• Lexus IS-F
• Infiniti M-35
• Jaguar XF
• Lexus LS 460
• Mercedes-Benz GL Class
• Lexus RX-400 Hybrid
• Mercedes-Benz M Class
• Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec
• Audi A6
• BMW 5 Series

I thought it would contain insightful research on “green” luxury cars, I was wrong. The Forbes article focused on cars priced between $40,000 and $90,000, and it appears the biggest contributing factor in making the “guilt free list” is a high resale value (around 50%) after three years. Of the ten cars on the list, only two achieved a 25 mpg rating, the Mercedes-Benz E 320 Bluetec and the Lexus RX400 Hybrid. What’s appalling, five of the ten cars failed to achieve 20 mpg.

Now don’t get me wrong, the list is compromised of some great cars. For the most part they’re not marketed as green alternatives and they’re reliable, fast and often push technology in important features like safety. But based on mpg, I wouldn’t classify them, as Forbes states, “environmentally friendly.”

It would be great to see more automakers follow Tesla’s lead and create cars that challenge the status quo, drive new technologies and change the industry. At $109,000 the Tesla Roadster is priced higher than any of the cars Forbes reviewed, it’s also 10x more efficient than the top car on Forbes’ list with a 256 mpg equivalent. In addition to owning an extremely fuel efficient car, owners have comfort in knowing they’re a benefactor to an innovative new company that’s driving change. Other benefits to owning a Tesla; 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and what’s bound to be incredible resale value. Orders for the first 100 signature models took less than three weeks to fill. With limited production, the first few model years are sure to become collector’s items, making the Tesla not only a “Guilt-Free” choice, but a solid investment.

All the best,
Bill