Here’s a secret you may not know: Men like cars that are comfortable, women like cars that are fun to drive, and both sexes like to save money. Is your mind blown? Well, it’s true, and gender norms are no longer the indicators that they once were when it comes to who’s going to buy what car. These days, there are plenty of cars that combine excitement with practicality at a reasonable price, and we’ve assembled a list of the Top 10 Real-Life Manly-Man Cars Women Love, Too that you can find on dealer lots right now.
1. Audi S6
We’ve already documented the many virtues of the 2013 Audi S6, a scorching luxury saloon that somehow blasts its way to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The S6 brings 420 horsepower and quattro all-wheel drive together to create one of the best blends of performance and utility the world has ever seen. On the other side of the coin, the interior boasts trademark Audi comfort and luxury; so whether you need to unwind or attack a windy road, the S6 can put a smile on your face and keep the little ones sound asleep behind you.
2. BMW M5
The S6 is indeed a great car, but the M5 is the original performance sedan, and BMW comes correct once again with the newest iteration of an icon. This time around, a potent 560-horsepower V8 engine provides the grunt work while the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers a smooth automatic or dynamic manual mode. Power is surely important, but the M5 sets itself apart with unmatched throttle response, steering precision and driving excitement.
3. Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Fortune favors the bold, which is great, because there is absolutely nothing subtle about the CTS-V Coupe. Its angular design is a constant threat to give onlookers whiplash, and the sound from the 556-horsepower V8 is an American triumph. Cadillac wanted to make the CTS-V Coupe capable on demanding turns, as well, and outfitted it with their heralded Magnetic Ride Control for a smooth drive that is truly befitting the “Standard of the World” motto.
4. Chrysler 300 SRT8
Want to make a million-dollar arrival in a sub-$50k car? Feast your eyes on the 300 SRT8, which is like fitting a blockbuster Hollywood star into a perfectly tailored tuxedo, but without any trace of pretension. And probably some stubble, because the 300 SRT8 dresses up, but it surely doesn’t sell out. It also has heart – a 6.4L one, to be precise, delivering 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque. Perfect for attending the black-tie silent auction, and actually enjoying yourself on the drive home.
5. Ford Shelby GT500
It’s common knowledge that men want to drive muscle cars because, at least to some extent, they’ll attract women. But the 662-horsepower V8 in the Shelby GT500 is enough to make men the thirsty ones here. No matter who you are, we can all appreciate that this is the most civilized GT500 ever made, easier to drive and easier on the environment with its (relatively) impressive 15/24 mpg rating.
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Perhaps you need a little bit more room than a sedan or sports car has to offer. That’s understandable, and you’ll find it in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which uses the same 6.4L V8 as the 300 but rides on 20-inch wheels and can easily bring the family boat out for a day on the lake. Another handsome offering from Chrysler, the Cherokee SRT8 has unmistakable swagger that doesn’t care about its looks just enough to look really good. Say hello to a leather interior and power lift-gate for the best combination of luxury and utility on this list, which is no small feat.
7. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Think of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport as the refined, track star cousin of the Cherokee SRT8. The Range Rover brings a little something extra to the comfort category, which higher quality materials and a six-speed automatic transmission as opposed to the five-speed in the Cherokee SRT8. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch, because a supercharged 5.0L V8 with 510 horsepower is nothing to sneeze at. This may not be the car for your off-road club, but that’s just as well, because it can handle high-speed turns with the poise of much smaller vehicles and keep comfortable as ever in the process.
8. Lexus IS F
Lexus is well aware of all those “beige” jokes you’ve been making for the past few years, and lest you forget who made the LFA, created a new version of their pavement-pounding IS F to whet your appetite for smoky tires. Lexus has squeezed 416 horsepower from the 5.0L V8, and mated it to an eight-speed semi-automatic transmission that pairs perfectly with a healthy dose of leather inside. We’ll admit the looks are a bit dated, but soon this will be replaced with the current Lexus spindle grille and you’ll have an M3-fighting luxury sedan that commands respect and grip on the road.
9. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Fall into the leather-and-suede seats as the legendary 6.3L AMG V8 whisks you away to 60 mph in under four seconds. That may sound like a hyperbolic travel brochure, but nothing is out of reach in the new C63 AMG. So yes, you heard me right: for around $60k you can own the finest in German engineering with a backseat, trunk and blistering lap times. After all, who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned Benz? Quiet, Bavarians.
10. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
No one has ever accused a Porsche of being reserved, but if one is understated, it’s the all-wheel drive 4S. The elegant sports car has a truly distinguished look, with subtle design cues that set it apart from its other Carrera cousins, and belie the increased power. Plus you get the glorious PDK transmission that pre-emptively selects the next gear for seamless shifts. This is the buttoned-up Porsche, but with 400 horsepower from a 3.8L inline-6, nothing will stop you from rolling up the sleeves. It is a Porsche, after all.
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