10. Aston Martin DBX 707
The 707 treatment brings much-needed excitement and flare to the Aston Martin DBX. It takes a solid base and improves it with tremendous speed and performance. However, what impressed us most was how exciting the 707 is to hustle up a twisty back road. While its 697-horsepower AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 grabs all the headlines, this DBX’s suspension and the calibration of its all-wheel drive allow for a bit of tail-happiness when you want it and exceptional grip when you don’t. Combine a lively chassis with a high-strung V8 and surprising road feedback, and you get one of the most thrilling SUVs on sale.
9. Maserati MC20 Cielo
Although we tested its coupe counterpart last year, it’s the Maserati MC20 Cielo and its retractable hardtop that managed to secure a top spot on this year’s list. The Cielo loses none of the coupe’s speed or agility but adds an extra dimension to its driving experience with its top-down. While its twin-turbo V6 isn’t the most exotic-sounding powerplant in the segment, it’s powerful and surprisingly responsive, all while generating excellent turbo spooling noises. However, without a doubt, what kept us thinking about the Cielo is its styling. As far as modern supercars go, its uncomplicated, elegant, and stunning.
8. Lotus Emira
The Lotus Emira earned its spot on the list by reminding us what a sports car should be. While its competitors grow larger, heavier, and more tech-filled than ever, the Emira offers all the creature comforts you’d ever want in a package that still feels genuinely light. Hustling it around at practically any speed is a thrill. Close gear ratios mean you’re constantly upshifting and downshifting as you try to keep the revs high. It’s a sports car in the traditional sense and one we’d have over some competitors that can cost up to twice as much.
7. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
To date, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the most capable performance SUV we’ve tested. It’s not just quick in a straight line but genuinely athletic in the bends. It tackles a back road like no SUV should be able to, yet still manages to double as a cozy commuter. It received a facelift and a power bump up to 650 hp with the 2024 model year car’s arrival, making it one of the best all-rounders currently on sale.
6. BMW M3 CS
Drawing inspiration from the M4 CSL, the M3 CS pushes this sporty sedan’s persona closer to that of a dedicated track toy. It’s lighter, firmer, and more powerful, making it feel far more exciting than its standard production counterpart. Although arguably too stiff to drive daily, the CS brings forth the persona we’d always hoped the M3 Competition would offer. As the carmaker’s products become more refined with each new generation, the CS reminds us that BMW can still build a raw and thrilling four-door.
