#03#The Lexus GS450h will destroy any notions you may have that hybrids are sluggish, compact cars driven by tree-huggers. Many Toyota Prius drivers may somewhat fit this mould, but that doesn't mean you have to, to own a hybrid. Recent offerings from Toyota's luxury division have done wonders to dispel this myth. Thanks to Lexus, there now is such a thing as a performance-hybrid, and the GS450h is fine example of this new class of car.
The 2007 GS 450h mates a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine to a high-output, permanent magnet, electric-drive motor. Working in unison, this combination delivers a whopping 340 horses to the rear wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Lexus could have tuned this car for optimal fuel economy, but instead, the aim was to rival the performance of leading V8 sport saloons, while offering the fuel economy of a V6-engined model. The "h" will glide from a standstill to 60mph in just 5.6 seconds and still offer fuel economy of 28mpg - pretty darn impressive in anyone's books!
With a base price of £38,058 ($54,900 in the USA, €84,757 in Ireland), the GS450h is regarded as the flagship of the GS range, so one can expect above average levels of luxury here. The interior is both classy and ergonomically efficient. The cabin offers comfy leather seats with ample head and legroom up front for adults. The rear offers reasonable comfort, though leg room is tighter than expected. The instrument panel is angular and stylish while the polished wood steering wheel provides secure grip. Expect a plethora of controls for the audio system and other onboard electronics. The analogue instruments are black with white markings and pointers.
Access to the cabin is via keyless entry, which means that the driver carries a Smart Access electronic key fob that, once within range, connects wirelessly with the vehicle and signals its driver has arrived. Simply lift the door handle and the door opens, having been electronically unlocked for you. It works well.
With hybrids come batteries and in the case of this car, the boot is the sacrificial lamb. The various hybrid components stowed between the rear seat back and a panel at the far end of the trunk gobbles up 80 percent of the available space. Yes, you will be able to squeeze a golf bag, maybe two, in there, but forget about the family's luggage for a weekend retreat.
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At the wheel you'll discover a neat blend of sport saloon performance interwoven with luxury car comfort. A push of a button alters suspension settings. One can choose between Sport or Comfort modes. Selecting Sport mode will stiffen the dampers (operating in conjunction with double-wishbone, coil-spring suspension). This Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, along with an optional active stabiliser system, works to significantly reduce body roll during cornering. The AVS also works well in providing a plush ride when in Comfort mode.
On the road this works really well. The 1900kg body moves with great agility for its size and feels very composed, even under hard cornering on twisty mountain roads. Our test car was shod with optional 18-inch Z-rated Yokohama tyres, which proved up to the task of keeping the GS in line. The overall driving experience is excellent, with little sign that this is a hybrid other than the instruments displaying info like "kW" instead of the traditional engine revs. When you step on the accelerator pedal, the response is lightning fast, and the engine delivers the goods, ably assisted by a surge of electric power when the electronics deem it appropriate.
Lexus has succeeded in its goal of offering a hybrid with an explosive kick without sacrificing fuel economy. This car is certainly a match for some of its European competitors. While it may lack the driving involvement of a BMW or Audi, it comes very close. Considering the fact that it's a hybrid makes it easier to overlook these small discrepancies. If you can live with the small boot, then this is one mid-size luxury saloon that's certainly worth considering if you still want a performance saloon, especially with petrol prices on the up.
2007 Lexus GS range overview
| Model | UK (£ on-the-road) | US ($ MSRP) | Ireland: (€ on-the-road) |
| Lexus GS 300 | £31,548 | $n/a | €65,100 |
| Lexus GS 300 SE | £37,548 | $n/a | €n/a |
| Lexus GS 450h | £38,058 | $54,900 | €84,757 |
| Lexus GS 300 SE-L | £39,148 | $n/a | €n/a |
| Lexus GS 450h SE | £43,963 | $n/a | €n/a |
| Lexus GS 450h SE-L | £46,808 | $n/a | €n/a |
| Lexus GS 430 | £47,903 | $52,375 | €98,195 |
| Lexus GS 350 | £n/a | $44,150 | €n/a |
| Lexus GS 350 AWD | £n/a | $46,100 | €n/a |
| Lexus GS 300 Executive | £n/a | $n/a | €71,615 |
| Lexus GS 300 Sport | £n/a | $n/a | €79,150 |
