to be BMW X5/Mercedes-Benz M-Class territory. Engines are rumored to be inline 5- and 6-cyl units, both turbocharged and probably Volvo's own. They'll likely mate to 5-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, though the latter may lack low-range gearing. Volvo does confirm 3-row seating for up to seven, but a five-passenger package may be standard. The company also touts advanced rollover protection features and car-friendly collision characteristics for the XC90, which looks rather like a muscle-bound V70 XC wagon in early press photos.

We'll know most everything about Volvo's latest very soon, so keep checking back with us. The formal unveiling comes in January 2002 at Detroit's North American International Auto Show.