Lexus GS review

Once again, Lexus is using hybrid power as the key draw of the GS range. The GS 450h tops the range and uses a new version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive. This mates a 3.5-litre Atkinson Cycle V6 petrol to an electric motor to give 338bhp. It can run in electric mode alone, or reach 62mph from rest in 5.9 seconds if you’re feeling less green.

It's dynamically OK too. All cars get adaptive variable suspension and the F-Sport models go one better with Lexus Dynamic Handling: that’s dynamic rear steering and variable ratio steering. It’s good, much more distinct and (you guessed it) dynamic than before, but also blessed with fluency. Not a 5-Series or XF rival, but then little is. 

The GS300h (pictured) uses the same drivetrain as the smaller IS300h - a 2.5-litre hybrid this time - and while it's naturally no ball of fire, it's not too lethargic and certainly a lot better than the tepid old GS250 V6. And if we were being unkind, we could call the GS-F tepid. It may have 471bhp, but the M5 has nearly 600, and with no turbo it needs revving banzai-hard, which is at odds with its surprisingly easy-going nature. It's no M5, but rather nice all the same.