DETROIT –

It appears that brands known throughout the years for luxury and status are now being equated with fuel efficiency and economic value, according to a report on Forbes.com. In light of this emerging trend, Forbes.com offered a list of luxury rides with fuel economies of 30 miles per gallon or higher.

The number of luxury cars boasting fuel efficiency is a growing field, stated the report’s author, Jim Gorzelany.

“The terms ‘luxurious’ and ‘economical’ needn’t be mutually exclusive," he added.

With gas prices reaching toward $4 a gallon, this statement has managed to turn a few heads, and it even rings true for some luxury SUVs.
The Lexus, RX 450h, starting around $44,000 touts a 32/28 mpg rating. Seating five, the midsize hybrid luxury crossover SUV might make people rethink the term “gas guzzler” noted Gorzelany.

For those looking for a smaller ride, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid can run at speeds up to 47 mph solely on battery power, and it rated at 41/26 mpg. Lincoln’s version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid is priced at around $35,000.

“The MKZ is the only hybrid that’s priced on a par with its gasoline-powered equivalent,” said Gorzelany.
The complete list of luxury vehicles boasting 30 mpg or better fuel economies listed in the report include:
—Lexus HS 250h
—Mercedes E350 BlueTEC
—BMW 528i
—BMW 335d
—Lexus RX 450h
—Lexus CT 200h
—Lincoln MKZ

For more information on fuel efficient luxury vehicles, see the complete article at: http://www.forbes.com/2011/05/16/luxury-cars-fuel-efficiency_slide_2.html