Six winter-ready luxury vehicles under $50,000

We’re in the thick of winter right now, which is actually the perfect time to get behind the wheel of a luxury automobile. Today’s models  — whether sporty sedans or capable crossovers — are full of bells and whistles designed to keep drivers safe and, importantly, looking stylish at the same time. OpenRoad has come up with a list of six of the latest feature-packed examples under $50,000.

6. 2016 Range Rover Evoque ($49,990)

This British import features Terrain Response, which senses the driving environment and optimizes performance on a variety of road surfaces from mud, snow, ice, sand and wherever else your cold-weather adventures take you.

5. 2016 BMW X3 ($44,650)

With a natural rear-wheel bias that shifts power forward when things get slippery, the X3 retains a fun-to-drive characteristic that BMW is known for.

4. 2016 Audi Q5 ($42,600)

Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to the Audi Q5. Each individual occupant can tailor their temperature preferences using the tri-zone automatic climate control — even the passengers in the back.

3. 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport ($41,790)

Confronted by an ominous downhill slope after leaving the ski lodge? It’s no problem in Land Rover’s premium compact SUV. Equipped with hill descent control, the Discovery Sport can optionally take over braking duties in a decline situation, allowing you to concentrate on steering.

2. 2016 Lexus IS 300 ($41,700)

The eight-speed sport transmission in the IS 300 has a driving mode selector with a “Snow” mode, increasing traction and responsiveness in inclement weather conditions when switched on.

1.  Infiniti QX50 ($37,900)

Blind spots are not in the QX50’s vocabulary. Using four exterior cameras, the Infiniti Around View Monitor provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle making everything from parking to changing lanes much easier and less hazardous.