Hybrid Energy Drive
The 450h is motivated by the same 3.5L V6 found in various states of tune in both Toyota and Lexus products. The powerful high-torque electric motor and the gas engine merge to create the Hybrid Synergy Drive. The combined output of the two is 339 hp. Normally, in the case of a Lexus, the numbers that follow the model letters represent engine displacement. As
you can see, 3.5L and 450 do not match. The explanation stems from the fact that 339 hp would usually be the result of a regular 4.5L V8. Hybrid power transmission is achieved with a CVT. Although that is not unusual, the fact the energy travel to the rear wheels is. The GS450h is the first mass-produced RWD Hybrid vehicle.
Smooth and refined. These are the two best adjectives to describe how this GS navigates highways and byways. The hybrid ponies are also swiftly delivered to the drive wheels; not-to-100 km/h is traversed in about 5.5 seconds. Passing maneuvers are also briskly completed. There is a small delay to deal with between the rise in engine speed and the arrival of forward trust.
The GS's suspension setup did surprise me with its firmness even in normal mode. I thought that certain buyers may even find the ride to stiff for their liking. The car's steering, with its well planned weight and assistance,
suffered from a lack of feedback. The brakes performed better than expected with a firm yet pliable pedal. The regenerative braking system was not as intrusive as it is with other Hybrids; this made stop-light driving free of aggravation.
My total drive with the GS450h covered some 1,500 km of which 90% was done on the I-90 and the 401. My average calculated fuel consumption was of 9.4L per 100 km. At one point during my trip, I got stuck in city traffic. The indicated fuel mileage dropped from 9.5L to 8.7L. My guess is that had I done more city and less highway, my numbers would have improved. Given the weight, size and power of the car, I consider this result as fair.
Again with "Is it worth it?"
The premium to pay for the Hybrid version of the GS is of approximately $10,000. The principal differences, other than the powertrain with regenerative braking and CVT transmission over the GS 350, are the wheels and the 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The question is always whether or not the premium is worth it. In the case of the GS 450h, it is all the more difficult to discount this amount when spending upwards of $80,000. It will be worth it if you by this car over a regular GS 430 or another luxury midsize car as it will pollute much less and consume fewer liters of fuel.
The GS 450h's price is of $76,900.
Good stuff:
Excellent powertrain
Styling inside and out
No so good stuff:
Lack of feedback from steering and brakes
Small trunk
Competitors:
(Non-hybrid)
BMW 5-Series
Audi A6
Infiniti M
Cadillac STS
Mercedes E-Class
The 450h is motivated by the same 3.5L V6 found in various states of tune in both Toyota and Lexus products. The powerful high-torque electric motor and the gas engine merge to create the Hybrid Synergy Drive. The combined output of the two is 339 hp. Normally, in the case of a Lexus, the numbers that follow the model letters represent engine displacement. As
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| 2007 Lexus GS 450h (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
Smooth and refined. These are the two best adjectives to describe how this GS navigates highways and byways. The hybrid ponies are also swiftly delivered to the drive wheels; not-to-100 km/h is traversed in about 5.5 seconds. Passing maneuvers are also briskly completed. There is a small delay to deal with between the rise in engine speed and the arrival of forward trust.
The GS's suspension setup did surprise me with its firmness even in normal mode. I thought that certain buyers may even find the ride to stiff for their liking. The car's steering, with its well planned weight and assistance,
 |
| 2007 Lexus GS 450h (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
My total drive with the GS450h covered some 1,500 km of which 90% was done on the I-90 and the 401. My average calculated fuel consumption was of 9.4L per 100 km. At one point during my trip, I got stuck in city traffic. The indicated fuel mileage dropped from 9.5L to 8.7L. My guess is that had I done more city and less highway, my numbers would have improved. Given the weight, size and power of the car, I consider this result as fair.
Again with "Is it worth it?"
The premium to pay for the Hybrid version of the GS is of approximately $10,000. The principal differences, other than the powertrain with regenerative braking and CVT transmission over the GS 350, are the wheels and the 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The question is always whether or not the premium is worth it. In the case of the GS 450h, it is all the more difficult to discount this amount when spending upwards of $80,000. It will be worth it if you by this car over a regular GS 430 or another luxury midsize car as it will pollute much less and consume fewer liters of fuel.
 |
| 2007 Lexus GS 450h (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
The GS 450h's price is of $76,900.
Good stuff:
Excellent powertrain
Styling inside and out
No so good stuff:
Lack of feedback from steering and brakes
Small trunk
Competitors:
(Non-hybrid)
BMW 5-Series
Audi A6
Infiniti M
Cadillac STS
Mercedes E-Class
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