Paris Motor Show 2008

Lexus GS 450h

A year after Lexus launched the RX 400h hybrid SUV, the arguably more mainstream hybrid version of the GS sports saloon arrived on the market. The 450h is now the top of the range model in the BMW 5 Series-rivalling GS.

From the outside, only discreet badging lets the world know that this GS packs a hybrid powertrain and though various environment ministers around the world purport to be doing their 'green' bit by driving the GS 450h, Lexus makes no secret of the fact that the hybrid system is designed to offer high performance, with the benefit of using less fuel than similarly quick cars, rather than trying to save the world.

To that end, a 3.5-litre V6 engine is mated with a high-performance electric motor and via an advanced continuously variable transmission, can send up to 335bhp to the rear wheels. However, CO2 emissions are commendably low for this type of car, at 186g/km. The only disadvantage we could find was a dramatically smaller boot, due to the fitment of some of the hybrid components behind the rear seat.

Tuesday March 27

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