2014 Lexus GS 300h Hybrid Revealed, Australian Debut Under Consideration

The second hybrid model in the new Lexus GS range has surfaced this week, debuting at the Shanghai Auto Show in China. 

Entering below the top-shelf GS 450h, the debut of the new GS 300h follows reports early last year that a more affordable hybrid model was in the works. 

As expected, the 300h borrows the hybrid setup of the new IS 300h sedan, matching a 2.5 litre petrol engine with an electric motor. 

Power in the GS 300h is rated at the same 164kW listed for the IS 300h, and fuel consumption is expected to come in at around 6.0 l/100km - slightly bettering the 6.3 l/100km figure of the 245kW 450h.

The international launch of the GS 300h boosts the number of Lexus hybrids to eight, including the CT 200h, GS 450h, RX 450h, LS 600h, upcoming IS 300h, and the overseas the ES 300h and HS 250h models.

Among the GS 300h's features will be a new full-colour head-up display, projecting road speed, gear position, radio station, navigation details and pre-collision safety alerts onto the windscreen. New full-LED fog lamps will also be offered with the GS 300h. 

Lexus Australia boss Sean Hanley confirmed today that the new model is under consideration for a local debut. 

"Today over 30 per cent of Lexus customers in Australia choose to drive a hybrid - and we, like them, are firm believers that this is tomorrow's technology today," Mr Hanley said.

"The next step for Lexus in Australia is to determine the suitability of GS 300h for the Australian market before confirming local introduction."

Globally, the Lexus GS range will now include the GS 300h, GS 450h, GS 250, GS 350 and the GS 350 AWD. The current Australian range includes the GS 250, GS 350 and GS 450h. 

• Lexus GS | Lexus | Hybrids | Prestige Cars