Lexus GS-450h HYBRID-car

The Lexus GS 450h gives the performance you would expect from such a luxury car; 340bhp, 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph is achievable where road conditions and regulations allow. This performance, normally associated with that of a V8 car is actually achieved with the economy of a 4 cylinder 2.0 petrol engine. That is to say 35.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 186g/kg. The Lexus 450h achieves all of this from a 3.5 V6 petrol engine working together with a high output electric motor powered by a large 288volt nickel metal hydride battery.

The V6 produces 286bhp and 368Nm of torque while the electric motor is capable of 190bhp and 275Nm Torque. These can work independently of each other or together such as under hard acceleration which is how the GS 450h can achieve such great performance figures. The electric motor is used to start the car and used at low speeds when the petrol engine is at its least operational efficiency. While in electric mode, no harmful emissions are produced. The battery is charged by regenerative braking and a generator while the car is cruising.

Although it is the most efficient car in its class, Lexus certainly don't position it as a "green" car. This however doesn't stop it from benefiting from being Congestion Charge except and falling into the 21% company car tax levy. Instead it is pitched as a rear-wheel-drive luxury performance saloon thanks to the quiet and high torque electric motor allowing for brisk acceleration. The same electric motor can power the car to up to 30mph without the aid of the petrol engine for 2km. It is also responsible for switching the car off stationary, for example when at traffic lights.

Starting at £38,058 it is priced competitively when considering its performance and reliability. It is driven through a E-CVT (Electronic-controlled continuously variable transmission) automatic gearbox. There is a choice of SE models and a SE-L model also available.

Used Hybrid Cars - Classifieds

Statistics

CO2 emissions: 186g/km

MPG Combined: 35.9

Engine: 3500cc Petrol/Electric Motor
Transmission : E-CVT Semi-Auto

BHP/Torque: 340/368 NM

Kerb Weight: 2355 kg
Top Speed: 155 MPH
0-62 MPH: 5.9 secs
Insurance Group: 17-18
Warranty: 36months/60,000miles

Lexus News

28 per cent of all Lexus UK sales are hybrids

Lexus LF-Xh hybrid SUV concept

Lexus hybrid flagship goes on sale

£6 million Lexus hybrid campaign