Production Year: 2005-current

Perhaps the perfect answer to those that want the practicality of a SUV but retain an environmentally clean conscience the Lexus is the first premium brand to launch a bybrid and is the first hybrid SUV.
 
Featuring a powerful 272bhp 3.3 litre petrol VVT-i V6 and two electric motors (155 kw) the Lexus certainly doesn't draw the short straw in terms of performance. Lexus claims the electic motors aid performance and economy - with a combined fuel economy figure of 34.9 mpg and 0-60 in just 7.4 seconds it seems they may be right.
The electric motors can either assist the petrol engine or replace it. During deceleration and under braking, the engine switches off and both the electric motors act as high-output generators, driven by all four wheels. The battery power level is constantly maintained by the engine-driven generator, which means there is no need for the system to be recharged from an external power source. The batteries themselves are zero maintenance items guaranteed for 100,000 miles and are a lot more compact than youd imagine. This sort of drive system is similar to that pioneered in Toyotas Prius but Lexus have finessed certain elements to suit the character of a luxury 4x4. Electrical power enhancements to the new Hybrid Synergy Drive include the use of a boost converter to increase generating capacity.
CO2 emissions are 192g/km which isn't close to the Prius but is still much lower than other premium SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes M Class.
Summary
It seems Lexus may have stole a march on the competition by having a hybrid that is actually enhanced by the electic motors in performance and economy. If this is a sign of things to come then the future looks bright for the hybrid.