Infiniti M35h, Lexus GS 450h and BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Comparison Test
Luxury Hybrid Comparison Test
Variants Reviewed | |||
Model | Power (combined) | Fuel Use (listed) | Fuel Use (tested) |
BMW Activehybrid 5 | 250kW | 6.4 l/100km | 9.3 l/100km |
Lexus GS 450h | 254kW | 6.3 l/100km | 7.4 l/100km |
Infiniti M35h | 268kW | 6.9 l/100km | 7.9 l/100km |
OVERVIEW
In 2005 Lexus launched the world’s first RWD hybrid luxury sedan, the GS 450h. For the greater part of the years since, Lexus has had a monopoly of sorts on luxury hybrids.
The Japanese automaker today has four distinct lines with a hybrid model among them, and with one - the CT 200h - available only as a hybrid.
The midsized IS line, which has missed out to date, will also get a long-awaited hybrid variant later this year. By the end of 2013, the only Lexus that won’t be available with a petrol-electric powertrain will be the Landcruiser-based LX SUV.
That iron-clad grip on the luxury hybrid market was challenged in the latter half of 2012 with the arrival of the Infiniti M35h, and has since been followed by BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 and ActiveHybrid 3.
With these fresh new entrants, now seems as good a time as any to see which one can lay claim to the title of “best luxury hybrid”.