Lexus Details New GS 300h for Europe, Averages 4.7L/100KM [Video and 102 Photos]

On sale in Europe since 2012 as a three model range (GS 250, GS 350 AWD and GS 450h), the fourth generation Lexus GS will add a second hybrid model, the GS 300h, starting this month.

The GS 300h is powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 178hp (181PS) 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and two electric motors – similar to the hybrid system in the IS 300h. With the rear wheels driven through the hybrid system’s Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT), total system output is 220hp (223PS).

Lexus says the GS 300h has an average fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg US) and emits 109 g of CO2 per km. Thanks to these figures, the carmaker sees the GS 300h as an alternative to 2.0-liter diesel engined rivals and expects to account for more than 55 percent of all GS sales in Europe – a significant part of which will be fleet customers.

The Lexus GS 300h will also be available as an F Sport version featuring retuned front and rear suspension to enhance the efficiency of the available Adaptive Variable Suspension, maximizing body control and steering response. F Sport models also have specific exterior colors (F White, Starlight Black and Midnight Blue), LED fog lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels.

With the launch of the new GS 300h, Lexus has also introduced new features across the entire GS model range, including a new, boot-type shift lever design, a new optional color Head-Up Display (HUD) system, as well as the new Lexus Hotspot system, which offers independent, high speed Wi-Fi connectivity for every vehicle occupant once the car is switched on.

By Dan Mihalascu

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