If this shoot-out was down to absolute performance, the M35h would have shot to the front and won. The Infiniti’s animated powertrain and swift acceleration are second to none, but it falls short when it comes to fuel efficiency, making it mean but not that green. Despite this, however, the M35h remains an attractive buy thanks to its sticker price, which is $26k and $28k less than the ActiveHybrid 5 and GS450h respectively (at press time).
With its good fuel economy and high level of sporty performance, the ActiveHybrid 5 could have easily emerged victorious in this contest – if not for its comfort-biased handling. Although CEOs will welcome this cushiness, it also reduces the BMW’s dynamic feel, which is crucial in this competition.
Edging out its two rivals, then, is the GS450h. It doesn’t have the M35’s outright performance or the ActiveHybrid 5’s sublime ride, but the Lexus nevertheless shines the brightest thanks to its overall refinement and brilliant petrol-electric powertrain, which strikes the most compelling balance between performance and efficiency. The GS450h is, quite simply, the greenest and meanest hybrid saloon in this Group Test.
Infiniti M35h 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves, hybrid
Capacity 3498cc
Bore x stroke 95.5mm x 81.4mm
Compression ratio 10.6:1
Max Power 302bhp at 6800rpm (total system output 360bhp)
Max Torque 350Nm at 5000rpm
Power to weight 196.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 5.5 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 162g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
Size 245/50 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4945mm
Width 1845mm
Height 1500mm
Wheelbase 2900mm
Kerb Weight 1830kg
Turning Circle 11.2m
BUYING IT
Price INCL. COE $330,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most athletic performance, best air-con, least expensive price
– Smallest boot, difficult-to-use infotainment, lowest fuel economy
BMW ActiveHybrid 5 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-6, 24-valves, turbo, hybrid
Capacity 2979cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 89.6mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 306bhp at 5800rpm (total system output 340bhp)
Max Torque 450Nm at 1200-5000rpm
Power to weight 183.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 5.9 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 15.6km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 149g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli Cinturato P7
Size 245/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4899mm
Width 1860mm
Height 1464mm
Wheelbase 2968mm
Kerb Weight 1850kg
Turning Circle 12m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $357,800 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Raciest engine note, most impressive infotainment, smoothest gearbox
– Weakest air-conditioning, hardest backseats, overly soft ride
Lexus GS450h 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves, hybrid
Capacity 3456cc
Bore x stroke 94mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 13:1
Max Power 292bhp at 6000rpm (total system output 345bhp)
Max Torque 352Nm at 4500rpm
Power to weight 189bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 5.9 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 16.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 141g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050
Size 235/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 10
Traction Control ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4850mm
Width 1840mm
Height 1455mm
Wheelbase 2850mm
Kerb Weight 1825kg
Turning Circle 10.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $359,000 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most balanced powertrain, luxurious cabin, roomiest cargo hold
– Poorest rear-seat space, steepest pricing, F Sport spec is optional
Related story: Group Test: 2009 Audi A6 3.0 vs 2009 Lexus GS450h vs 2009 Volvo S80 T6
Related story: Lexus GS450h review
