You could pick from a sleek touring coupe (Jaguar XKR at $126,000), a luxurious sedan with the latest green technology (Lexus LS 600h L hybrid at $132,000), a muscular German luxury sedan (Mercedes AMG 63, $157,200) and the gorgeous road rocket from Audi (R8 coupe, $170,700).
Frankly, the Jaguar, although having 420 supercharged horses under its beautiful, sloping hood and a lightening-quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, is destined to place out of the medals when the ballots are counted.
The bar is set high in this category and the Jag, although beautifully styled and packed with performance punch, will have trouble matching the other three cars.
The new Lexus flagship redefines performance standards for hybrids. Its 5.0-litre V-8 and electric motor combine to generate 438 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, producing impressive results on the road.
Combined with a host of new technologies and outstanding luxury appointments, the LS 600h L is a fine automobile, but it will rank third to the two German entries.
Picking a winner in this category comes down to heart versus head.
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