I THOUGHT we would have a little luxury from Lexus this week and the gorgeous GS 450h SE-L with its hybrid engine duly arrived.

I knew that I would be able to sample the silent start-up of the hybrid engine, I knew I would love the acceleration of the 3.5 litre V6, and I knew I would be impressed with the on-board computer system with touch-screen system.

What I didn't expect in April was that I would also be able to flick the car into snow mode and experience increased traction in the slippery conditions last weekend.

But, of course, that experience was short-lived - and, while I was delighted to put the car into snow mode and put the heated seats onto full power, there is far more to this car than the search for roads with snow.

This is the world's first rear-wheel drive full hybrid power sports saloon, blending the performance of a V8 petrol competitor with an acceptable fuel consumption - around 36mpg on the combined cycle.

It can accelerate from standstill to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds - seriously impressive! And it has so many whistles and bangs that there is always something new and exciting to discover, whether it is the stunning Mark Levinson surround sound or the intelligent adaptive front lighting system.

Impressions of this car are formed from the outset - the design is stunning but the strange lilac colour is an acquired taste.

Originally launched in 2006, the car has undergone a revamp for 2008. On the outside, the new elements include a chrome surround for the front grille, new door mirrors with integrated indicators and new-look door handles. The front and rear bumpers have also been restyled.

Like other Lexus hybrids, there is blue shading to the headlamp covers and the Lexus badging front and rear, a blue Hybrid logo in the side moulding, blue illumination of the scuff plates and a blue logo on the engine cover.

Meanwhile, small changes inside have been designed to make the audio and telephone controls more user-friendly while the boot and fuel filler release have been relocated outside the drop-down switch module, which is a curious panel to adjust, among other things - the wing mirrors settings took me nearly a day to locate!

But things seriously hot up when the engine bursts into life - except that it doesn't! You press the power button to unleash the horses and . silence.

It's all down to the hybrid credentials of this car, which stars in electric mode for zero emissions, with the petrol engine cutting in once drive is selected and you are away.

Over the course of any journey, Lexus Hybrid Drive will operate in several modes to maximise the GS 450h's overall efficiency. When you stop, so does the engine, and if it is idling for a while the engine will automatically run when necessary to charge the high-voltage battery.

If all this seems a little complicated, just grasp the good news.

The changes are seamless and this car is a stunning performer - with the benefit of currently being free of congestion charges in London, impressive fuel consumption, and one of the most comfortable drives I have enjoyed for some time, it delivers on all fronts.

Mind you, the price tag in excess of £45,000 means that you should expect a certain level of refinement, quality and style - and the GS450h has this in abundance.