Lexus GS450h Hybrid 3.5 Luxury (A) Review
28 Jan 2011|20,196 views
Hybrid engine technology that combines both fuel and electric power is typically used to improve a vehicle's fuel economy. However, similarly to the RX450h that was reviewed earlier this month, there's no rule that it has to be used exclusively for that purpose - simply because a hybrid powertrain can also be utilised to provide enhanced performance.
This brings me to the facelifted Lexus GS450h.
While the Toyota Prius is all about fuel saving capabilities, Lexus engineers made sure the Lexus GS450h is about the power and performance. And they have somewhat succeeded.
The GS450h is powered by a gas-electric hybrid system which features the combination of a 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection and port-injection gas engine and a high-output electric motor generator.
Although Lexus typically names its vehicles after its engine displacement, the luxurious brand felt that '450h' was appropriate as the hybrid's output is equivalent to a swift 4.5-litre V8 style performance while consuming fuel like a V6.
Exterior
Unlike the Prius, which is a stand-alone model that looks like nothing else on the road, the Lexus hybrid looks exactly like its fellow brothers.
This brings me to the facelifted Lexus GS450h.
While the Toyota Prius is all about fuel saving capabilities, Lexus engineers made sure the Lexus GS450h is about the power and performance. And they have somewhat succeeded.
The GS450h is powered by a gas-electric hybrid system which features the combination of a 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection and port-injection gas engine and a high-output electric motor generator.
Although Lexus typically names its vehicles after its engine displacement, the luxurious brand felt that '450h' was appropriate as the hybrid's output is equivalent to a swift 4.5-litre V8 style performance while consuming fuel like a V6.
Exterior
Unlike the Prius, which is a stand-alone model that looks like nothing else on the road, the Lexus hybrid looks exactly like its fellow brothers.
 |
Just like the GS300 that was reviewed earlier this year, Lexus injected passion and drama into the 450h's styling language. The hybrid performance sedan has settled into a low, stretched-shape with a long hood and a short rear deck.
If it isn't for the blue-tinted badge and headlamps, you wouldn't be able to tell from the outside that this sedan has an electric soul and might even mistake it for a GS300. Up front, the vertical grille is flanked by four independent headlamps and it also features a lower valance with integrated fog lamps, tying the muscular yet elegant look together on the fascia.
Although the styling at the back can be tad fussy, the overall look of the GS450h tells a good story. Its discreet hybrid badging on the lower rear door, broad shoulders and lines that are clean and fluid arguably qualify the 450h as the best-looking hybrid sedan.
 |
Interior
Parallel to the striking exterior is its futuristic interior - smooth lines gel nicely with curved surfaces perfectly.
Even if you miss the Hybrid logo on the rear footplate, there's no doubt that this car is a hybrid when you're inside. Like all Lexus models, the interior of the Lexus GS450h is opulent and plush, with cabin instruments leaping out to remind you that this is no ordinary Japanese car.
But what really deserves a mention is the seven-inch electronic screen with touch-screen controls on the face of the centre console. It operates the audio system and climate control and unlike the frustrating i-Drive feature and Multi Media Interface from BMW and Audi respectively, operating this system is simplistic and straight-forward.
Lexus practically kept the integration of the concepts of simplicity, luxury and sophistication well-balanced in the interior of the hybrid.
Parallel to the striking exterior is its futuristic interior - smooth lines gel nicely with curved surfaces perfectly.
Even if you miss the Hybrid logo on the rear footplate, there's no doubt that this car is a hybrid when you're inside. Like all Lexus models, the interior of the Lexus GS450h is opulent and plush, with cabin instruments leaping out to remind you that this is no ordinary Japanese car.
But what really deserves a mention is the seven-inch electronic screen with touch-screen controls on the face of the centre console. It operates the audio system and climate control and unlike the frustrating i-Drive feature and Multi Media Interface from BMW and Audi respectively, operating this system is simplistic and straight-forward.
Lexus practically kept the integration of the concepts of simplicity, luxury and sophistication well-balanced in the interior of the hybrid.
Going beyond the design, the interior offers a comfortable seating for five passengers with relatively sufficient head and legroom in front. The rear seats offer room for three tall lads, but it can be a bit tight for the person in the middle position due to the elevated centre cushion.
Nonetheless, the boot space remains capable. Hybrid or no hybrid, the boot is competent of 320 litres of space - sufficient to swallow two Callaway golf bags with ease.
Although Lexus has done well to ensure that the sleek styling of the interior is not overdone - from the buttery soft leather, to a barrage of tech-savvy amenities - the GS450h remains to be a strong contender in the luxury sedan segment.
Nonetheless, the boot space remains capable. Hybrid or no hybrid, the boot is competent of 320 litres of space - sufficient to swallow two Callaway golf bags with ease.
Although Lexus has done well to ensure that the sleek styling of the interior is not overdone - from the buttery soft leather, to a barrage of tech-savvy amenities - the GS450h remains to be a strong contender in the luxury sedan segment.
 |
Drivetrain
Depress the Stop/Start button and the only cues that you're ready to go are the illuminated tachometer and the fact that the button has turned from red to green.
The GS450h is a hybrid with an interior profile that suggests leisurely comfort rather than blistering performance. And from the driver's seat, nothing suggests that the ride can be a wild one. Aside from the presence of a kW gauge in place of the tachometer, the cabin looks like the GS300 - an upscale Lexus.
But punch the right pedal and five Mississippi's later you're passing the century mark. The hybrid does the century sprint in 5.9 seconds. While not nearly as impressive as the LS460's 5.7 seconds, the greener Lexus' real-world driving experience will satisfy most demanding drivers.
Could this be a prince disguised in pauper's clothing?
On the road, the GS450h is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace but it can get up to a respectable acceleration with minimal fuss. Truth be told, it punches above its specifications and there is hardly a moment when you wish you had more shove at your disposal.
This is a luxury car that glides off the line with ease. The 3.5-litre V6, electric motor and E-CVT gearbox are like silk and it's one of the quietest, most cosseting cruisers around.
Depress the Stop/Start button and the only cues that you're ready to go are the illuminated tachometer and the fact that the button has turned from red to green.
The GS450h is a hybrid with an interior profile that suggests leisurely comfort rather than blistering performance. And from the driver's seat, nothing suggests that the ride can be a wild one. Aside from the presence of a kW gauge in place of the tachometer, the cabin looks like the GS300 - an upscale Lexus.
But punch the right pedal and five Mississippi's later you're passing the century mark. The hybrid does the century sprint in 5.9 seconds. While not nearly as impressive as the LS460's 5.7 seconds, the greener Lexus' real-world driving experience will satisfy most demanding drivers.
Could this be a prince disguised in pauper's clothing?
On the road, the GS450h is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace but it can get up to a respectable acceleration with minimal fuss. Truth be told, it punches above its specifications and there is hardly a moment when you wish you had more shove at your disposal.
This is a luxury car that glides off the line with ease. The 3.5-litre V6, electric motor and E-CVT gearbox are like silk and it's one of the quietest, most cosseting cruisers around.
Generally speaking, the car has very good road manners. It has a ride that is equivalent to that of a limousine. All the nasty imperfections of the tarmac are filtered out, as are the external noises.
Conclusion
The Lexus GS450h has two distinct characters. It runs silently on the electric motor when driven slowly around small roads. But point it at a clear highway and the petrol and electric power sources combine to deliver acceleration more akin to that of a supercharged V8. It accelerates like it doesn't want to be eaten.
With more horsepower available than BMW's 535i, the Lexus GS450h is a consummate package of comfort and performance. It's a hybrid with oomph and has the attributes in place to become successful as buyers' attitudes to hybrids soften.
And it's certainly a hybrid worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Lexus GS450h has two distinct characters. It runs silently on the electric motor when driven slowly around small roads. But point it at a clear highway and the petrol and electric power sources combine to deliver acceleration more akin to that of a supercharged V8. It accelerates like it doesn't want to be eaten.
With more horsepower available than BMW's 535i, the Lexus GS450h is a consummate package of comfort and performance. It's a hybrid with oomph and has the attributes in place to become successful as buyers' attitudes to hybrids soften.
And it's certainly a hybrid worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Hybrid engine technology that combines both fuel and electric power is typically used to improve a vehicle's fuel economy. However, similarly to the RX450h that was reviewed earlier this month, there's no rule that it has to be used exclusively for that purpose - simply because a hybrid powertrain can also be utilised to provide enhanced performance.
This brings me to the facelifted Lexus GS450h.
While the Toyota Prius is all about fuel saving capabilities, Lexus engineers made sure the Lexus GS450h is about the power and performance. And they have somewhat succeeded.
The GS450h is powered by a gas-electric hybrid system which features the combination of a 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection and port-injection gas engine and a high-output electric motor generator.
Although Lexus typically names its vehicles after its engine displacement, the luxurious brand felt that '450h' was appropriate as the hybrid's output is equivalent to a swift 4.5-litre V8 style performance while consuming fuel like a V6.
Exterior
Unlike the Prius, which is a stand-alone model that looks like nothing else on the road, the Lexus hybrid looks exactly like its fellow brothers.
This brings me to the facelifted Lexus GS450h.
While the Toyota Prius is all about fuel saving capabilities, Lexus engineers made sure the Lexus GS450h is about the power and performance. And they have somewhat succeeded.
The GS450h is powered by a gas-electric hybrid system which features the combination of a 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection and port-injection gas engine and a high-output electric motor generator.
Although Lexus typically names its vehicles after its engine displacement, the luxurious brand felt that '450h' was appropriate as the hybrid's output is equivalent to a swift 4.5-litre V8 style performance while consuming fuel like a V6.
Exterior
Unlike the Prius, which is a stand-alone model that looks like nothing else on the road, the Lexus hybrid looks exactly like its fellow brothers.
|
Just like the GS300 that was reviewed earlier this year, Lexus injected passion and drama into the 450h's styling language. The hybrid performance sedan has settled into a low, stretched-shape with a long hood and a short rear deck.
If it isn't for the blue-tinted badge and headlamps, you wouldn't be able to tell from the outside that this sedan has an electric soul and might even mistake it for a GS300. Up front, the vertical grille is flanked by four independent headlamps and it also features a lower valance with integrated fog lamps, tying the muscular yet elegant look together on the fascia.
Although the styling at the back can be tad fussy, the overall look of the GS450h tells a good story. Its discreet hybrid badging on the lower rear door, broad shoulders and lines that are clean and fluid arguably qualify the 450h as the best-looking hybrid sedan.
|
Interior
Parallel to the striking exterior is its futuristic interior - smooth lines gel nicely with curved surfaces perfectly.
Even if you miss the Hybrid logo on the rear footplate, there's no doubt that this car is a hybrid when you're inside. Like all Lexus models, the interior of the Lexus GS450h is opulent and plush, with cabin instruments leaping out to remind you that this is no ordinary Japanese car.
But what really deserves a mention is the seven-inch electronic screen with touch-screen controls on the face of the centre console. It operates the audio system and climate control and unlike the frustrating i-Drive feature and Multi Media Interface from BMW and Audi respectively, operating this system is simplistic and straight-forward.
Lexus practically kept the integration of the concepts of simplicity, luxury and sophistication well-balanced in the interior of the hybrid.
Parallel to the striking exterior is its futuristic interior - smooth lines gel nicely with curved surfaces perfectly.
Even if you miss the Hybrid logo on the rear footplate, there's no doubt that this car is a hybrid when you're inside. Like all Lexus models, the interior of the Lexus GS450h is opulent and plush, with cabin instruments leaping out to remind you that this is no ordinary Japanese car.
But what really deserves a mention is the seven-inch electronic screen with touch-screen controls on the face of the centre console. It operates the audio system and climate control and unlike the frustrating i-Drive feature and Multi Media Interface from BMW and Audi respectively, operating this system is simplistic and straight-forward.
Lexus practically kept the integration of the concepts of simplicity, luxury and sophistication well-balanced in the interior of the hybrid.
Going beyond the design, the interior offers a comfortable seating for five passengers with relatively sufficient head and legroom in front. The rear seats offer room for three tall lads, but it can be a bit tight for the person in the middle position due to the elevated centre cushion.
Nonetheless, the boot space remains capable. Hybrid or no hybrid, the boot is competent of 320 litres of space - sufficient to swallow two Callaway golf bags with ease.
Although Lexus has done well to ensure that the sleek styling of the interior is not overdone - from the buttery soft leather, to a barrage of tech-savvy amenities - the GS450h remains to be a strong contender in the luxury sedan segment.
Nonetheless, the boot space remains capable. Hybrid or no hybrid, the boot is competent of 320 litres of space - sufficient to swallow two Callaway golf bags with ease.
Although Lexus has done well to ensure that the sleek styling of the interior is not overdone - from the buttery soft leather, to a barrage of tech-savvy amenities - the GS450h remains to be a strong contender in the luxury sedan segment.
|
Drivetrain
Depress the Stop/Start button and the only cues that you're ready to go are the illuminated tachometer and the fact that the button has turned from red to green.
The GS450h is a hybrid with an interior profile that suggests leisurely comfort rather than blistering performance. And from the driver's seat, nothing suggests that the ride can be a wild one. Aside from the presence of a kW gauge in place of the tachometer, the cabin looks like the GS300 - an upscale Lexus.
But punch the right pedal and five Mississippi's later you're passing the century mark. The hybrid does the century sprint in 5.9 seconds. While not nearly as impressive as the LS460's 5.7 seconds, the greener Lexus' real-world driving experience will satisfy most demanding drivers.
Could this be a prince disguised in pauper's clothing?
On the road, the GS450h is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace but it can get up to a respectable acceleration with minimal fuss. Truth be told, it punches above its specifications and there is hardly a moment when you wish you had more shove at your disposal.
This is a luxury car that glides off the line with ease. The 3.5-litre V6, electric motor and E-CVT gearbox are like silk and it's one of the quietest, most cosseting cruisers around.
Depress the Stop/Start button and the only cues that you're ready to go are the illuminated tachometer and the fact that the button has turned from red to green.
The GS450h is a hybrid with an interior profile that suggests leisurely comfort rather than blistering performance. And from the driver's seat, nothing suggests that the ride can be a wild one. Aside from the presence of a kW gauge in place of the tachometer, the cabin looks like the GS300 - an upscale Lexus.
But punch the right pedal and five Mississippi's later you're passing the century mark. The hybrid does the century sprint in 5.9 seconds. While not nearly as impressive as the LS460's 5.7 seconds, the greener Lexus' real-world driving experience will satisfy most demanding drivers.
Could this be a prince disguised in pauper's clothing?
On the road, the GS450h is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace but it can get up to a respectable acceleration with minimal fuss. Truth be told, it punches above its specifications and there is hardly a moment when you wish you had more shove at your disposal.
This is a luxury car that glides off the line with ease. The 3.5-litre V6, electric motor and E-CVT gearbox are like silk and it's one of the quietest, most cosseting cruisers around.
Generally speaking, the car has very good road manners. It has a ride that is equivalent to that of a limousine. All the nasty imperfections of the tarmac are filtered out, as are the external noises.
Conclusion
The Lexus GS450h has two distinct characters. It runs silently on the electric motor when driven slowly around small roads. But point it at a clear highway and the petrol and electric power sources combine to deliver acceleration more akin to that of a supercharged V8. It accelerates like it doesn't want to be eaten.
With more horsepower available than BMW's 535i, the Lexus GS450h is a consummate package of comfort and performance. It's a hybrid with oomph and has the attributes in place to become successful as buyers' attitudes to hybrids soften.
And it's certainly a hybrid worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The Lexus GS450h has two distinct characters. It runs silently on the electric motor when driven slowly around small roads. But point it at a clear highway and the petrol and electric power sources combine to deliver acceleration more akin to that of a supercharged V8. It accelerates like it doesn't want to be eaten.
With more horsepower available than BMW's 535i, the Lexus GS450h is a consummate package of comfort and performance. It's a hybrid with oomph and has the attributes in place to become successful as buyers' attitudes to hybrids soften.
And it's certainly a hybrid worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Lexus GS450h Hybrid 3.5 Luxury (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|12.6km/L
Horsepower
218kW (292 bhp)
Torque
368 Nm
Acceleration
5.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus GS450h Hybrid
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