2007 Lexus GS 450h Review

What is the use of a hybrid if it need more fuel than many diesel rivals? What good is a car that can seat 5 but has no trunk? What is the point of a lexus if it can't be cheaper than a BMW / Audi...?

wow your rearted nvme, you guys keep saying that lexus fanboys are always talking trash and then look at you.

Honey, who shrunk the trunk?

"Look at it this way; BMW added twin turbos to the 335i to get more power from the engine without increasing displacement. The GS450h is simply Lexus’ version of the same concept."

YES!!!

This is the point I've been trying to get across! This is whole idea behind Lexus hybrids. Think of the hybrid motor as a new means of increasing horsepower without decreasing economy, emissions, etc.

And German fans, for the sake of sparing an argument, whatever you do DO NOT read the last line of the review! ;)

It won’t make you want to save the whales with Greenpeace or stop washing your hair to get that ‘one with the earth’ look, but it will leave you with a sense that you’re doing your part to save the environment, even while dragging that M5.



The GS450h cannot hang with an M5. Perhaps in the low speed range, 0-30 mph, the GS450h will be on par with the M5 because of the electric motor. Pass the 30 mph marker and the GS falls behind.

In fact, I see your point, Will. Neither turbochargers nor hybrid systems hurt fuel economy, and they both increase power nicely. There are negatives, though: hybrids are too quiet (can be fixed, probably), turbos have lag (has been fixed before- 335i has almost no lag).

Another flame war waiting to happen, great.

I do agree that the load capacity and trunk space of the GS450h is a big handicap.

willis ... the GS450H is not even as quick as the BMW 550. Why do people like to compare it to the M5? The last time they compared the GS450h to the 550i it was close 0 to 60 but was lost in the rearview mirror by the 550.

Willis said this:

"The GS450h cannot hang with an M5. Perhaps in the low speed range, 0-30 mph, the GS450h will be on par with the M5 because of the electric motor. Pass the 30 mph marker and the GS falls behind."

on the turns .. add on to last statement

With exception of Lexus's IS-series...BMW's X5 4.8i, Porsche's Cayenne turbo, & Jeeps SRT-8, all outhandle & cruise through the slalom faster than Lexus's whole line-up. Those are S.U.V.'s for those who don't know.

Wondering why I've never liked or bought a Lexus before? It's simple...I like to drive!

I love the GS 450H. I would consider buying one of these. Even the GS 350 is a quick one but without the hybrid obviously.

See Lexus fans? I like Lexus too : ) haha.

Something I just noticed? The ES350 is one inch longer than the GS. Isn't that odd? Am I the only one who finds that odd?

Wow that's odd.

WOW! imagine how many MORE parking spaces this will slip right into!

WOW! Your CAPITAL-LETTERED COMMENTS are so ANNOYING!

When it 1st came out I liked it, not anymore! Its starting to look dated believe it or not. Not only dated, but with some ugliness. The interior is taken from a camry (just like the whole lexus lineup), the trunk space is nonexistant, the rear leg room is so tiny , I had to put my legs up haha. Its a total joke. Why does it sell well? (talking about the GS in general).... because the GS430 costs less than a BMW 530.

If people must insist on comparing the GS to the 5-Series the reason why the GS even sells is because it provides a better level of comfort, refinement, and luxury, even with its "Camry-derived interior."

Simple as that.

Not to mention that the GS's exterior design is more appealing from a conservative, understated luxury point-of-view.

Will, you had me on why it sells at all (general public appreciates comfort over harshness), but "understated?" Do you really think the GS is more understated than the 5 Series? The only parts of the 5 that are even remotely extroverted are the front lights and the rear lights. But take a look at the body panels; they're super-conservative, looking strikingly similar to BMWs of the past.

The GS is the outlandish one by comparison. And I sense yet another superior air in that comment. For people who "appreciate" design? Was the GS the one which created such a stir in automotive design? Because I think that's BMW's greatest achievement of the twenty-first century. They already had sportiness and seat comfort, but their innovative designs have pushed them over the top. You may hate them, as some do; others love them. THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT.

Where did I say the GS was for people who "appreciate" design? That's a phrase you "superior" German fans like to use, not Lexus fans. I said the GS's design is more appealing from a conservative's perspective.

And who do you think you're fooling? The 5-Series has had way more backlash for its outlandish design than the GS has. It is your crew who insists that the GS is "boring" right?

"Do you really think the GS is more understated than the 5 Series?"

Hell yes, and going back to an argument we were having earlier, most "normal" people would agree. Why must you all insist that BMWs designs are NOT hideous? I believe that you believe they are not hideous, there's no reason to keep trying to force that opinion.

Lexus ALWAYS understates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 6.2 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 6.8 0 - 60 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is more than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the Lexus people.....