Revisions to the London Congestion Charge announced today (12 February, 2008) mean buyers of new Lexus hybrid models driving into the city will save £17 per day compared to those driving many similar saloons and SUVs from other brands.

From 27 October, new Lexus hybrid drivers will be required to pay the £8 daily charge.  Existing owners will continue to have a complete exemption, so long as their car remains in the same ownership, until January 2010.
 
The three Lexus Hybrid Drive models: the RX 400h SUV, the GS 450h performance saloon and the LS 600h limousine, all produce CO₂ emissions below the 225g/km cut-off level for VED (car tax) Band G.  Under the new charging system, cars in Band G will have to pay £25 per day – potentially more than £6,000 over a full year.

The exemption for less polluting cars is recognition of the lower emissions and fuel consumption benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.  Owners also appreciate the unrivalled refinement and quietness offered by hybrid power Lexus models, and the surprisingly smooth acceleration provided by the powerful electric motors that supplement the highly efficient petrol engine.