By Doug Scott
If youre still under the impression that the green movement is reserved for the nutty-grainy crowd, perhaps Lexus can change your mind and keep you out of the Indianapolis auto repair arena.
Lexus? Thats right. The high-end, luxury automaker now offers three hybrid models for the big spender looking to do right by the environment. With two sedans and one SUV in their lineup the selection is limited, but environmentally aware buyers can still enjoy the premium autos (without all the guilt or worry of luxury auto repair).
For those who havent been in the car-buying market in the last few years, hybrids are the latest attempt at decreasing the environmental impact of automobiles by combining the best features of gas and electric engines hence, gas-electric hybrids. While a traditional gas engine lets you go longer distances between refueling, and refuels quickly, it puts out a lot of emissions. Electric motors run much cleaner, but only let you go about one-fifth to one-third the distance of a gas engine and take several hours to recharge. Hybrids manage to bridge the gaps, using gas and electricity to allow longer distances; lighter construction results in greater fuel efficiency; and decreased fuel consumption significantly reduces emissions.
Another upside, especially given todays economy? Lower fuel costs, making day-to-day operation a bit cheaper than standard gas-powered automobiles.
Of course if youre shopping in the luxury-car arena, saving a bit on day-to-day costs may not be your primary concerns. In fact on the whole, across all price points, hybrids tend to cost 30% or more than their standard-engine equivalents. So cost savings, at least initially, arent the primary selling point for hybrids. But where cost falls short (at least figuratively), fuel efficiency and reduced emissions soar, with the newest generation of hybrids nearing zero-emission standards.
So what does Lexus bring to market? Lets compare their three offerings:
The RXHybrid, starting at around $42,000, comes with a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 engine and 268 horsepower FWD. It averages 25 MPG (combined city/highway) with a total fuel tank capacity a relatively trim 17.2 gallons (the RXs standard engine averages 20 MPG combined and has a 19.2 gallon tank capacity). Features and options between the standard and hybrid models are relatively consistent, though the standard model does offer a few more upgrades than its environmentally friendly counterpart. And how do the costs stack up? The hybrid will cost you about $6000 more than the standard RX.
The GSHybrid presents as the middle price point for Lexuss hybrid series. It starts at about $56,000 and comes with a 3.5 liter hybrid V6 engine and 340 horsepower. Averaging 23 MPG combined its not as fuel efficient as the sport-utility hybrid but does outperform the standard model, which comes in at 20 MPG combined. Here again youll find a significant difference in base model prices, with the standard GS starting about $3000 less than the hybrid version.
But if money is no object, then step right up to the LSHybrid, which starts at a whopping $105,885. Offering a 5.0 liter hybrid V8 engine and 438 horsepower. Fuel efficiency takes another hit, coming in at 21 MPG combined (compared to a paltry 18 MPG combined on the standard LS). But perhaps most shocking is the difference in base price: If youre looking for green luxury in this particular Lexus, be prepared to ante up an additional $42,000. Thats a pretty steep price for environmental responsibility.
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