08 Jan 09
4. Lexus LS
The flagship of the Lexus brand, the long-running LS is large, lavishly-equipped and the very definition of luxurious. It's never been the sportiest drive, but it is gorgeously quiet and refined.
The hybrid LS 600h is the one to go for: it combines a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine with an electric motor and batteries, and while its fuel consumption and emissions are still higher than that of many a big diesel-engined barge, it is cleaner and more frugal than comparably-sized super-saloons, doing 30.4mpg and emitting 219g/km of carbon dioxide. It'll slip into tax band F, and it's also exempt from the London congestion charge.
Despite the high profile of hybrids, there are savings to be had when buying the LS 600h - independent brokers are cutting more than £5000 off list price.
5. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Hold the Maybach and stick with the Merc. The W221-series is still a standard-setter and for its size it's surprisingly agile and engaging to drive. Active cruise control and a pre-crash sensing system form just part of an armoury of safety aids and the air suspension with adaptive dampers gives an excellent ride.
The only choice available right now is the S320 CDI, of course: 34mpg, 220g/km and Band F tax, and good residual (resale) values make it a reasonably bank-balance-friendly buy. However, list prices start from - gasp! - £56,000, but independent brokers can get £10,000 off.
The discounts should get larger in the run-up to the launch of the facelifted S_Class next spring. The revised range will include the S400 BlueHybrid, good for 35.8mpg and 190g/km and worth hanging on for if you don't fancy a diesel.
