At Lexus, the hybrid vehicle has taken on a life of its own. Referred to as “Lexus Hybrid Living,” the luxury automobile brand has inspired a lifestyle. Lexus Hybrid Living begins with one of the Lexus hybrids––breakthrough vehicles that change the game of life.

There are three varieties of Lexus Hybrid. The LS is a luxury sedan. The GS is a sport sedan. The RX is a crossover utility vehicle. This trio covers a lot of ground treading lightly with the planet’s energy resources.

The Lexus LS 600h L luxury sedan was the first vehicle to bring fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid technology to the prestige luxury segment. The LS 600h L provides the brand's highest level of performance and technology and the truest expression of luxury.

The LS 600h L is powered by the ultra-quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which was the world's first to combine a V8 gasoline engine with an all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain. The system combines a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with two powerful electric motors and a large capacity battery pack.

The hybrid powertrain generates a peak combined output rating of 438 hp and can effortlessly accelerate the LS 600h L from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is even more impressive. One of the system's electric motors is capable of delivering maximum torque on demand and is most beneficial during passing maneuvers. The LS 600h L can accelerate from 50-to-70 mph in a rapid 3.5 seconds. Its combined EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg is equal to or better than the combined fuel-economy ratings of some V6 all-wheel drive mid-sized luxury sedans.

A 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) compact battery pack is installed behind the rear seat. The trunk also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that powers the audio, navigation and other systems. The battery's power is directed through a "boost converter" that efficiently raises voltage to a maximum 650V DC. An inverter changes this to AC, providing its elevated power to a 165-kW electric motor that turns at up to 10,240 rpm.

The LS 600h L powertrain’s two electric motors/generators are known as MG1 and MG2. Each performs specific functions and can operate as either a motor or a generator, although MG1 is used as a starter motor and provides no motive force. The engine-driven generator, MG1, can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor, MG2, as needed. A regenerative-braking system further boosts efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.

A state-of-the-art, full-time, all-wheel drive system adapts to road surface conditions to help provide excellent vehicle stability during acceleration, high-speed driving and cornering. The driver can select "hybrid" (normal), "power" or "snow" options. The "hybrid" mode provides the smoothest operation and is ideal for city or suburban driving; "power" sharpens accelerator pedal response; and "snow" mode softens accelerator pedal response, making it easier to accelerate on slippery road surfaces. By pushing an EV switch, power reverts to full electric mode for short-distance, slow driving situations such as residential areas or parking garages.

The 2009 Lexus GS 450h is still the only hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan in its segment. With its advanced technology, high performance and indulgent luxury, the rear-wheel drive 2009 GS 450h is the premium model in the GS series.

Based on the new-generation GS platform and featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the GS 450h offers V8-like performance with greater fuel efficiency. In addition to boosting performance and fuel efficiency while lowering emissions, Lexus Hybrid Drive technology also further accentuates the brand's renowned smooth, quiet operation.

A full hybrid, the GS 450h is capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes or a combination of the two. Its unique transmission made the GS 450h the first hybrid vehicle to enable the electric drive motor to contribute to highway performance, not just slow-speed driving. Other manufacturers are now adopting “dual mode” transmissions for their hybrid vehicles.

The GS 450h model's version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain combines a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with a compact, permanent magnet electric motor – both driving the rear wheels. The hybrid powertrain collectively produces 340 hp and can effortlessly accelerate the GS 450h from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Just as impressive as the GS 450h's acceleration from a stop is how quickly and powerfully torque is delivered during mid-range acceleration. The hybrid system's electric drive motor delivers maximum torque immediately upon demand. This unique power-delivery characteristic is most noticeable and most useful during 30-to-50 mph passing and in traffic-merging maneuvers. The GS 450h returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined, and is certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II).

The Lexus RX 400h was the first full hybrid luxury-utility vehicle when it was introduced in 2005. The RX hybrid received styling and equipment enhancements for 2008 and carries into 2009 unchanged.

The RX 400h hybrid combines the power of a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with that of an electric drive motor to deliver performance on par with some V8-powered luxury SUVs, but with better fuel efficiency. In the all-wheel drive model only, an additional, rear-mounted electric drive motor/generator provides on-road, all-wheel drive capability.

The all-wheel drive RX 400h's EPA-estimated city/highway rating is 26/24 mpg, with the front-wheel-drive model rated at 27 mpg city/24 mpg highway. The RX 400h achieves Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

With a combined system output of approximately 268 hp, and 3,500 lb/ft of axle torque at launch, the RX 400h delivers powerful acceleration. At 7.3 seconds (7.5 for the all-wheel drive model), acceleration from zero-to-60 mph is better than some V8-powered competitors. The combination of gasoline engine and electric-motor torque makes for particularly impressive 30-to-50 mph passing power.

The RX 400h is a full hybrid, which means it can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes, as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. Lexus Hybrid Drive technology allows extended electric-mode operation during low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions, reducing fuel consumption and noise.

Is Lexus Hybrid Living for you? There’s only one way to tell. Give us a call and we’ll arrange a personal introduction to the Lexus Hybrids including the all-important and mind-blowing test drive.