Top Picks for The Boss

Whoever has the spot in the corner office (or cubicle) needs to look the part, especially when pulling into the company parking lot. We looked at sedans, SUVs and coupes, with preference toward those from luxury nameplates. From a list of our 2008 Best Bets and anything we've driven more recently, we reviewed dozens of cars. Considerations included luxury features, driving refinement, styling and prestige.

Best New Car for The Boss 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Starting MSRP $89,350 The S-Class takes the honor as the top car for bosses for the second year in a row, and there are a number of reasons why. For one, its elegant design hasn't gone out of style; no competitor even touches its bold fenders and Bentley-esque rear. Inside, the S-Class remains tops in terms of luxury features and styling. The leather is plush, the wood trim is stunning — even the buttons feel like they cost a fortune to make. Oh, and both the V-8 and V-12 engines move this large sedan like a hot knife cutting through the butter of the undeserving masses driving alongside it.

Best Deal for The Boss 2009 Hyundai Genesis Starting MSRP $32,250 Times are tough, but bosses can't give up luxury entirely, can they? The Genesis' levels of luxury, power and gas mileage are nothing short of astounding for the price — and the Hyundai badge might just stave off a revolt from the rank and file.

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BMW 6 Series (2009) Starting MSRP $77,700 Forget BMW's former characteristic feel — uncompromising seats, unwelcoming dashboards — because the 6 Series makes amends. It's a luxury coupe that's inviting on all fronts: A V-8 that sounds as good as it moves, a cabin that invites you in and the brand's best exterior styling yet. Oh, and take the intern out to see if he can master iDrive. If he can, you know he's a keeper. Research this car      Build this car

BMW X6 50i (2008) Starting MSRP $55,500 In its more powerful guise — we don't recommend the X6 35i — this new SUV from BMW is one bad-looking, fast-moving machine. Its turbo V-8 has the get-up-and-go of a muscle car, the handling of a sports sedan and a somewhat useful cargo area. It may not be the most practical SUV on the block, but its looks are completely imposing for bosses who want to make that kind of statement. Research this car      Build this car

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (2009) Starting MSRP $71,915 Hybrids aren't just about saving money or the environment; for some they're about showing off. What says "I'm the boss" better than a luxury vehicle? How about a hybrid luxury vehicle — a big one that sees a 50 percent improvement in city mileage, at 20 mpg. The pricier Lexus LS 600h says hybrid. This one shouts it. Research this car      Build this car

Infiniti M45 (2009) Starting MSRP $50,250 During trying economic times, even the boss needs a break. In sportiness and luxury, the M45 rivals the obvious choice — the BMW 5 Series — and delivers more power for the price, even with optional all-wheel drive in the M45x. It boasts reliability that's far above average, which is what you get with the BMW. Though its V-8 is more powerful, the BMW 550 doesn't offer AWD. Research this car      Build this car

Jaguar XF (2009) Starting MSRP $49,200 There's no better way to impress underlings than to drop them off in Jaguar's latest leather-liner. The A/C vents and automatic transmission dial — yes, dial — put on a motorized show every time you start the car, and things like the glove compartment and map lights work by simple touch. V-8 power is standard, so even if you bought the base model, no one has to know that. Research this car      Build this car

Land Rover Range Rover (2008) Starting MSRP $77,175 If wastefulness is opulence, the $77,175 Range Rover is the chariot to own. It gets 12 mpg on premium gas in the city, and whereas most upper-echelon luxury SUVs have three rows of seats, Land Rover only offers two. This SUV is about offroad capabilities and top-shelf cabin materials. Heck, the navigation system's guide voice even has a stuffy British accent. Turn right on Main? Seize the day? Done and done. Research this car      Build this car

Lexus LS 460 (2009) Starting MSRP $63,675 If you're the kind of boss who demands precision and attention to detail from your employees, the LS 460 might be your kind of car. Lexus has created an exceptional full-size luxury sedan in the LS 460, which features a finely crafted interior, impressive V-8 performance and available high-tech features, like a self-parking system. It might even exceed your standards. Research this car      Build this car

Volvo S80 (2009) Starting MSRP $39,600 Last year's value winner is still a top choice for the boss with a sensible streak. Its looks, however, make it seem almost homely compared to the competition. The best of its three engine options is the turbocharged six-cylinder, but all three cost thousands less than similar models from Germany. Thousands of dollars may make the S80 a bit better-looking. Research this car      Build this car