Chalk it up to a certain amount of returning sensibility or just to the cache of automotive "recessionistas," but economical luxury cars are all the rage amongst those who can afford them. High technology and increases in efficiency are the keywords for this segment, but downsizing and weight reduction are factors as well.
Lexus 450H Hybrid
Newly updated for the 2010 model year, the 450H is possibly the most economical luxury car around, with EPA ratings of 22 City and 28 highway. This is especially impressive, considering that the 450H is really more of a crossover SUV than a car and carries a hefty weight penalty when compared with smaller cars.
Part of the 450H's mastery of mileage has to do with its efficient continuously variable transmission, but fair due must be paid to its hybrid system. Though the electric motor's 27 horsepower put out less torque than the company's own Prius, it is enough to motivate this big economy car to putter around town with minimal fuel. The Lexus' laudable 275-horse V6 provides reasonable acceleration, but in no way qualifies it as a performance vehicle of any kind.
Mercedes S400H
Though lacking the all-out performance of its Lexus LS600HL rival, the M-B more than makes up for its lack of acceleration with fantastic mileage. Though it is only EPA rated at 19/26, real world testing puts it at something closer to 23/33. Of course, being a hybrid, these numbers can change greatly with driving style, but it's nice to see a car that outperforms its ratings.
The M-B uses a slightly under-powered Atkinson-cycle 275-horse V6, but the electric motor adds around 100 horsepower to the party. Of course, the 400H uses the already excellent S-Class as a starting point, so ride is smooth and amenities plenty. If the S-Class isn't your cup of tea, wait until next year; Mercedes says its elegant hybrid system is versatile enough that soon all cars in its lineup will carry it as an option.
BMW 528i
Using all the same components gadgetry as every other 5 Series car, the 528i sits as this model's economy offering. Of course, "economy" is a relative term when discussing a 3,600-lb (dry) luxury sedan, but an EPA rating of 18/28 isn't too shabby when one considers that this big Bimmer is sans all hybrid assistance. It's silky-smooth inline-six only produces 230 horsepower, but that's about par for the course for the entry-level car in any BMW series.
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