Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007

Wagon Over $40,000

Winner: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class' outstanding driving dynamics, newly added PreSafe active safety system (from the S-Class) and a multitude of luxury attributes make it the superior luxury wagon for 2007, as it was in 2006. Among the entry-level E350's standard features are a 3.5-liter 24-valve 268-horsepower V6, five-speed automanual transmission, 4Matic all-wheel drive, seven-passenger capacity, sunroof, a power liftgate and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system. If an additional $30K is burning a hole in your pocket, the ultradesirable rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (formerly E55 AMG) features an all-new 6.3-liter 507-hp V8 developed specifically by AMG engineers, seven-speed shiftable automatic transmission, upgraded brakes, sport-tuned Airmatic suspension and optional Distronic adaptive cruise control. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is power, luxury and a great ride rolled up into one distinguished package.

Honorable Mention: 2007 BMW 5 Series

Gratifyingly capable, the 2007 BMW 530xi sport wagon's characteristic ride and handling dynamics, standard-setting technology and top-of-the-line build quality earned it our Honorable Mention. An exemplary exercise in balance, the all-wheel-drive 530xi comes standard with a 3.0-liter 24-valve 255-horsepower six-cylinder engine and a host of electronic systems — all seamless — that keep the car firmly in the driver's control. The 530xi comes standard with BMW's Head Protection System (HPS) and BMW Assist with Bluetooth. Of course, the engineers at BMW also designed optional goodies any tech lover would want, including high-definition radio, park distance control and a night-vision system. While loading up a 5 Series would make an already expensive wagon even more so, it's hard not to want to put the icing on this cake.