Hybrid Luxury

Driving with luxury, style, and fuel efficiency has never been so easy. While the Toyota Prius has long been the standard for hybrid vehicles, it is no longer the only ride in town. The Lexus HS 250h, their hybrid sedan, combines the best of hybrid fuel efficiency and luxurious comfort. Features While many new vehicles these days come with bells and whistles enough to make even the longest drives comfortable and enjoyable, the Lexus HS 250h goes above and beyond. A few of the of the most appealing features of just the standard model of this vehicle are:

• 30% of trunk and interior trim uses sustainable plastics
• Bluetooth system with voice control phone
• Automatic climate control for two zones
• Automatically switching off headlights
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• UV reducing glass for all windows
• 10 color options for exterior trim
• 6 disc CD changer
• Moonroof
• USB connection for MP3 player
• State of the art safety features

The Cutting Edge While we green connoisseurs certainly understand the importance of both luxury and the environment, sometimes government agencies catch on, too. After the initiation of such programs as Cash for Clunkers, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have decided to take further steps towards decreasing the American impact on the environment. Their recent proposal, aimed at the years 2012-2016, would require car manufactures to produce a fleet of vehicles that would have fuel efficiency of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. Congress has already put a goal of 35 mpg by 2020 in place, so these new proposals would surpass Congress’s goal 4 years earlier. These measures are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 950 million metric tons, as well as save 1.8 billion barrels of oil. The punch line of all of these projections and legislation is that the 2010 Lexus HS 250h is already getting 35 mpg. To put this into perspective, the comparably sized and only slightly cheaper Acura TSX only gets at average of 23.6 miles per gallon. Six years ahead of schedule, the Lexus is certainly on the cutting edge of luxury vehicles. The Next Step If you are looking for a luxury vehicle without the typical environmental impact, think about the Lexus HS 250h. It’s a comfortable and worthwhile investment. While the price tag is initially a bit steeper than the competition, the fuel efficiency will make up for this difference within a few years, leaving the Lexus HS 250h a competitive, luxurious, green alternative. Photo Credit: HybridCars.com

BMW Eco-Credit Makes Green Luxury More Affordable

Diesel luxury driving is seeing a new eco side that is improving fuel efficiency while minimizing emissions.  The sleek and powerful Mercedes BlueTEC series has given SUV lovers a sense of green hope.  Now BMW is joining the ranks with the diesel sipping, ultra clean 3-series - and a $4,500 eco credit brings affordability into the picture as well.

BMW 3-Series Enters US Roads with Style

BMW's diesel models have been available in Europe for more than 15 years.  The latest upgrades to the luxury 3-series sedans raise the bar on diesel motors, exceeding the stringent requirements of California and preparing for new standards in both Europe and the US.  BluePerformance diesel technology uses advanced turbocharging and fuel injection, along with exhaust filtering, to create a clean and efficient diesel vehicle that doesn't lack in performance or style.

The 335d sedan and the amazing BMW X5 both debuted as diesel alternatives late last year in the US.  Updated body styles, iDrive system improvements, brake energy regeneration, and automatic intake valves are only a few of the features found in the eco-friendly BMW models - and the cars perform as amazingly as they look, reaching 0-60 in 6.2 seconds with a (capped) top speed of about 155 mph.

Save Fuel and Cash

The BMW diesels aren't making huge waves in fuel efficiency, especially not compared to many electric and hybrid vehicles on the market, but boasts 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg highway - not bad for a luxury car!

Pricing on the models aren't too bad either - the 335d can be found for only about $2,500 more than the gasoline version (starting at $44,725), while the x5 is about $4,500 more than its gas counterpart.  

Tax credits and manufacturer incentives are making the BMW diesel line even more desirable.  Besides tax credits up to $1,800, BMW is also offering an eco-credit of $4,500 on both models.  With these incentives, the more fuel-efficient diesels are the best option for the planet and your pocket!

Source: Motor Authority