TOP 5 LUXURY CARS
BENTLEY FLY|NG SPUR
THE GOOD: The definitive modern limo: eortless, but rewarding when you want to put some eort in
THE BAD: W12 is fast but short on soul; hybrid V6 a bit lame; go V8
THE UGLY: Air of feigned aristocracy
THE ONE TO BUY: V8 starts at £168k. Before options, which are limitless
RANGE ROVER
THE GOOD: Masterful and hugely desirable reinvention of an icon
THE BAD: Reliability remains a worry and the EV version is years away
THE UGLY: The D350 mild-hybrid straight-six diesel is sublime. Can you live with the guilt?
THE ONE TO BUY: The above (from £102k/£960pcm), though the V8 is fun
ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM
THE GOOD: Money-no-object pinnacle of serenity and craftsmanship
THE BAD: |s this really you? And is this really appropriate in 2023?
THE UGLY: Filthymoney associations
THE ONE TO BUY: |t’s ‘standard’ or long-wheelbase. Or the more aordable Ghost. From £380k, but all cars are built to order
MERCEDES S CLASS
THE GOOD: Techfest with timeless waftability. Few cars are more calming
THE BAD: Surprisingly unrefined petrol six; doesn’t ride as well as it should
THE UGLY: A dinosaur facing extinction
THE ONE TO BUY: Two petrols, two diesels and a hybrid. Base AMG Line trim is more than enough: go for that
PORSCHE PANAMERA
THE GOOD: A limo that’s been poured into a (big) coupe mould. Turns out it’s also great to drive
THE BAD: A limo that’s not roomy
THE UGLY: Shoots for sports car and saloon in one Porsche. Falls short of both, in truth
THE ONE TO BUY: Expansive range of saloon, quasi-estate Sport Turismo and many engines. Go for 4S, from £96k