Jaguar XJ

The XJ is a detail-packed super limo that completes Jaguar's much-anticipated return to form. It feels good, looks good and is utterly desirable. The sleek, modern design encapsulates all that's good about the Jaguar brand, without the need to make it look like a 1960s throwback. That means the twin headlamps have been replaced with smart and super-slim LEDs, while traditional Jaguar materials, like wood, leather and chrome are used in a more cohesive and contemporary way. The XJ is also a technological showcase, bringing together some of the most advanced features available on any car at any price. The instruments that would usually be in front of the driver have been replaced with a high definition screen that shows ‘virtual instruments' and serves a number of other important functions. Then there's the central sat navigation screen featuring ‘split pixel' technology, which means that the driver and passenger can look at two completely different things on the same screen at the same time: the passenger can be watching a DVD, while the driver has the sat navigation on. Amongst many other features, the XJ also has LED tail lamps, keyless entry and start and a large panoramic glass roof.

Porsche

Porsche may be best known for its high performance sports cars, the original Porsche Cayenne is actually the firm's bestselling model ever. The combination of 4x4 practicality with the handling of a Porsche, seems to have found plenty of fans. This second generation Porsche Cayenne builds on that with improvements all round, most notably in the cabin which has an even more upmarket appearance. It's also lighter than the original model which has benefits for handling and efficiency. Fuel economy has improved by around 20 per cent and the impressively refined V6 diesel model can return 38.2mpg, so it's no surprise that it's the most popular choice. And the handling is a revelation too. Despite weighing in at two tons, the Porsche Cayenne feels like a two-seater sports car from behind the wheel with great control and superb agility. Despite this, it rides very well, providing impressive long distance comfort. Naturally this is combined with a sophisticated interior which is a big step up from the previous model. It's influenced by the four-door Panamera and has a truly unique look that sets it apart from other premium 4x4s. But the big news is the introduction of a Hybrid model which makes its debut in the Cayenne. This offers the high performance you'd expect of a supercharged Porsche but with low CO2 emissions and good economy. Unfortunately, it's not as enjoyable to drive as the other models - including the diesel - and feels a little lackluster at times.

Bentley Continental GTC

Bentley launched the GTC and deliveries started in late 2011, with prices from £149,350. The new GTC is bolder and more aggressive than the old model, with sharper angles and larger wheels – 20 inches as standard with 21 inch wheels available as an option. The rear takes styling cues from the Mulsanne, while the front end gets ‘jeweled’ headlights with LED running lights. The interior is more spacious than that of the outgoing model, with more rear legroom and more storage space. There are 17 different colors available for the leather upholstery, as well as seven different wood veneers. A touchscreen infotainment system is fitted, and includes Google Maps based sat navigation, as well as 30GB of media storage. There’s also a neck warming heater, so occupants can enjoy roof down driving in colder weather. Power comes from a 575PS 6.0-litre W12 engine with Quick Shift gearbox, and there’s an incredible 700Nm of torque. That means 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 195mph, despite a kerb weight of 2,495kg. That performance comes at a price, though – fuel efficiency on the combined cycle is a measly 17.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 384g/km.

Infiniti FX

The Infiniti FX is the largest Infiniti that's sold in the UK but while it's a four-wheel drive, it's more of a sports off roader, so sits alongside cars like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X6, focusing on driver appeal more that outright practicality. It was initially available as an FX37 powered by a V6 petrol engine along with the V8 engine FX50 but the most popular model is the FX30d - a 3.0-litre V6 diesel that was introduced in mid-2010. It's the kind of car that some people call a "Sports Utility Vehicle" or SUV for short. The Infiniti FX definitely leans more towards sport than utility with powerful engines, great on-road capabilities and impressive road presence. Infiniti claims it blends the shape of an off-roader with the performance of a coupe - indeed the V6 uses the same engine as the excellent Nissan 370Z. Although it impresses on the road, it's left a little wanting when it comes to the utility part of its name: if you're looking for a proper load logger, then the FX probably isn't for you. The boot is quite small for this type of car and although the back seats do fold flat for larger loads, it has little in the way of off-road capability.

Maybach Exelero

The Maybach Exelero is priced at $8,000,000 and is built by German luxury car manufacturer Maybach. The Exelero can reach top speeds of 351 km/h – 218 mph and can go from 0 to 100km/h – 0- 62mph in 4.4 seconds. This car has only one model, owned by Dr. André Action Diakité Jackson who lent the car to his friend Jay-Z to drive in his music video  ”Lost One” in 2006.

Lamborghini Veneno

At $4 million, the new Lamborghini Veneno was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. This model is so expensive that only three will be made and those three were sold before hitting the showroom floor. Of the three Veneno owners, two are American.