Top 10 “surprise cars” of 2025 selected by our editorial staff, who have driven a total of 101 supercars and luxury cars worth over ¥2 billion [Part 1]

Not “Top 10” but “Surprise 10”

In 2025, I drove a total of 101 cars. Last year, I drove 72 cars, so it seems I did a lot of work this year. And when I added up the total value of those cars… it came to a whopping 2,052,860,000 yen! It was scary to calculate.

So, from among them, I’d like to introduce the “Surprise 10” that surprised me this year. These are not the top 10, but the surprise 10. There are many other cars that I like and cars that are highly refined, but these are cars that far exceeded my expectations in a good way. Let’s get started!

10. BMW Alpina B3 GT/D3 S Touring

There are many cars that are just as fast and sharp, but almost none that offer such exquisite ride comfort. Although it is based on the 3 Series, which is at the end of its model life, it doesn’t feel old at all. Because it is old, the body is relatively compact, so you can charge into the city without worrying about road width or parking spaces. The D3S Touring also has good fuel economy and load capacity. A true multi-purpose supercar.

9. McLaren GTS

“Practicality in a supercar” is the manufacturer’s motto, but I never thought it would go this far. The rear luggage space doesn’t seem as user-friendly as they say, but what surprised me was that even though it’s a supercar, you can still enjoy sporty driving even at low to medium speeds, and the visibility from the driver’s seat is wide, so it feels safe even in the city. The ride isn’t bad either, so it looks like it could really be used for commuting!

8. Lexus LC500

I’m ashamed to say that this is my first time driving the LC500. But maybe that’s a good thing? The 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine has been well-received since the beginning, with great power, response, and sound, while the handling has been completely different from the initial model thanks to repeated annual improvements. Thanks to this, there are no negative impressions at all. The instrument panel, which still has many physical switches, is easy to operate, too. It’s no wonder it’s selling so well in the final spurt.

7. Cadillac Lyric

The more I looked at it, the more impressed I was by its well-thought-out design. The form and details are all new, yet it’s clearly a Cadillac from any angle. Though it’s an SUV, its flowing roofline and unique C-pillars make it look like either a sedan or a coupe depending on the angle. What’s more, the instrument panel makes excellent use of chrome plating, giving the high-tech feel of the 60s. The extra dash from the high-speed range is also impressive, with a warp-like sensation!

6. Lexus LBX MORIZO RR

If you’ve been impressed by the precise driving of the GR Yaris and enchanted by the comfort of the LBX, then the LBX Morizo RR comes along, combining the best of both cars. The handling and the operability of the 6-speed manual transmission and ABC pedals are of high quality, evident from the time and effort spent tuning them. On the other hand, the engine has a naughty character, with explosive power increasing the more you rev it. You’ll be knocked out by that sly difference!

List of cars driven in 2025

Ferrari

296 GTB, 12-inch wheels, Prosangue

Lamborghini

Temerario, Urus Performante, Urus SE

Maserati

Grecale Trofeo, Grecale Essenza

Aston Martin

Vantage Roadster, Vanquish Volante, DBX 707

McLaren

GTS

Bentley

Continental GT, Continental GTC, Flying Spur Speed, Bentayga S V8, Bentayga EWB Mulliner

Rolls-Royce

Ghost Extended, Black Badge Ghost, Cullinan, Black Badge Cullinan, Black Badge Specter, Phantom Extended

Land Rover

Defender 130 V8, Defender OCTA, Range Rover Sport SV, Range Rover LWB D350

Lotus

Emira SE

Morgan

Plus Four

MINI

JCW Convertible, JCW E, JCW Aceman E

Porsche

911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera T, 911 Carrera GTS, 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, 911 Targa 4 GTS, 718 Boxster, Panamera GTS

Mercedes-Benz

E300 Sedan, GLA 200d, GLB 200d, GLC 220d, GLC 220d Coupe, GLE 450d

Mercedes-AMG

CLE 53 Cabriolet, E 53 Hybrid Sedan, GT 53 4-Door Coupe, GT 43 Coupe, GT 63 Coupe, GT 63 SE Performance, SL 63 SE Performance, G 63

Mercedes-Maybach

GLS 600

BMW

120, M135, X5 xDrive40d, Z4 M40i, M3 Touring, M4 Coupe, M5 Sedan

BMW Alpina

B3 GT, D3 S Touring, B4 GT, XB 7

Volkswagen

Golf R, Tiguan eTSI, Tiguan TDI 4Motion, Passat TDI 4Motion, ID.BUZZ Long Wheelbase

Cadillac

XT6, Escalade Platinum, Escalade Sport, Lyric

Jeep

Wrangler Rubicon, Compass (rented in Hokkaido)

Ford

Focus (rented in Turkey)

Alpine

A110 Anniversary, A110 GTS, A110 R Turini, A110 R 70

Renault

Arkana Full Hybrid

Volvo

EX30 Single Motor, EX30 Twin Motor, XC60 B5, XC90 T8