First look: Lexus GS450H

KNOWN to be under consideration for Australia, the Lexus GS450H unveiled at the New York motor show marked the brand’s first move into high-performance hybrid passenger cars.

Following the RX400H, which is also being tested for release in these parts, the petrol-electric GS is billed as the world’s first hybrid luxury sedan and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear-wheel drive.

An all-new Lexus Hybrid powertrain was created to power the GS450H, which combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a high-output electric motor to deliver a claimed output "well in excess" of 223kW and a 0-100km/h time of around 6.0 seconds.

Mid-range torque is said to be akin to a 4.5-litre V8, while fuel consumption is claimed to be more typical of a 2.0-litre sedan.

The car is expected to be categorised SULEV, one of the industry’s best.

It should go on sale in Australia next year.