VIDEO: GS450h vs GS430 vs M45 from Best Motoring

Watch the battery gauge on the GS450h screen closely. The GS450h absolutely ruled in the first lap while the batteries were still good. The batteries were soon depleted after the first lap, however, so in the subsequent two laps the GS450h wasn't as fast, allowing the M45 to post better best lap time than the GS450h in the end. Had this race been on a rolling start the GS450h would've posted a better best lap time in the first lap than the Fuga. All in all, a good win for the GS450h in a race event.
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Rupert - 12/31/2006 8:31:32 PM

0 Boost

see i don't criticise the handling, i just really don't like the GS.
and this isn't a lexus bash (honest) but good handling doesn't equal a good drive. the steering is the main thing that stops it from being a driver's car, same with mercs.

jgibson3252 - 12/31/2006 7:37:27 PM

-4 Boost

Fast car Still looks like nissian Max.

jaeggar - 1/1/2007 4:08:36 AM

0 Boost

i think the GS450H is a very sensible alternative to the M5 and E63.I like it.

Bill - 1/1/2007 8:53:23 AM

0 Boost

Wow, the GS450h competes with the M5 and E63 AMG now? Great, it'll be last place all the time then...

2JZSoarer - 1/1/2007 5:25:36 PM

+3 Boost

The GS450h is not in the same league as the M5 or E63 AMG your right about that,but I'm pretty sure that the GS-F is on the way to compete with these vehicles!!

TheGenius - 1/1/2007 9:54:34 AM

0 Boost

This is a half-baked attempt to mask the shortcomings of the GS. You test it with a model it replaces, and the M45, and then claim its faster when the M45 clearly posted the fastest lap times!! (Last I checked, the best way to judge lap times is to do a number of laps with the same driver and take the best of ??, drop the worst or use some statistically sensible way of determining the best lap time..) That's like saying the best golfer in your neighborhood is better than Tiger, Phil or Vijay simply because he beat his little brother...

So the battery for the reliable lexus is only good for the first lap so much for regenerative braking or did it break down????? Hmm! What the video really shows is that the GS450H can post faster lap times than the GS430 it replaces, but not the the M45.. (even with the gs430 blocking the way.)

When I saw all the disclaimers, I knew there had to be a catch!! Here's a more realistic test in which the GS450 came last..

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/11738/2007-bmw-550i-vs-2007-infiniti-m45-sport-vs-2007-lexus-gs450h-vs-2007-mercedes-benz-e550.html

There's no question, it accelerates well, but what I'd like to see a handling test versus the Toyota Sienna and Nissan Qwest. I already know what the result with the Odyssey is: GS450H slalom - 60mph: Honda Odyssey slalom - 60mph. This will be a very close fight..

chewy - 1/1/2007 5:33:16 PM

+1 Boost

The GS460 would be much faster than the GS450h and get just about equal fuel economy.

SupraNeverBack - 1/1/2007 6:45:22 PM

+1 Boost

R&T averaged 25.8 mpg (first 12,xxx miles) in their long-term test GS450h. Not bad for such a heavy and fast car, I guess.

Next generation hybrid will be ligther and more powerful for sure.

Buzz - 1/2/2007 4:39:35 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, the GS450h is fast, but it's a Lexus - it does it all very quietly and smoothly without any need for the driver to involve himself in the process. The steering is numb and the car is set up for freeway comfort rather than track work. I have taken one on a track and while it did ok, it's out of its element. Nothing wrong with that, but it's no sports car.