Lexus GS 450h Test Drive

Caring for the environment generally means standing outside in the pouring rain waiting for the bus that may never come, donning cycle clips, or perhaps taking to the wheel of a Toyota Prius and having to explain Mother Earth’s plight every time you park at a client’s office. But now Lexus, at the forefront of hybrid technology, brings the machine that requires no explanation: the GS 450h.

Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota, which brought the car industry kicking and screaming into the 21st Century with the noble Prius. Cameron Diaz, George Lucas and Leonardi Dicaprio all jumped on board, but they are so famously wealthy they are immune from the judgements of peers.

The rest of us need to make more effort to look the part and still show we care, and it doesn’t hurt to have a comfortable, luxurious car in the process. And Lexus is one of very few catering to this market with hybrid cars that don’t look like golf buggies.


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Kinger - 7/20/2007 11:04:36 AM

+1 Boost

Ha, good one!!

MrGunFun - 7/21/2007 7:11:47 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus interiors are the most boring ever

S4cabriofoxone - 7/21/2007 11:55:53 PM

+4 Boost

The GS interior is very nice, but quite cramped. I wouldn't call the updated 5 Series's interior cheap, much less the opulent 6 Series. Both are excellent on the inside.

EL34 - 7/20/2007 11:22:35 AM

-2 Boost

This car has all the styling of a larger Toyota Corolla.

There's just mothing unique.

USAWON - 7/20/2007 12:27:19 PM

+1 Boost

Like all Toyota's... boring and economical.
But if your in to fuel consumption stats:
Mercedes E55 - 13 litres/100km
GS450h - 10 litres/100km
Corolla - 9 litres/100km
Prius - 5 litres/100km
These are real world driving numbers. Australia test.
I couldnt find an American article so I had to write in that goofy metric system language.

JUGNU - 7/20/2007 11:28:07 AM

+1 Boost

To me GS is the most beautiful car in it's class.Infact it looks more beautiful than the LS and IS.

JUGNU

S4cabriofoxone - 7/21/2007 11:57:34 PM

-1 Boost

Honestly, at the moment, I actually think the GS is the worst-looking of the Lexus sedans. That isn't to say it's ugly- if you got the hybrid wheels, it certainly isn't. But the ES, IS and LS are all very stylish and make the GS look homely (at least with the standard wheels).

STJ88 - 7/20/2007 11:56:04 AM

+1 Boost

Everybody that says that the GS looks like the corolla is a stupid hater, and the in interior of the M5/M6 looks like crap.

The GS is the best looking car in its class it looks ten times better than the 5-serie, e-class and A6 only the infiniti M comes close to it.

merc07 - 7/20/2007 11:58:49 AM

0 Boost

best car in it's class. oh that explains the struggling sales.

M35MT - 7/20/2007 12:06:50 PM

+5 Boost

Awesome interior - that's where Lexus shines.

Htay7500 - 7/20/2007 1:13:16 PM

+6 Boost

it does have a nice interior!

Will_ - 7/20/2007 1:36:17 PM

-3 Boost

Mercedes yes, BMW no. BMW interiors are not as luxury-oriented as Mercedes, Audi and Lexus. BMW interiors rival Honda, Nissan etc.

S4cabriofoxone - 7/22/2007 12:02:01 AM

0 Boost

Will, that's a bit of an overstatement. BMW interiors are underwhelming, RELATIVELY. When I say "relatively," I mean in the luxury car market. In fact, the 3, (2008) 5, 6, 7 and X5 all have very nice interiors, and should not be disregarded.

M35MT - 7/20/2007 12:20:38 PM

+7 Boost

You know what's fucking cheap you stupid douchebag? Your piece of shit Mercedes that wont even start because Germans cant wire anyting to save their life.

The plastics feel and look better than anything in the current E class and the wood is real.

You're so scared of Lexus you probably wet the bed every night thinking about them.

cdoke - 7/20/2007 12:52:07 PM

0 Boost

"And I like Jaguars. B*tch."

mmmmmrrrrrrrr.....

Htay7500 - 7/21/2007 11:03:50 AM

-1 Boost

although i like the eclass, im w/ m35's rant on wiring FTW.

TauronB2G - 7/21/2007 12:03:11 PM

-1 Boost

Ladies...quit arguing...its unbecoming.
T

Rupert - 7/20/2007 12:37:12 PM

0 Boost

Pity it has worse emissions and gets worse mpg than a 530i...

Will_ - 7/20/2007 1:25:33 PM

+3 Boost

Lexus hybrid = unconventional means of power boost. If you want the most frugal GS then get a GS350.

JRobUSC - 7/20/2007 2:54:33 PM

-1 Boost

Xero, the problem there is that 1 mpg costs you many thousands of dollars versus a GS350, or even the GS350x, and the performance is identical in acceleration and worse in every other category. You also lose half your trunk. You basically gain nothing, you just have a lighter wallet and a heavier car that performs worse.

I actually like the GS350, it'd probably be tied for second with the E350 behind the 535 in my shopping order. The GS450h though I think is pretty useless.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/20/2007 6:51:20 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus.com says the GS350 will crack 60 in 5.7, which is about a half second slower than the GS450h. But you do have an AWD option, a much bigger boot, a decent gearbox, a lighter car and it is more than 10.000 dollars cheaper.. money that you can spend on some nice options or tuning to make it faster than the GS450h.

Other than that, I seriously doubt the GS450h's performance.. I mean 0-60 in 5.2 seconds is pretty fast, it's very fast actually. Here in Europe it has lost every comparo it entered in terms of performance, both 550i and E500 have beaten it. Only the A6 V8 is slower. 0-62 mph comes up in 5.9 seconds (not a single magazine got this time - not even Sport Auto) compared to 0-60 in 5.2 --> 0.7 difference for 2 mph? And it doesn't need to shift!

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/21/2007 7:27:00 AM

+1 Boost

Can someone explain that to me?

JRobUSC - 7/21/2007 8:00:20 AM

+3 Boost

Hey Xero, Car and Driver got IDENTICAL acceleration times for the GS350 AWD and the GS450h. IDENTICAL. Not 0.5 seconds different. And you get all-wheel drive, an actual trunk, better handling, and get to keep $10k. But I'm sure you're super rich because you're such a Kool guy so that $10k means nothing to you. You're such a winner. I wish I could be Kool like you.

JRobUSC - 7/21/2007 8:07:40 AM

+1 Boost

Oh, and Xero, you do get that extra 1 mpg, I wouldn't want to shortchange you there Kool Guy. So, if you're driving the car 15k miles per year you only need to drive it for exactly 100 years to recoup your $10k. Sound investment plan there.

We're done here. Think before you post again Kool, just because you HAVE freedom of speech to make yourself look stupid doesn't mean you have to exercise it.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/21/2007 12:37:34 PM

+2 Boost

Yep, we are done here.

Now Mr. Kool keep deboosting us.

S4cabriofoxone - 7/22/2007 12:06:59 AM

+1 Boost

Actually, I have an idea. Let's look at the new BMW 535i. BMW claims 0-60mph in 5.7 sec with the manual. We all know, though, that BMW understates their times. I would confidently shave 0.5 seconds off of that time- bringing it (concidentally) to Lexus's 5.2 second time for the GS450h. And in fact, although the 5 Series gets worse mileage in the city, it gets better mileage on the highway. Its combined mpg (for 2008) is about 22.

So, when you look at it, you're not losing anything by going for the 535i over the GS450h. In fact, you're saving money. The car is also more spacious, more technologically advanced, and more satisfying to drive because of its fabulous exhaust note and world-class handling.

I know which one I'd choose.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/22/2007 3:47:56 AM

0 Boost

Who cares about 0-60 anyway? It's all about the feel and balance of the car. I mean c'mon that's why BMW is famous for!

Hyundai - 7/21/2007 3:37:03 PM

-2 Boost

Funny that 43LE backs men who enjoy other guy's pee-holes, but uses people with mental illness to make a parody of other posters here.

I guess not reading the Bible didn't work out all that well for you, my ignorant, "not-practicing-what-he-preaches" dear!

Hyundai - 7/22/2007 2:30:29 PM

-2 Boost

You mean that 43LE is not a parody on EL34? You mean to tell me that you have never insinutated that there was something wrong with him? You mean to tell me that if you have a cold that you are not ILL? You mean to ALSO tell me that having psychosis is NOT a mental illness? I want to see the textbook that states psychosis is not a mental illness!

So much for your education, meat-flute-eater.

enthusiastx11 - 7/23/2007 10:03:50 PM

+1 Boost

it would be wonderful. valhalla.

Denali - 7/20/2007 1:47:48 PM

+3 Boost

i can careless about how clean this car is, the GS is a sexy ass car, the interior and looks out shines it comp by far, that classic egg shape, and yes the wood is real for u slow F!@#s. im not sure about "magic feel" i rather go with an M45 or E for the feel "even doe i dont like the E but MB did what it does to it"

JUGNU - 7/20/2007 1:54:23 PM

0 Boost

06GS300

u have a beautiful car buddy.Actually my neighbour have one and believe me (if parked) i always have a glance at it and then enter my house.

really gorgious especially from rear and side

JUGNU

JUGNU - 7/20/2007 1:57:37 PM

0 Boost

btw his GS300 is 2006 and white

your is which colour

JUGNU

benzdabest - 7/20/2007 6:24:22 PM

0 Boost

Is that the new Toyota Avalon? Wow they sure can fool us ^LOL^.

markusck - 7/21/2007 9:39:39 AM

+1 Boost

I just don't see this car as a design marvel, its exactly what Lexus does, plain jane vanilla..offend no one, excite none. Its a safe design for the non enthusiast crowd..the design is just Japanese standard with a marketing gizmo called 'hybrid drive'..its what you get after your Buick..without looking like you really moved up...

and now the hybrid drive is being touted as 'power boost' technology and less of an environmental marvel..as the results just don't pan out do they? and you do need a reason for the small trunk and you don't want to really say you've moved up, you say "i care about the environment'...what a laugh.. Lexus, the pursuit of perfect marketing..bravo. well done.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/21/2007 4:40:34 PM

0 Boost

Well put. Toyota and Lexus make sensible boring cars that are good in being boring. Not the car for the enthusiast.

But that's all going to change with the LFA and IS-F

Auto_expert - 7/21/2007 9:48:57 AM

+1 Boost

On it's own it looks alright. The design is OK and it's a very fine car. It's pretty sleek and the fit and finish is top notch. But, I think it does look dated, uninspiring/unexciting. Put one of these next to an E-Class and tell me which is more stylish/sleeker. Put it next to a 5-series and tell me which is more bold and exciting. Styling is not this car's high point. It's about the fit and finish and reliability.

SupraNeverBack - 7/21/2007 4:46:16 PM

-2 Boost

You are kidding, right? BMW 5 looks excited?

MrGunFun - 7/21/2007 7:19:25 PM

-1 Boost

Seriously, no one will take Lexus GS over BMW 5 series.
GS looks better in pictures, sadly not in real life.

enthusiastx11 - 7/21/2007 8:42:51 PM

+1 Boost

20mpg = caring about the environment? please.
i guess everyone driving a 3-series or 5-series should get a green award!

enthusiastx11 - 7/21/2007 8:44:10 PM

+1 Boost

they only sell 2,000 of these a year in the US.
that pretty much say it all about consumer interest in this car.
it's trying to be all things to all people. as a result, it doesn't do anything remarkable.

johnct - 7/22/2007 1:39:50 AM

+1 Boost

The GS is a great car, but the Hybrid is a joke. Read the review from the NY Times on the LS. Hybrid is a fad.

M53R - 7/22/2007 9:22:54 AM

+2 Boost

I have to admit I liked the styling when it first came out. But now Im starting to think its looking dated, unlike the 5 series which still shines.

Also, I would take the 535i over this.... anyday.

MunichRob - 7/22/2007 9:56:24 AM

0 Boost

^^ ^^
I liked the 5-series when it came out but the more I see it the uglier I find it. To me it's the only BMW I can really get frustrated with Bangle for...Definitely doesn't shine to me.

The GS however has one of the nicest exterior designs in its class (much nicer than a 5er) but one of the worst interiors. I've personally never understood the hype behind Lexus interiors.

Anthony - 7/23/2007 9:08:55 AM

-1 Boost

He's made it his full-time job to exist only to annoy a distinct group of people. How sad for him.

chewy - 7/23/2007 1:50:33 PM

0 Boost

All the GS450hs I have seen have black sooty exhaust pipes.

enthusiastx11 - 7/23/2007 10:05:02 PM

+1 Boost

so what are the sales numbers?
90% of lexus sales are in the US, so pretty tiny volume.

spadog55 - 7/23/2007 6:01:21 PM

-1 Boost

Next time you pull up to a Lexus notice the driver. Are they all middle age balding soft bodies? It seems to me Lexus has a nice product it's the drivers that need an upgrade.