FIRST Drive: New Lexus GS450h, Worthy German Exec Rival?

Could have done a little better job integrating the smaller headlights on the grill, perhaps even using LEDs instead.

— SanJoseDriver (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 1:06:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

The answer to the question posed here is: NEVER.

— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 1:30:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

no changes to the dismal dynamics of this car.
so not a remote rival to the 5-series or even the E-class.
it will continue to sell in tiny quantities.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 1:33:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

It is a Lexus, question answered

— Deutschland (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 1:53:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

The next version of the GS will be a great car.

The German's better be ready.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 2:08:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I think it's a worthy competitor, if you like the Lexus definition of luxury.

— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 2:20:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

For starters, remove that stupid looking grill.

— synx (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 2:34:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

The "L" on the grille stands for "Loser"!

— BSBB (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 3:38:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

have to agree with SanJoseDriver about the little lights in the front looking lick to little zits.

— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 4:47:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Worthy German Exec Rival?
No

Worthy Korean Exec Rival?
Yes

— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 5:41:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I never could figure out what exactly the GS was focusing on. Its rivals have a clear focus. For example, we know the BMW 5er focuses on sport and handling. The E-Class combines luxury, comfort and sport in a very appealing package and the A6 is a blend of those two. The M from Infiniti rivals the 5-Series while offering more for less money.

The GS? I could never figure it out. It's not very sporty nor is it very comfortable. It's small and cramped on the inside and in hybrid form has virtually no trunk and an embarrassingly small payload capacity. Why should I buy a Lexus GS when I can have an E-Class or an A6 or M that tells me exactly what they can do? I guess what I am getting at is that the GS to me lacks that particular balance which its competitors clearly have. A reliable and fully-loaded car means nothing to me if it isn't spacious on the inside (or trunk), comfortable or can carry extra weight (payload capacity).

Call me crazy, but I find the Camryish Lexus ES far more appealing than the GS. At least its mission and capabilities are clear.

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 8:32:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Well, don't knw why Toyota doesnt put more effort into the GS, i mean the GS 460 is my fav. 4 door Sedan below $60,000 but its not special as when the first GS 400 V8 came out over 10 Yrs ago and was the fastest 4 Door luxury sedan until the 400HP M5 & E55 AMG came out. This thing is nice cuz not too many have it and it has a wide body road presence. Everyone has an E and a 5, I don't like any of the AWD/FWD A6 (not comparable, i think they still have a FWD model, wow). The GS is a well balanced over all car, right amount of comfort, speed, size and sport. And that V8 burble - just waits for an aftermarket exhaust.

— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 11/6/2009 11:41:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

YAWN!!

— IVANURI97 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/7/2009 12:29:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

"In many ways, the green-tinged GS450h still stacks up but in the image battle against the latest diesel Mercs, BMWs and Audis, inevitably it'll have its work cut out."

Pretty much sums it up, Lexus will never win over customers with low self-esteem or raisin nuts.

As for what Lexus' target is, its offering what the Germans can't to people who are comfortable with whats between their legs. RS6 might be faster than the GS450h but gets about significantly less fuel economy. A6 TDI may get a bit better fuel economy but is much slower. Lexus offers 90% of both worlds. Can the Germans do that AND offer even lower emissions?

A6 Avant 3.0 TDI gets 34mpg combined imperial and 0-60 in 7.1sec so we'll say the sedan does it in 6.5sec.
http://www.cartuningcentral.com/Audi-A6-5dr-avant-30-V6-TDI-Quattro-S-line-Technical-Specifications

The GS450h ges 22/25/23mpg according to www.fueleconomy.gov while the A6 gets 18/27/21mpg.

Edmunds clocks the 2008 FWD A6 3.2 0-60 at 7.9sec, rather disappointing considering the bro's A6 Quattro feels alot faster.
http://www.edmunds.com/audi/a6/2008/review.html

Again, Lexus offers what the Germans simply can't. Everything except a penis enhancing logo.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/7/2009 7:53:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Sooo lacks emotion!!>..

— clsboy (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 5:54:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1