The luxury car industry stuttered back to life in 2021, then took off full throttle as Covid restrictions eased. Freedom opened the floodgates but as demand soared, some buyers found themselves facing a lengthy wait.

Despite the threat of rising interest rates and new uncertainty over Covid, luxury car manufacturers are inundated with orders – premium electric models and supercars top of the wish list for money-no-object buyers.

So, for those pondering a Porsche or mulling a Maserati, here’s our pick of the best cars we’ve driven this year that would make the ultimate Christmas gift – please send your letter to Santa in the comments box below.

Best Performance SUV – Lamborghini Urus Pearl Capsule (from £195,000)

If you want to stand out from the crowd on a Hogmanay Highland fling, the outrageously fast Urus is not just the most entertaining SUV but also the most eye-catching, especially in Pearl Capsule specification.