Hybrid Nirvana

For as long as we can remember, hybrid cars have been entirely separated from everyday bread and butter cars. But it looks like times are changing. Good looks inside and out and advance technology above and under have made hybrid cars unapologetically cool. You could even say it has been a long time coming.

This brings us to luxury Japanese carmaker, Lexus. We recently headed up north to get behind the wheels of the entire hybrid lineup.

It isn't the first time we're trying out these cars, but it's hard to refrain from them, considering the fact that Lexus has built so much luxury in its DNA that it plays the more illustrious European automakers at their own games.

And it makes us wonder how hybrids will make a point.

Are they showy 'white elephants' that are nothing shinier than their blue-ish badges? Or simply over-engineered vices that will bite off more than they can chew?

It is no coincidence that all of them sit on top of their model ranges. Each and every hybrid model celebrates the marriage between the petrol engine and electric motors, which means they are more powerful, yet more efficient on the go. This, no doubt, makes them the 'creme de la creme' of the marque.

But other than the ultra-bright white glow emitted by their LED headlights (standard on the entire range of hybrid cars), we reckon there's nothing ostentatious or attention-seeking about their physical appearances. And unlike others who proudly put on larger-than-life badges to shout about earth-saving motives, there are very subtle differences to tell Lexus hybrids from their less technologically-advanced stablemates.

Enter a new realm of motoring, we say.

Despite being encumbered in the plush, cool cabins, it didn't take long for us to warm to the charm of luxury hybrids. The comforting characteristics of the drivetrain gel with its luxury motives, as though they were a match made in heaven.

You must have heard loads about the eerily quiet start ups too. Most of the time, these cars will inch off at the lights without having to ignite a single drop of petrol.

But what's more impressive is in the way these cars switch between their two powertrains, juggling chores with the slightest notice. And we wonder where Lexus could possibly go from here.

You may enjoy masculine engine notes. But trust us that you will find the feminine side of hybrids as attractive. To fully understand its appeal, we reckon you will have to personally experience it.

As such, the identities of Luxury and Hybrid in Lexus cars are never quite 'Yin' and 'Yang' - but a strong and united one.