Goal For The Green

Luxury cars are about status. Given that green hybrid cars offer status in and of themselves, it’s no wonder they’re usually pretty ugly: they don’t need to be pretty to lend their drivers status.

In fact, it’s probably fair to say that, for many hybrid drivers, driving an ugly car because you care about the environment so much is part of the appeal. Or so the story was once told…

Luckily, if you like to drive a nice looking vehicle and take care of the environment, luxury hybrids are coming into vogue. Here’s a look at some of the hottest hybrids on the luxury market. Meet status and sustainability without sacrifice.

2013 Lexus LS 600h L

The 2013 Lexus LS 600h L is a sleek, smooth-driving luxury car, and the first to merge a V8 gasoline engine with an electric drive system. You may remember the late-eighties television ads where the Lexus was seen with a pyramid of champagne glasses stacked atop it, while running. Well, that was the eighties, when the hybrid was hardly even a dream.

Imagine how many champagne glasses you could stack on this dream machine.

The LS 600h L combines Lexus’ trademark power and luxury with a drive that’s smooth, even by Lexus standards. It starts around $119,910, so it’s not a car for everyone, just those who need the finest things in life.

Photo of Lexus LS 600h by Overlaet via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid

A more low-end luxury car, starting at just $25,900, the ILX Hybrid is far more affordable than the Lexus, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be sacrificing a true luxury experience. Acura may not boast the same status symbol of Lexus, but it stands as one of the most comfortable and luxurious brands that one could conceivably afford on a middle or working class income.

The ILX Hybrid motor performs as a generator when braking or coasting, so you get long-lasting battery life from the electric drive system. And whatever you do, don’t dismiss the Acura on style. One look will prove the body has a great, modern take while the interior is both cozy and cool.

Photo of 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid via Wikimedia Commons. All Rights Released.

2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid

You can’t drive this one yet as it’s still on the horizon, but that just means you have some extra time until it hits the streets to save your pennies. A roomy interior makes the QX60 a true Infiniti, with proportions inspired by the Pathfinder. The new, green ride debuted at the New York Auto Show and wowed spectators with a stylish design that really excels at the finer details, including some pretty slick LED rear lights and High Intensity Discharge xenon headlights.

The motor is lithium-powered, although the electric drive system is not powerful enough to drive the car on its own at higher speeds. This may prove a turn-off for those looking for a true electric driving experience, but it’s a start for larger vehicles.

These cars merely scratch the surface of luxury hybrids. It’s only a matter of time before the marriage of sustainability and style truly skyrockets and takes hold of Phoenix Chevrolet dealers and others. From hybrid luxury cars, sports cars, trucks, SUVs, station s and everything in between, the innovative front is definitely in motion. Cost efficiency and the environmentally conscious perspective will only further the push for the next generation of vehicle that luxury lovers will surely support.