Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is the only petrol car here and the only hybrid, too. Nor has it got permanent four-wheel drive, but that just means it doesn’t produce that much CO2, and earns itself an extremely low 21% company car tax band banding.
Now for the bad news: the RX has an irritating CVT gearbox that can cause the engine to drone noisily under acceleration. The cabin is also a little bit cluttered and cheap-feeling compared with all these assembled rivals.
On the plus side, the cabin is really well insulated from wind and road noise.
Our company car favourite: Lexus RX450h Luxury
- Price: From £48,495
- Company car tax band: 21%
- Economy: 44.8mpg
- 0-62mph: 7.8 seconds
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche has worked some magic on the Cayenne so it feels uncannily like the firm’s 911 sports car from behind the wheel.
Admittedly, the diesel engine detracts from that feeling slightly but at least it’s smooth and punchy.
There’s a wonderful interior, a nice low driving position and – unfortunately – a pretty rock-hard ride.
Still, if you’re willing to compromise some comfort in search of excellent handling then opt for the Cayenne. There’s even a big V8-powered Diesel S model and a Hybrid – both of which perform reasonably well when it comes to company car tax.
Our company car favourite: Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Price: From £47,390
Company car tax band: 32%
Economy: 39.2mpg
0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
