Unlike some of our larger comparison tests that might involve as many as eight to 10 vehicles, creating a larger disparity between the winner and last place, this test left us with the impression that driving any one of these cars on a full-time basis would be a pleasurable experience that's not likely to leave you eyeing the others with envy.

There's no doubt that the BMW ran away with first place. It's hard not to love a car that does so many things right on so many different levels. It's got the looks, the engine, the handling, the brakes, the interior — it's all there.

Looking further down the list, the other three cars were separated by only three measly points. Deciding between those three comes down to deciding what you really want in your luxury coupe.

If money is a factor, you can't go wrong with the Acura. For $32,000, the Type S is the best luxury coupe on the market hands down. It lacks some of the refinement of the Europeans, but you'll also be lacking those extra months of car payments, which should help ease the pain.

Like we said before, the Volvo is a car for those who like an occasional romp through the hills, but whose day-to-day driving leans toward more sedate maneuvers. The beautifully crafted interior is comfortable and functional, and the powerful engine is quiet and unobtrusive while delivering plenty of thrust for safe passing and merging.

If money is no object, there's certainly a case to be made for the Mercedes. It has the rock-solid feel and impeccable quality you would expect from a Benz in addition to a thundering V8 and athletic chassis. It's every bit as good looking as the BMW, and nearly as much fun, not to mention that added level of panache that goes along with arriving in a car with the three-pointed star on the hood.