MAY

Lexus GS

TO get a toehold in the executive segment market, where heritage and German nationality usually lead, is quite a feat. But Lexus has struggled to get any further, mainly because of a lack of diesels and styling. Lexus hopes the new GS will solve that problem with sharper looks and more modern lines, though it will only come in 3.0 and 4.3-litre petrol variants. Expect high levels of equipment, refinement and reliability.

BMW 7-series

THE new BMW 7-series is more conservative, especially at the front end, while BMW has toned down the baffling iDrive of the car. It’s still the best luxury car to drive, although the trade-off is a firm ride for such a car, and the 3.0 diesel and 5.0-litre petrol engines are historic. To drive yourself around in on a daily basis, the 7 is a joy, but the Audi A6, Jaguar XJ and Mercedes-Benz S-class still feel more ‘special’.