Lexus GS 450h Review

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The new Lexus GS 450h hybrid is by no means the car that will ensure a super clean environment for future generations to come with mileage ratings in the mid 20's, but the performance will put a smile on your face today. Future generations can adopt the bicycle or work from home but for now the marriage of low end electric power and high end conventional gas power makes this car a thrill to drive while still being outwardly socially conscious.

The Lexus GS 450h is more an attempt to raise the bar of hybrid vehicles on the marketplace then a conscientious choice. Plans are in place to have hybrid solutions throughout the Lexus lineup and will be marketed as the premium vehicle trim.

See also the main fact sheets for the 2007 Lexus GS 450h.

High Points

• Glorious acceleration
• Luxurious cabin
• Excellent handling

Low Points

• Fuel mileage isn't great (terrible if you compare it to other Hybrids)
• Expensive
• Heavy beast of a vehicle (4,134 lb curb weight)
• Reduced trunk space due to batteries

Performance and Handling

Lexus engineers seemed to have been torn in what to strive for when creating this car. Power is abundant, although it is at the expense of fuel economy, which is poor for a hybrid. This powerplant has a gasoline V6 produces peak horsepower at 4800 RPMs, with an electric motor producing its peak torque at 0 RPMs. The result of this gives the GS 450h acceleration similar to BMW 550i, Mercedes E550 and Porsche 911 Carrera 2 which is quite impressive.

Lexus has incorporated all the handling technologies under one system called VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). This encompasses Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), stability control, and suspension amongst other things to make a well sorted ride. The system seems to do an excellent job controlling the GS 450h's weight and power, although driving enthusiasts will be dissappointed with the generally numb steering feel.

Gas Mileage

Trim

RWD CVT

Engine

3.5L V6

MPG (City/Highway)

25/28

Safety

• Driver and front passenger airbags including front, side, side curtain and knee
• Rear side curtain airbags
• Electronic Traction Control
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) electronic stability control
• Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
• Braking Assist
• Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Tire pressure monitor system
• Highly rigid body structure
• Side impact door beams
• Front and rear crumple zones
• 3-point seatbelt with Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for driver
• 3-point seatbelts with Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) for all passengers
• Child Restraint Seat (CRS) tether anchor brackets
• Child safety locks and window lock button on driver door control
• Full-color display backup camera
• Intuitive electronic park assist
• Theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system
• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
• Headlamp washers
• Daytime running lights
• Integrated foglamps
• Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers

Interior and Comforts

Interior design and creature comforts is a hallmark of Lexus vehicles and the traditions continue with the Lexus GS 450h. Safety, style and convenience all the things expected from a Lexus brand vehicle. Eight airbags, a back-up camera, top notch stereo system with 14 speakers, high-end wood and leather accents throughout all standard equipment. A little less interior space than some of its competitors makes this vehicle almost what some would call cozy, but this can be expected from a vehicle fitted with all the extra entailments of a hybrid vehicle.

Exterior

Lexus has taken a sophisticated approach that suits this car well rather then the edgy designs that can be seen in previous generation hybrids. The overall wide sporty stance conveys some impression of the power under the hood along with the exposed dual exhaust and 18-inch alloy wheels. All in all most would be hard pressed to identify this vehicle as an energy efficient hybrid.

Styles and Options

Standard Equipment

• 3.5-liter V6 gas engine coupled with a high-output electric-drive motor, producing 340 total net HP
• Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) advanced stability management
• Traction control
• Regenerative braking to capture energy and recharge the battery

Optional Equipment

• Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System - $1,900
• Mark Levinson® 14-speaker 330-watt premium surround sound audio system - $1,780
• Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) and dynamic radar cruise control - $2,850
• Active Stabilizer Suspension System (requires run flat tires) - $3,400
• Rear Spoiler - $200
• All-season run-flat tires - $400
• Summer run-flat tires - $480

Dealer Accessories

• 18-inch G-Spider alloy wheels
• All-weather floor mats
• Car cover
• Cargo net
• Trunk mat
• Wheel locks
• XM® Satellite radio capability

External Links

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