10 Best Cars

If Gallup were to poll our staff about the best-riding car in the world, the BMW 5-series would win hands down. That may seem surprising given BMW's high-performance orientation, but the Bavarian firm's suspensions have become very well rounded of late. They somehow manage to envelop and smother bumps large and small while simultaneously controlling body motions tightly at high speed.

This high-speed tautness comes in handy because the mid-size BMW moves smartly, whether motivated by the silky 190-hp, 2.8-liter six or the equally velvety 282-hp, 4.4-liter V-8. And both versions are available with manual gearboxes -- the only offerings in this price class with that sporting option.

The 5-series is a high-end sedan, so it comes with a roomy cabin, beautifully stitched upholstery, and a full complement of luxury and safety features ranging from a heated steering wheel to head airbags to an excellent navigation system. We expect nothing less from one of our favorite luxury sedans.

Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

Base price: $39,713-$56,512

Engine type:

• DOHC 24-valve 2.8-liter 6-in-line
• DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V-8