OUR PICK OF THE RANGE IS 300h Executive
OUR PICK OF THE RANGE UX 250h F Sport
Lexus IS
The third-generation Lexus IS is the Japanese fi rm’s answer to the all-conquering German triumvirate of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Like all Lexus products, it’s a parallel-series hybrid (Lexus sometimes refers to this, somewhat controversially, as ‘self-charging’, which simply means there is no plug-in capability to charge the battery, but there’s less EV-driving range as a result) and it uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine as its basis to deliver 223hp in total. A CVT gearbox once again somewhat harms the refi nement levels, but it looks pretty smart inside and out, and it will prove to be ultra-reliable in the long run. Perhaps what holds the IS back is not so much its driving experience, which is fi ne if not remarkable, but more the limited range – there’s just one body style and one engine. Its rivals have far more variety.
Lexus UX
Slotting in beneath the NX, the Lexus UX becomes the premium Japanese brand’s smallest crossover and one that it is targeted with expanding Lexus’ customer base. The UX doesn’t lack the attention to detail or quality of fi nish that Lexus is known for, despite its smaller size. Just the one engine is available, a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid with an automatic front-wheel- drive transmission. That hybrid system means low emissions and therefore cheaper tax. Buyers get a choice of three specifi cation grades, all of which are generously equipped. The hybrid system can deliver reasonably good fuel economy fi gures if you drive sensibly, but the UX is rather fun to drive, too, especially with Sport mode engaged.
Lexus LS
The executive LS was Lexus’ fi rst-ever model back in 1989 and the latest generation is a technical delight. It leverages all of the Japanese marque’s hybrid USP but to much better eff ect than the vehicles fi tted with the four-cylinder hybrid drivetrains, as the mighty LS has a 3.5-litre V6 that’s much more cultured and refi ned. The interior of the LS alone is almost enough to make you want to buy it, over and above the usual Germanic rivals in this sector, but you should be utterly smitten by the smooth, quiet way it goes about its business. It might not be the best-handling luxury saloon in this segment, but it’s certainly something diff erent and it’s likely to be as reliable as the sun coming up in the morning, too.
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OUR PICK OF THE RANGE LS 500h Premium
Lexus
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