Best Luxury Car

Buyers in this category are looking for the best of everything, including engine technologies, but not at the expense of refinement.

Both diesel and hybrid technologies came of age last year when the Lexus GS450h hybrid won, pipping the diesel-powered Audi A6 at the post.

It’s the same story in 2007.

Lexus GS450h is the future: a high-performance luxury car with outstanding ‘green’ credentials.

The myth that you will need to change your driving style for a hybrid is dispelled with this vehicle. It performs like a V8 and has the ride and handling qualities to match.

This hybrid luxury vehicle has a petrol/electric power-train, a 3.5-litre, quad-cam, aluminium V6 which, in its own right, develops 218 kW of power and 368 Nm of torque.

Most of that torque is developed across a broad range (2000-6000 rpm). Its performance with this engine alone would eclipse most in the luxury class.

The electric motor develops 124 kW of power and 275 Nm of torque at zero rpm. Clever technology combines the two and provides 254 kW of power – as much as many modern V8 engines.

Importantly, though, the GS450h delivers four-cylinder economy and low emissions, with whisper-quiet efficiency.

Driver aids like stability control and a full complement of airbags give the GS450h top marks for safety.

Maximum torque from take-off, delivered with an eerie quietness, is a sensation worth getting used to.

The regenerative braking system doesn't provide the best brake-pedal feel, but it’s just the nature of the technology.

Lexus has raised the bar in many areas, including build quality.

Full Details: www.australiasbestcars.com.au.