The Lexus GS mid-range executive saloons are popular on airport or cross-border runs. The new GS hybrid version, the GS450h, updates the comfort and may cut the cost of driving on business.
Launched on June 1 at the Japanese marque's Gloucester Road showroom, the new GS450h is available in Hong Kong in three versions, the Ultimate (HK$896,730), F-Sport (HK$896,730) and Luxury (HK$766,900).
Redesigned with a new grille, LED daytime running lights and more pronounced body lines, the GS450h has earned a reputation in Japan for being fun to drive and environmentally friendly.
The cars are fitted with a 345-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6, 24-valve Dual VVT-i Atkinson Cycle Engine and electric motor that promises 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, the 'first of its kind to achieve this level of dynamic speed', says Hong Kong dealer Crown Motors.
The model has five driving settings: Normal Mode, without any particular electronic prompts; EV Mode which runs the car almost silently on electric and eliminates emissions; and Eco Mode, which can limit fuel consumption to about 6.13 litres per 100km and carbon-dioxide emissions to 142g/km, 'the best among all sedans in its class', the dealer says.
An optitron meter shows these modes in a eco-blue light, but it turns red for the Super Sport S Mode, which boosts acceleration and sharpens the responsiveness of the engine and transmission, while the Super Sport S+ Mode electronically adjusts the suspension and steering for more aggressive driving 'which brings out the true power of the GS450h in the form of a roadster experience', the dealer says.