For the past decade or so Toyota and Honda have reigned supreme in the world of the hybrid.
But are they set to be toppled now that the luxury market has finally embraced this technology? There are now offerings from Audi, Mercedes and BMW.
Fresh from its sponsorship of the London Olympics 2012 BMW has entrusted me with its Active Hybrid 5; a 5-series with a 3-litre straight six turbo petrol engine coupled to a 54hp electric motor.