Marketing materials for Lexus' first hybrid sedan, the GS 450h, brag about its triple threat -- luxury, performance and, oh yeah, fuel efficiency.

As Toyota's luxury line, Lexus' array of hybrids have benefited from their association with the market leader's gas-electric research.

The GS 450h, Lexus' sports sedan, offers full hybrid performance, meaning it can operate in an all-electric mode, all-gasoline mode or a combination of the two. A 3.5-liter, six-cylinder gasoline engine along with a 288-volt electric motor hurtle the sports sedan from zero to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

And while it drips with luxurious add-ons, the five-passenger sedan gets fuel efficiency that barely surpasses a full-size hybrid SUV, using 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.