: This review became one of the most controversial in the show's history, leading to a long-running legal dispute between Tesla and the BBC. 5. Social Experiments
: A classic "race across a continent" from Portofino to Saint-Tropez.
Season 12 represents the "Golden Era" where the budget was massive, the jokes were sharp, and the bond between the hosts felt genuinely bulletproof. Top Gear (UK) - Season 12
This season also leaned into the "public service" aspect of the show, such as when they tried to prove that could be improved by making buses more like luxury lounges, or their attempt to find the best car for a 17-year-old on a budget, which resulted in a series of hilarious safety and insurance tests.
Beyond the stunts, Season 12 featured some of the most beautiful cinematography in the show's run. Standout reviews included: : This review became one of the most
While the actual reveal of Michael Schumacher as The Stig happened in the following season (Season 13), Season 12 built the fever pitch surrounding the mystery. It featured iconic power laps, including the and the Caterham R500 , which pushed the anonymous driver to his limits. 4. Iconic Car Reviews
The season finale is the legendary , which many consider the greatest episode the trio ever produced. In a pivot from their usual supercar fare, they were tasked with traveling the length of Vietnam on motorbikes . The episode transformed from a standard travelogue into a poignant, visually stunning, and hilarious epic—proving the show was more about the friendship and the journey than the actual vehicles. 2. The "Lorrying" Challenge Season 12 represents the "Golden Era" where the
Episode 1 features the infamous challenge. The presenters attempted to become truck drivers, leading to memorable disasters like Jeremy’s "shifting gear" mishap and the demolition of an obstacle course. It solidified the "Ambitious but Rubbish" mantra that defined the era. 3. The Stig’s Identity "Reveal"