When it comes to the ultimate boardroom perk, do green credentials trump top marques? Director looks at the latest in luxe drives and fleet gadgetry

Buying cars for the board isn't quite as clear cut as it used to be. Financial directors procuring a new executive fleet now have to balance green concerns against traditional preoccupations such as projecting of business success, or comfort on long journeys.

The luxury car market is the antithesis of the eco-mobile: heavy machines with big engines, running on wide low-profile tyres. They won't be winning energy conservation awards anytime soon. Even so, luxury car builders are refining their ranges while maintaining standards of performance and comfort. German manufacturers are emphasising "efficient dynamics": lighter cars with intelligently-managed, lean-burn engines, while the Japanese are putting more store by alternative fuels. Honda is developing hydrogen-powered cars and Lexus has introduced hybrid electric/petrol vehicles.

While there is pressure to reduce carbon output, there's no consensus as to which route to follow. There's uncertainty in these new areas; bio-fuels could have other potential ecological repercussions, petrol-electric hybrids trade heavier fuel consumption for reduced CO2 emissions, and new fuel sources lack a well-developed infrastructure. Right now, the main option open to the executive buyer hoping for cleaner air, lower tax penalties and better mileage rates is diesel.

"There's been a big switch to diesels," says Edward Pigg of Lombard Vehicle Management. "Five years ago they represented 30 per cent of our volume; now it's 90 percent. And these days, they're much better to drive."
Nearly all flagship ranges have a diesel option with sophisticated engines that retain a high percentage of petrol cars' refinement and ability.
Image and performance are significant factors in this sector of the market, both at a company and individual level. "Cars are still a massive employee benefit," says Edward Pigg, "and the company car is a key tool in recruitment." So compromises here will certainly be felt elsewhere. Few executives are ready to give up their autobahn express for a titanium tricycle, so chose carefully from what's on offer.

£160,000 - £194,000
Bentley Arnage
This boardroom brawler really is in a class of its own. It combines huge road presence with astounding performance and agility for its size (as well as probably the highest fuel consumption and CO2 ratings here). The interior has everything you would wish for from a hotel, let alone a car. Out of the three Arnage variants, the T gives the best performance coupled with more than adequate equipment levels for £18k less than the RL. Bentleys seem to generate less jealousy than some top marques (Ferrari, Range Rover), but make sure there are no redundancies anywhere in sight before you order one.

£42,000 - £145,000
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
In every respect, Mercedes' S-Class reigns supreme in this sector of the market. It provides a driving experience second to none in a luxury sports saloon, as well as a technical tour de force in machine and passenger management. The 320 V6 CDI might give the most sensible performance/economy balance. They probably represent 70 per cent of the performance and equipment of the top of the range cars for 40 per cent of the cost, but driving the V8s will seduce you into paying an extra £10,000 for their performance. Hedonists will revel in the V12 AMG's towering ability, but the accountants will revel in S-Class residual values which are probably the best in the group. When its life costs are taken into account, the range makes a lot of sense.

Audi A8
There's every possible choice in Audi's formidable A8 range; diesel, V8 or V12 and quarto all-wheel drive for astounding traction and road-holding. The TDIs offer a lower CO2 output, and can push 30mpg with fairly respectable performance for a 30 per cent saving over the top cars, but the V12 provides a true company flagship/limousine experience—and that has its own value. Despite the monumental spec, the A8 can feel slightly anodyne—less so if you go for the V8 or V10 S8.

BMW 7 Series
Sometimes the advanced electronics get in the way of showing off this great driving car's character and many still find the looks challenging, which can hurt resale values. The mid-range cars (V8) have nearly all the performance and equipment the top ones (V12) have—but for £20,000 less, so don't expect the accounts team to look kindly on the bigger engine. A lot of the electronics might be wasted on a driver who didn't ask for them. If you like the Audi, try the Seven, but it's not really a match for the Mercedes S-Class.

Jaguar XJ
That beautiful aluminium construction seems to shine through the paint, and the understated English interior seems a bit more relaxing than the German cars. The performance is there, with even the 3.0V6 providing a great drive and very decent economy, despite a lack of power. Doesn't have that complete Teutonic prowess though and residuals aren't as strong as the German cars. Also, uncertainties about the company's future might not help.

Lexus LS460
With no option boxes left un-ticked, its sound performance and meticulous build processes, the big Lexus should come closer to the German cars than it does. But at the end of the day it feels bland. The popular hybrid electric/petrol version seeks to use less fuel (on a two-tonne motor?) but only really makes sense if there is a fair proportion of town driving-making its fuel bills count against less secure residuals. Resale values are generally 10 to 15 per cent behind the German cars, while purchase prices and running costs remain nearly as high. Doesn't score as highly in car park badge-battles, if that matters.

£25,000 - £68,000
Many companies are downsizing their executive car fleets, finding very similar equipment, performance and comfort levels in smaller models—for example Mercedes E-class instead of S-class, BMW Five-series instead of Seven. More importantly, running costs are generally lower and residual values higher here, making long-term ownership cheaper while retaining more or less the same benefits. Family values and characteristic are usually pretty similar, but several interesting alternatives come into play.

Jaguar S-type
Jaguar's S-type has a consciously retro look, though this in no way detracts from comfort or equipment levels. And performance on the top of the range 4.2 V8 is pretty spiffy too. Having said that, it's no E-class. It's worth noting that the S-type is also about to be replaced, which will cut used-car prices, but might get fleet buyers some keen deals on the last of
the new models.

Citroen C8
Citroen provides a refreshingly individual take on the mid-range executive saloon. Performance is good and the ride has the refined ride which only this company seems capable of. Though depreciation is worse than the Germans (of course), there will probably be more competitive purchase deals on offer, but you'll have to have to look very carefully at the mpg and diesel/petrol price balance to see which is the best model. For value returns, leave the flagship alone.

Chrysler 300C
That big front certainly makes a bold impression, if a little uncouth. The V6 provides an adequate workhorse, but get the V8 Hemi for some true muscle-car attitude and action—it's a rude boy in a suit. Mercedes off-loading Chrysler won't do the image a whole lot of good and the faux-Bentley appeal will fade faster than the residuals, so maybe not a good long-term choice. Capable though.

Coupes
A company car doesn't have to have four doors, and there's a strong argument for just occasional back seats. In some cases the argument simply means being seduced by a great car, but strong resale values on what are often considered highly desirable cars longer than their saloon counterparts might persuade the bean-counters.

BMW 6 Series
Aimed at a more 'mature' owner-relaxed performance and a boot designed to take golf clubs-BMW's new Six Series is actually a very competent express and probably the best expression of their current styling philosophy. Go all the way—get the V8 650i, you'll lose on the fuel but probably get better returns after three years.

Jaguar XK, XKR
This is Jaguar doing what it does best—the great all-round GT. The new car has presence, performance and a slightly Aston Martin-ish flavour which does it no harm in image or resale values against its own sister saloons or the German cars. It's every-day practical with a hint of exotic and slightly cheaper to run than the BMW.

Classic executive cars
If you buy right, something like a Nineties Bentley Turbo R or a Sixties Jaguar Mark 2, you'll have a very individual, durable machine, capable of reasonable use, with little or no depreciation. But you do need to get specialist advice on care and maintenance and on classic market trends. What's more, there are specialist companies who can bring modern lease-funding methods to (good) older cars. For  more information, visit www.classicandsportsfinance.com.

4X4
Hard to justify as a fleet essential, but if you must... Despite the potential for endless kickings at the hands of every Chancellor with a green agenda, 4x4s remain as popular as ever in the executive car line-up, so long as they have all the refinements of the saloon counterparts. And, despite an initial blip, legislation doesn't seem to be hitting residual values.

Range Rover
The Range Rover has become an icon of status and success rivalled only by the Bentley. It's an awesome performer with huge ability on and off road. The twin-turbo V8 is extremely refined, and it's actually good for 26mpg. A familiar story though; the bottom of the range model loses little to the flagship, but it does save £20,000.

BMW X5
As you'd expect, great equipment levels and strong off-road performance, but somehow doesn't seem to have the conviction of a great saloon or a great 4x4 (Range Rover) The top of the range models actually make the most sense, gaining performance and losing very little in economy over the entry-level model. Still has that whiff of footballers' wives.