Swopping a sporty ride for a hybrid vehicle is probably the worst nightmare for a motoring enthusiast. Trading high “feel” performance for high fuel economy – even in the face of dwindling oil supplies – just isn’t what a devoted petrolhead would do.
The three petrol-electric, rear-wheel-drive saloons we’ve assembled here, however, aren’t run-of-the-mill “green” machines. Each one of them is a powerful hybrid capable of maximising your driving thrills while minimising fuel consumption and C02 emission.
Promising plenty of such thrills is the Infiniti M35h, one of the fastest hybrids in the world. Besides a muscular powertrain, the M35h also has an unusual exterior that doesn’t resemble anything else on local roads.
Looking just as unique as the M35h is its Japanese rival, the Lexus GS450h, which we test here in F Sport trim. In addition to its green credentials, the GS450h also offers an array of standard amenities to please “pilots” and passengers alike.
Keen to prove its clean-and-green mettle in this shoot-out is BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 (or AH5 for short). Based on the popular 5 Series saloon, the ActiveHybrid 5 banks on its cushy cabin, well-designed infotainment and classic Bimmer driveability.
Which of these three hybrids boasts the greenest yet keenest performance? Now that the “green” light has come on, let’s go and find out!
M35h – Coupe-like cockpit has the plushest seats but is the least practical for odds and ends, while the foot-operated parking brake is a hassle compared to the electronic device in the other two cars.
ACTIVEHYBRID 5 – Roomiest cockpit has the best headroom and clearest forward visibility. Nifty features include memory settings for the passenger seat and a more attractive head-up display than the one in the GS.
GS450h – Best build quality of the trio plus the best range of seat adjustment to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes. F Sport trim includes aluminium-finished pedals, unique to the Lexus in this test.
