When we say the word ‘hybrid’, what vehicle instantly comes up in your mind? Toyota Prius? Honda Insight? Civic Hybrid, maybe? That’s right; family-oriented fuel sippers that are created for those who have done the math and figured out that purchasing a hybrid will cost less to operate in the long run as well as those who want to show off their green conscience.
A hybrid vehicle you might not have guessed initially is the GS 450h. And we don’t blame you. A mid-size, performance-minded luxury sedan that costs over 60 grand is hardly the basis for an environmentally-friendly vehicle. But it does save fuel, though.
Hot rod performance
The GS 450h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that develops 292 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque as well as two electric motors; one is the main generator and starts the engine, while the other drives the rear wheels and produces 197 hp. Total output is rated at 339 horsepower. Like many hybrids, a CVT transmission manages the muscle.
This Lexus provides un-hybrid-like acceleration numbers, and 0 to 100 km/h is cleared in 6.0 seconds. When the GS 450h was launched in 2006, it was the quickest of its model line. But now, according to Lexus, the GS 460 and its 342-hp V8 is a tad eye blink slower to 100 km/h but catches up once a quarter mile is reached.
As for fuel consumption, our GS 450h is averaging 8.6 L/100 km, not bad for a big and powerful luxury sedan. If you spend your life on the highway, though, a standard-issue GS 350 will consume a tad less fuel, as the hybrid model’s main advantage is saving gas around town.
Luxo cockpit
The interior of the GS includes a tasteful mix of wood, leather and quality plastics. The instrument pod has aluminum-finish dials, which looks good, although there’s no tachometer. The on-board display provides clear information of what the powertrain is doing and if you’re running on electric power alone, in addition to a breakdown of your recent fuel consumption.
A unique feature in the GS is a concealed panel on the left side of the steering wheel that houses a number of controls, such as outside mirror adjustment, odometer reset and power rear window sunshade activation. It’s probably designed to reduce dashboard clutter, but we’re not convinced on this idea. And I thought a tape deck was extinct in 2009, but this Lexus still has one, so dust off your old Rick Astley cassettes.
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| The GS is a smooth operator that will please those who are looking for a lot of comfort and a little sportiness. |
A hybrid vehicle you might not have guessed initially is the GS 450h. And we don’t blame you. A mid-size, performance-minded luxury sedan that costs over 60 grand is hardly the basis for an environmentally-friendly vehicle. But it does save fuel, though.
Hot rod performance
The GS 450h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that develops 292 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque as well as two electric motors; one is the main generator and starts the engine, while the other drives the rear wheels and produces 197 hp. Total output is rated at 339 horsepower. Like many hybrids, a CVT transmission manages the muscle.
This Lexus provides un-hybrid-like acceleration numbers, and 0 to 100 km/h is cleared in 6.0 seconds. When the GS 450h was launched in 2006, it was the quickest of its model line. But now, according to Lexus, the GS 460 and its 342-hp V8 is a tad eye blink slower to 100 km/h but catches up once a quarter mile is reached.
As for fuel consumption, our GS 450h is averaging 8.6 L/100 km, not bad for a big and powerful luxury sedan. If you spend your life on the highway, though, a standard-issue GS 350 will consume a tad less fuel, as the hybrid model’s main advantage is saving gas around town.
Luxo cockpit
The interior of the GS includes a tasteful mix of wood, leather and quality plastics. The instrument pod has aluminum-finish dials, which looks good, although there’s no tachometer. The on-board display provides clear information of what the powertrain is doing and if you’re running on electric power alone, in addition to a breakdown of your recent fuel consumption.
A unique feature in the GS is a concealed panel on the left side of the steering wheel that houses a number of controls, such as outside mirror adjustment, odometer reset and power rear window sunshade activation. It’s probably designed to reduce dashboard clutter, but we’re not convinced on this idea. And I thought a tape deck was extinct in 2009, but this Lexus still has one, so dust off your old Rick Astley cassettes.
 |
| The interior of the GS includes a tasteful mix of wood, leather and quality plastics. |