Lexus has expanded its GS range saloons with a model aimed squarely at the company car sector.
With the new GS300h, the new hybrid petrol-electric executive promises class-leading Benefit-in-Kind rates, lowering the monthly tax bills of fleet users.
Powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination as used in the smaller IS series, the new entry-level GS300h SE boasts CO2 emissions of just 109g/km, equating to a BIK rate of 13 percent. In this sector, only Mercedes’ E220 Hybrid is as low but the Lexus’ P11d value is over £8,000 lower at £31,440.
Even with optional leather upholstery and sat-nav fitted to the GS300h SE, it still works out less expensive to tax than its competition. Compared to BMW’s popular 520d SE costing £33,050, the upgraded Lexus’ P11D is £35,485, but the 13 percent BIK rate is significantly lower than the 19 percent for the BMW.
For 20 percent rate payers, this means an annual tax bill for the Lexus of £923, instead of the BMW’s £1,256.
Many in the market for this type of car pay the higher 40 percent rate, meaning the Lexus costs £1,845 to the BMW’s £2,512. In monthly terms, the GS300h SE costs a massive £56 less for a 40 percent tax payer.
With a claimed average fuel consumption of 60.1mpg, theoretically the Lexus will travel 872 miles between refills, so there are potential savings there too, especially factoring in petrol costing less than diesel at the pumps.
Although the SE grade Lexus GS300h will be the one grabbing the cost-saving headlines, it’s also available in Luxury, Premier and F Sport specifications too.
Be aware that as well as having higher P11D values, they are also in higher BiK rates due to increased CO2 emissions. This is primarily due to the larger alloy wheels used on such trims. At 113g/km the Luxury and Premier models fall into the 14 percent category, the F Sport in the 15 percent band at 115g/km.
