A quartet of sport-lux SUVs tested where they will never tread again: on the racetrack

Motor Trend examines four big deal sport utilities, each with sporting aspirations, and some with actual sporting credentials, and flogs them in a pure performance environment. The $60,295 BMW X5 4.4i pulls up the rear with a strong V8 and sophisticated looks, but lackluster handling and a dated feel compared to the competition. Cadillac's $58,140 SRX V8 AWD likewise packs a hearty Northstar powerplant and some fancy magnetic shock absorbers, but its overall largeness and overstyled interior hold it back. The $53,835 Infiniti FX45's sedan-like handling combined with impressive brakes more than make up for its relatively cramped cabin and push the crossover into second. The winner of the comparo is Porsche's Cayenne S. The 340-hp V8 yields a distinct quickness, but nothing overwhelming on account of the 5300 pounds that need to be dragged around. What really pushes the Pepper into first is an impeccable chassis, an adjustable suspension that kills nearly all body roll, and brakes that will not quit. The Cayenne most expensive in the test by about $8,000 at $68,760, but it's apparently worth it.