The M35x was beautiful on the inside, too. You can get it with textured aluminum or African rosewood trim. My test car had the rosewood; it was rich-looking and welcoming.

The front seats were firm-feeling with great support. Both front seats have 10-way power adjustments. Most cars pile all the adjustments and comfort only on the driver's seat, but not the M35x. The front seats were also heated and cooled, which was really cool (pun intended).

The rear seat was roomy and comfortable; I could easily fit between my children's car seats. The rear seats recline, and there's a retractable sunshade to keep the sun out of kids' eyes. You can opt to get climate and audio controls back there, too. I really appreciated the pass-thru to the trunk, which is handy for skis.

My test car included the Technology Package and the Advanced Technology Package. The packages added a Bose surround-sound system with 14 speakers, including a couple at shoulder level in the front seats that create a personal concert whenever the stereo is on, as well as a navigation system with a touch-screen, a Music Box hard drive for MP3 files, and an iPod interface.

You can also opt for the DVD player if you upgrade to the Premium Package. I was smitten with this, as sedans don't usually have DVD players. You get a roof-mounted screen and two sets of wireless headphones with this package, which means you don't have to listen to "Finding Nemo" for the 1,000th time. Another bonus: The DVD player sits in the center console between the front seats, so you don't have to climb in back to control it.

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample