CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Lexus RX 400h; Lexus GS 450h; Lexus LS Hybrid.
Hybrid cars have certainly come a long way since the days of runty economy-class compacts. Today, drivers who demand a vehicle with sex appeal have no excuse not to drive a fuel-efficient set of wheels. Which is where Lexus comes in. The Japanese company offers a trifecta of environmentally responsible vehicles, and all three models boast a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle rating from the Environmental Protection Agency.
LS HYBRID
By far the most lavish of the three, the LS Hybrid sedan is the choice of the eco-elite—and the base price of $105,885 is an investment. Impressive features include all-wheel drive, eight cylinders, and 438 horsepower, with a fuel efficiency of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway. Along with the standard electric-drive motor, the LS Hybrid reuses energy with a technology known as regenerative braking to capture kinetic energy and recharge the battery. Even more cool eco-features include LED headlamps and interior lights, and a full-color display that monitors real-time gas and electric-power use.
GS HYBRID
The GS 450h rear-wheel-drive sedan benefits from many of the same hybrid pros as the LS, such as regenerative braking, but at about half the price—$56,400. The GS operates on only six cylinders and 340 horsepower, so it performs slightly better than the LS in fuel efficiency, with 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway.
RX HYBRID
The sportiest of the Lexus fleet, the RX 400h with all-wheel drive is a luxury utility vehicle that handles like a sedan and costs even less ($43,480). And with 268 horsepower, it also touts the best fuel efficiency: 26 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway. Lexus of Manhattan, 829 11th Avenue, 800-927-3153; lexusofmanhattan.com.
Green Machines
Looking for even more elegant energy conservers? Look no further than these class leaders.
BMW 335d
Starting price: $43,900
Features: Clean diesel engine; 36 mpg highway
Dealer: BMW of Manhattan, 555 West 57th Street, 212-586-2269; bmwnyc.com.
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Starting price: $73,475
Features: Hybrid engine; 21 mpg highway
Dealer: Potamkin Cadillac, 798 11th Avenue, 917-267-2780; potamkincadillac.com.
Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC
Starting price: $54,200
Features: Clean diesel engine; 32 mpg highway
Dealer: Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, 536 West 41st Street, 800-798-4065; mb-manhattan.com.
Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI
Starting price: $39,300
Features: Clean diesel engine; 25 mpg highway
Dealer: Koeppel Volkswagen, 57-15 Northern Boulevard, Woodside, Queens, 888-779-1177; koeppel1.vwdealer.com.
