A few weeks ago, when I reviewed the 2011 Lexus RX450h, I had commented on how of all the luxury car brands, Lexus has been the one that seems to have embraced hybrid technology more than any other. Given that, there are plenty of vehicles for an eco-friendly automotive writer to check out in their line up and this week we have yet another.
Among its 2011 line up of vehicles are no less than 5 Hybrid models. Some of them, such as the HS250h were designed exclusively as a Hybrid while others such as RX450h are simply Hybrid versions of similar non-Hybrid models (RX350). This week we look at the GS450h performance luxury sedan. This full sized, rear wheel drive performance sedan debuted with the 2007 model year and has thrived in a specialized segment which, until recently had almost no direct competition. The Mercedes Benz Bluetec clean diesel equipped E320 sedan was about the only other vehicle to line up favourably with the GS450h despite using clean diesel versus hybrid technology. However with the recent launch of the Infiniti M35h hybrid performance sedan, it will be interesting to see how Lexus responds.
FIRST IMPRESSION
Simplicity and elegance are usual hallmarks of a Lexus vehicle and the GS450h fits right in. Right from the first look there is no question that this is a luxury vehicle, yet it says so with a refined and simple elegance that is hard to take your eyes off of. My tester was metallic silver in colour, which was understated but impressive to look at.
The interior offers a sophisticated yet clean and simple design. Lexus tends to prefer a slightly understated approach to its design, with plenty of thought given to things such as placement of gauges and controls. Particularly impressive was a pull down panel found just to the left of the steering wheel which neatly organizes many switches relating to the side-view mirrors, hood and trunk release levers and other gauges.
However, similar to the RX450h, the control switch for the dual heated and cooled front leather seats was hidden underneath the centre armrest console and somewhat awkward to use and adjust.
DRIVE
As the GS450h is a performance luxury sedan, it has plenty of power available to live up to its billing. It offers a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 292 hp, but when combined with a high-torque electric motor the hybrid power train is capable of putting out 339 hp.
As for fuel efficiency, the GS450h has a fuel consumption rating from Natural Resources Canada of 8.7 L/100 km (city) and 7.8 L/100 km (hwy), which makes it about 30% more fuel efficient than its non-hybrid cousin, the GS460. In the midsize category, the GS450h ranks 34th out of 125 vehicles rated in the guide and 210th out of 1081 vehicles rated overall.
Given the integration involved with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system used with Toyota and Lexus vehicles, it’s actually impossible at times to know when the engine is running as opposed to the battery. From a full stop the GS450h accelerates using battery power only until about 35 km/h and thus, the silence coming from the engine can be somewhat surreal and takes time to get used to.
INTERIOR COMFORT
The GS450h is an extremely comfortable vehicle to drive in. Quality leather appointments and sturdy design, combined with a 12 way adjustable seat ensures an ideal seating configuration for the driver.
The interior of the GS450h is also very quiet. This of course is partly to do with the use of hybrid technology but it also has a lot to do with the acoustic engineering that Lexus does quite well. Even at highway speeds there is little interior noise and quiet conversations can still be had with the person next to you or sitting behind you quite easily.
Those sitting in the back seat may find however that legroom is a bit cramped. While the rear seating is equally comfortable as is the front, anyone taller than about 5’10” may find the limited legroom to be a problem – especially for longer drives.
GADGETS AND GIZMOS
There are a number of interesting technological features to be found with the GS450h. The centre console display screen offers a full menu of options to control the interior climate, navigation system, audio controls and even an information display to track fuel consumption performance and a running display of the power distribution between engine and battery.
As with most vehicles equipped with satellite radio, I found that navigating the plethora of XM or Sirrus satellite channels was difficult and at times frustrating. Given that this seems to be a recurring problem with most vehicles I test that have satellite radio, I’m not sure where the fault lies or how it can be fixed, but I nonetheless find it to be a disincentive to use the service altogether.
The Mark Levinson premium sound system offered a well rounded and rich sound which is something I always appreciate from an OEM sound system. I would have preferred a greater ability to adjust particular sound components to suit it to my liking, but that’s just the audiophile in me talking and not something of any great concern.
Other neat features like a collision avoidance system, rear mounted camera for viewing in reverse and drive tuning controls to adjust both the handling and suspension from regular to sport to even snow modes definitely added to the enjoyment of the driving experience.
STORAGE
I suppose with everything good, there is likely to be something bad, and with the GS450h, storage is certainly lacking. With the batteries placed behind the rear seat the trunk space is only about 7 cubic feet, which is dramatically less than the 13 cubic feet found in its cousin the GS460. One would certainly have a difficult time putting anymore than 2 sets of golf clubs in the trunk and a weeks worth of groceries for a family of even 3 or 4 would seem impossible to fit. This was perhaps the biggest disappointment I found with the vehicle and I would encourage the Lexus designers to consider a better placement of the batteries when the GS450h is up for a re-design.
IN THE END
When the GS450h was first launched, journalists and motorists alike were blown away by how luxury, fuel efficiency and good economics were so effortlessly and impressively blended together. Make no mistake this is a luxury performance sedan that performs just as good as any non-hybrid version that it’s matched up against. Add to it the fact that it has a fuel efficiency rating of a decent 4 cylinder engine and you have a winning combo for those looking for a luxury sedan that offers performance and pragmatism.
While it’s extremely limited trunk space greatly hampers its ability to act as a family vehicle for all but the most modest of families, it nonetheless would be a solid addition as a work only vehicle or a reward for someone who has achieved a level of success in life.
As more vehicles enter this segment and try to go toe to toe with the GS450h it will be interesting to see how, or if Lexus tries to up the ante. I know I’ll be watching with keen interest and I suspect others will as well.
ENVIRO DAD’S Test Drive Ratings (Out of 5):
STYLE: 4.0
COMFORT: 4.5
FEATURES: 4.5
STORAGE: 2.0
DRIVE: 4.5
ENVIRO/ECO: 4.0
VALUE: 3.5
(MSRP as tested $71,750)
OVERALL RATING: 4.0
I agree with your review Eric. When I test drove this vehicle, I found the Lexus to perform like a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a four cylinder. The GS450h is the perfect combination of luxury and size, with all the benefits of a hybrid and I would not hesitate to recommend this car to all.