Lexus GS 450h

OWER isn’t all about raw pace – just take the Lexus GS 450h. It is designed to deliver luxury, performance, refinement and efficiency, and it even features clever hybrid technology.

Its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine produces 292bhp, which is just short of our 300bhp target – but factor in its 147kW electric motor, and its power output rises to the equivalent of 477bhp. This petrol/electric set-up makes the GS unique in its sector, but don’t mistake it for an eco-friendly model. Lexus billed it as the world’s first hybrid performance saloon when it arrived in 2006.

It doesn’t shout about its pace like the Focus RS and the only external clues to what lies under the skin are its subtle hybrid badges. Parked next to the crazy Atom, colossal tractor and racy Ford, the Lexus looks nondescript, but don’t be fooled – it’s far from being a slouch.

At 1,930kg, the GS weighs 463kg more than the RS, yet it sprinted from 0-60mph in only 5.9 seconds – two-tenths of a second faster than the Focus! That’s because of the extra kick provided by the 147kW electric motor. In normal conditions it has other uses, and around town the petrol engine will shut down at low speeds and allow the electric motor to gently power the luxury saloon.

Press the throttle hard, though, and the V6 will spark into life. This combination helps to improve economy and lower emissions. Braking energy is recycled back to the batteries, and there’s a clever central display screen to show you where your energy is going to or coming from.

This is handy, because the 3.5-litre V6 is so smooth, you barely notice it switching on and off. However, accelerate hard and the extra shove it provides is clear, because the GS 450h is effortlessly fast and responsive.

While the Ariel and Focus assault your senses as they accelerate, the Lexus is all about fuss-free performance. Its six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth, and with the help of a slightly over-intrusive stability control system, the rear-wheel-drive chassis doesn’t have any issues with traction.
Body control isn’t class leading and there’s little feel from the light steering, but with a supple ride and impressively subdued wind noise, the GS 450h is very comfortable. Inside, the cabin has the usual Lexus blend of quality fit and top-notch trim.

The GS generates, stores and releases its power in a totally different way to the other vehicles in this test, yet it retains the refinement and quality that have become Lexus trademarks. It’s a deceptively fast sports saloon.

In detail:
* Price: £40,980
* Engine: 3.5-litre V6/147kW motor
* Power: 292bhp
* Torque: 368Nm
* 0-60mph: 5.9 seconds
* Economy: 35.8mpg

Details

WHY: Simple caption explaining why a manufacturer made this model, who it’s aimed at & why...