The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: The Top 5s
TOP 5 LUXURY CARS
1 BENTLEY FLYING SPUR
THE GOOD: The definitive modern limo: effortless but rewarding when you’re in the mood
THE BAD: W12 is fast but short on soul; hybrid V6 a bit lame. So go V8
THE UGLY: Attempting spill-free coffee-cup extractions from the leather-lined cupholders
THE ONE TO BUY: The V8 starts at £163k and is our pick
NEW ENTRY
2 RANGE ROVER
THE GOOD: Masterful and hugely desirable reinvention of an icon
THE BAD: Reliability remains a worry; EV version is years away
THE UGLY: The D350 mild-hybrid straight-six diesel is sublime. Can you live with the guilt?
THE ONE TO BUY:
The D350 (from £102k/£960pcm); the P530 V8 is fun too (if you own a refinery)
GIANT TEST WINNER
3 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
THE GOOD: It is not subtle. It is not restrained. But it is a money-no-object pinnacle of serenity and craftsmanship
THE BAD: Is this really you? And is this really appropriate in 2022?
THE UGLY: Filthymoney associations
THE ONE TO BUY: It’s ‘standard’ or longwheelbase. Or the more affordable Ghost
4 MERCEDES S-CLASS
THE GOOD: A techfest with timeless waftability. Few cars are more calming
THE BAD: Surprisingly unrefined petrol six; doesn’t ride as well as it should
THE UGLY: A dinosaur facing extinction
THE ONE TO BUY:
Two petrols, two diesels and a hybrid.
Base AMG Line trim is plenty, so go for that
5 PORSCHE PANAMERA
THE GOOD: A limo that’s been poured into a (big) coupe mould. Turns out it’s also great to drive
THE BAD: Sporty suspension means firm ride; not roomy
THE UGLY: Shoots for sports car and saloon in one Porsche. Falls short of both, in truth
THE ONE TO BUY: 4S the most balanced choice, literally: £93k
TOP 5 GRAND TOURERS
GIANT TEST WINNER
1 FERRARI ROMA
THE GOOD: Style, speed and sex.
A car for, and from, a bygone age
THE BAD: An age in which we no longer live, tragically
THE UGLY: Unfathomable steering wheel touchpad controls; particulate filters strangle the exhausts’ song
THE ONE TO BUY: Just one Roma, from £170k. Sky’s the limit for options. Prancing horses stitched into the headrests? £720. Painted wheel rims? £1440. Carbon dash? £2688... Steady as you go
GIANT TEST WINNER
2 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
THE GOOD: Epic interior; uncanny ride quality; thumping performance
THE BAD: Feels too big for UK roads, and can be uninv
