2017 Lexus GS 450h

The market for mid-size upscale hybrid sedans is pretty small. In fact, at the moment, you're pretty much looking at it in the Lexus GS 450h.

At one time, Infiniti made a hybrid version of its M sedan (now called Q70), but its gone, and most luxury hybrids are now plug-ins found in the compact class or as SUVs: Audi has its A3 eTron, BMW PHEV versions of the popular 3 Series and X5 SUV and Infiniti has since moved its hybrid powertrain to the smaller Q50.

But Lexus' parent company, Toyota, does hybrids well, and hybrids have done well for it, and the company leverages its expertise in combining electric power with internal combustion by employing in a wide range of vehicles. In the Lexus brand alone, there are five hybrids, including this one.

Little changes on the GS 450h for 2017; its gas-powered linemate, the GS 350 AWD (covered in a separate buyer's guide entry) gained a few new features, but the hybrid was already essentially a fully-loaded car, and stays that way, with no options to take the price above the $76,100 starting point.

Power is from a 3.5L V6 engine that, along with the car's electric motor, makes 338 hp; Lexus doesn't specify a torque figure for when both power sources are working together. A continuously variable transmission puts that power to the rear wheels.

GS 450h boasts more power than the GS 350, but the electric motor's generous low-end torque -- you get all of it from rest -- makes this version feel stronger off the line than the modest bonus of 27 hp suggests it should. If you prefer cars with a traditional mechanical feel, you might prefer the 350 despite its power deficit; it's no marvel of driver involvement, but the rise and fall of the engine note as the transmission shifts through its six speeds is more engaging than the hybrid CVT's behaviour.

A practical downside is the loss of about 70 litres of trunk space, sacrificed in the name of the hybrid battery pack that lives behind the rear seat.

Fuel consumption estimates are 8.0/6.9 L/100 km (city/highway), according to Natural Resources Canada test methods.

Positioned as a premium model in the GS line, the 450h comes standard with a long list of items that are optional on the gas model. Inside, the steering wheel gets wood trim, 17-speaker stereo, 18-way power ventilated front seats with airplane-style headrests, rear door sunshades and a power rear window sunshade and a head-up display.

Outside, there are LED taillights, upgraded LED headlights and power-folding side mirrors, and safety kit includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.