The latest GS launched in Spring 2012, including a lower emission GS 450h hybrid version. Sales in 2012 totalled 47,787 worldwide, six times the volume of its predecessor in 2011, but a low-carbon drivetrain is a vital part of the line-up in CO2-taxed Europe and with 141g/km emissions the GS 450h lacked the tax efficiency of some of its closest rivals.

This new drivetrain, shared with the forthcoming IS 300h, uses a four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor, claimed to offer 110g/km. Figures which will put it close to the current class-leader, the 109g/km Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid and ahead of the 123g/km BMW 520d Auto and 132g/km Audi A6 2.0 TDI Multitronic.

Lexus GB general manager of fleet and remarketing, Neil Broad, told Fleet World in a recent interview that the manufacturer was targeting the contract hire and leasing industry by aiming for class-leading BiK costs. Although pricing hasn’t been announced for the GS 300h, which will go on sale alongside the GS 450h later this year, IS 300h price positioning suggests the most efficient GS to date will cost around £32,000 on the road.