The Luxury Car class was one of the most fiercely contested this year, and the technically innovative Lexus GS 450h edged out the clinically efficient diesel Audi A6 TDI quattro in a classy field.
The GS 450h delivers everything you might want in a luxury car, and then more.
It offers ‘social responsibility’, for example. The petrol-electric hybrid delivers miserly fuel consumption and class-leading green credentials. And it’s loaded with safety equipment.
There is an air of lavish quality about the cabin presentation. The seats are invitingly soft, yet have enough shape and support for long-term comfort.
You don’t have to adapt your driving style for the hybrid GS. The instrumentation and controls are clear and straightforward.
Starting off is almost eerie. There is no noise, just powerful initial acceleration. It’s overall performance would put many sports cars to shame.
The GS 450h’s hybrid power-train delivers the best of both worlds, as the electric motor’s 124 kW of power and 275 Nm of torque are interwoven with the strength of a silky-smooth, 3.5-litre, quad-cam, aluminium V6 which alone develops an impressive 218 kW and 368 Nm.
A computer controlled system combines the two and proportions the most appropriate drive combination.
It is quiet at all speeds, with an extremely smooth ride and safe, surefooted handling.
On the downside, there is a slightly wooden feel to the brake pedal due to the regenerative braking system and the battery takes a significant amount of boot space.
Lexus GS 450h proves that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury and performance to wave a green flag.
2nd: Audi A6 TDI quattro, 4-door
3rd: Mercedes Benz C320 CDi Avantgarde, 4-door
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