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5 luxury green cars that sacrifice nothing but fuel bills

February 2, 2012

Surprisingly, among all the hybrid hype and green-technology chatter, hybrid vehicle sales actually fell slightly in 2011. Despite this fact, manufacturers continue to expand clean, fuel-efficient offerings across all segments to meet the needs of more buyers. Luxury-car fans are one group reaping the benefits: Here are five luxury green cars that will impress you not only with their satisfying performance and sumptuous interiors, but also with their conservative fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

1

2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid uses the same hybrid system as the related Ford Fusion hybrid; the Lincoln is capable of achieving up to 41 mpg and driving 700 miles on one tank of gas.

The current hybrid MKZis able to operate using electric power only, gasoline power only or a combination of the two. When the brakes are applied, energy from braking is stored and used to recharge the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.

No clues yet as to whether the redesigned 2013 Lincoln MKZ will continue to use the same hybrid system as the 2012 model, but a Lincoln communications representative confirmed, "Lincoln will remain in the hybrid business."

Miles per gallon: 41 city / 36 hwy
Price: $34,755
2

2012 BMW 335d

BMW had considered offering a hybrid, but, according to chief executive Norbert Reithofer, "We realized that with the additional weight of a hybrid battery, the miles per gallon is not as good as we thought. We think the better solution at the moment is diesel." The BMW 335d diesel delivers a complete helping of BMW style and performance--and 36 mpg.

Miles per gallon: 23 city / 36 hwy
Price: $44,150
3

2012 Lexus CT 200h

The CT 200h is Lexus’s fifth hybrid offering--the most of any luxury automobile nameplate--and it boasts a combined city-highway mileage of 42 mpg. It is Lexus’s least expensive hybrid and shares its components with its Lexus HS 250h brother and the Toyota Prius.

This four-door hatchback has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a pair of electric motors that make a total of 134 hp. Three drive modes--normal, eco and EV--allow drivers to customize both the drive feel and fuel economy of the 200h. Eco mode moderates the climate-control system for improved efficiency, while EV mode allows the car to run on electric power alone for short periods at low speeds.

Miles per gallon: 43 city / 40 hwy
Price: $29,120
4

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

The all-wheel-drive Infiniti M hybrid sedan has a lithium-ion battery that provides more power for its size than older nickel-metal-hydride batteries found in some other hybrids.

On the safety front, the M-hybrid’s Lane Departure Prevention system senses when the driver is going out of the lane, sounds a warning to let the driver know, gently applies the brakes and guides the car back into the lane.

You still want performance? The Infiniti M also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest-accelerating hybrid.

Miles per gallon: 27 city / 32 hwy

Price: $47,700
5

2012 Fisker Karma

The exotic Fisker Karma, produced by California-based Fisker Automotive, is a stunning mix of sports-car style and performance, luxury appointments, and green technology. The Karma is a luxury hybrid that has a four-cylinder gas-powered engine combined with a lithium-ion battery system and an electric motor.

The Karma boasts an extended range of 300 miles, and the company claims 100 mpg is achievable. What really gets exciting is 403 hp created by coupling the electric motor and gasoline engine--0 to 60 mph is possible in a mere 6.3 seconds. The Karma driver can also select one of two driving modes: the all-electric stealth mode or fuel-assisted sport mode.

Miles per gallon: Up to 100
Price: $96,000