LEXUS has just sold its 20,000th hybrid in Australia – part of a worldwide tally that now exceeds one million units.

The Japanese brand (and its Toyota parent) has made the petrol-electric hybrid hobby horse its own, while its primarily-German and British opposition stayed on the diesel train, although that tide is turning too.

The pricing is also sharp and the presence of two models in the medium prestige segment gives Lexus an added edge.

Whisper-quiet, comfortable and backed by serious customer service, the GS300h F Sport offers a large luxury vehicle priced well under the hybrid models of Mercedes-Benz and BMW.