BY THE NUMBERS
Audi A4 Avant Quattro
As-tested price: $40,530
Engine: 220-hp dohc V6
0-60mph: 7.8 seconds
EPA fuel economy (ciy/ highway): 17 city/ 25 highway
EPA emissions rating*: 7
Cargo room (in diaper bags): 40.0
PopSci Power Rating**: 16.91
BMW 325ix
As-tested price: $36,140
Engine: 184-hp dohc inline 6
0-60mph: 9.0 seconds
EPA fuel economy (ciy/ highway): 18 city/ 25 highway
EPA emissions rating*: 6
Cargo room (in diaper bags): 39.0
PopSci Power Rating**: 20.73
Lexus IS300 SportCross
As-tested price: $38,474
Engine: 215-hp dohc inline 6
0-60mph: 7.4 seconds
EPA fuel economy (ciy/ highway): 18 city/ 25 highway
EPA emissions rating*: 6
Cargo room (in diaper bags): 31.0
PopSci Power Rating**: 15.64
Mercedes C320
As-tested price: $44,860
Engine: 215-hp sohc V6
0-60mph: 7.0 seconds
EPA fuel economy (ciy/ highway): 19 city/ 25 highway
EPA emissions rating*: 6
Cargo room (in diaper bags): 36.0
PopSci Power Rating**: 15.81
* www.epa.gov/greenvehicles; vehicles scored 1 to 10 (best)
** Weight divided by torque; lower is better
Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.


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