Summary:
The first hybrid in the sedan segment, the fastest Lexus ever, and the first hybrid to drive the rear wheels with a front-mounted engine, the Lexus GS 450h has a base price of $54,900. According to a first review, you get a car half a second quicker to 60 mph (5.2 seconds) and better furnished as well. The GS 450h has been touted as a hybrid delta which is charmingly nominal. According to Lexus, a savings of about 200 gallons per year, or $560 at current California prices for premium fuel. In other words, the hybrid delta is covered in five years. Also, the car is rated as a super-low emission vehicle.
Engine:
With a 3.5 liter V6; high-output, permanent magnet, electric-drive motor; 340 hp; 3.5 displacement; 24 valves; four cam; dual variable valve timing with intelligence; and a super ultra low emission vehicle, the Lexus GS also includes rear wheel drive; traction control; vehicle dynamics integrated management, and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
MPG:
25 miles per gallon city; 28 miles per gallon highway
Interior:
A wood- and leather-trimmed shift knob and three-spoke steering wheel are standard on the GS 450h. Depending on your interior color choice, the rich wood trim comes in golden bird’s-eye maple, black bird’s-eye maple or red walnut. Also included are stainless-steel branded scuff plates on all doorsills.
Exterior:
The Lexus GS is exquisite, with sculpted lines, slingshot-shaped windows and a wide wheelbase, and has an aggressive look that makes it appear closer to the ground than it actually is. Adding to its sleek design are integrated fog lamps and an exposed stainless-steel dual exhaust, along with distinctive hybrid badging on the vehicle’s rear and lower sides.
Safety Features:
Unique and incredibly packed with the most advanced safety systems, the GS 450h utilizes 10 airbags throughout its cabin to help protect you and your passengers in various types of severe frontal or side collisions. It also features a steel-reinforced unibody structure with specific crumple zones in the front and rear. These crumple zones are designed to compress at a controlled rate to help absorb impact energy. To help resist cabin intrusion during a possible lateral collision, the doors are reinforced with sturdy side-impact door beams.
The available Pre-Collision System is equipped with a front-mounted radar sensor that constantly monitors the distance of the vehicle ahead. When the PCS computer determines that a frontal collision is unavoidable, it preemptively tightens the front seatbelts and engages the Brake Assist for increased braking force when the driver steps on the brake pedal.
The GS 450h is also equipped with an advanced vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system. Each vehicle’s unique rolling key code scrambles every time the alarm is armed and disarmed. If it’s not the same one transmitted by your specific key, the vehicle is rendered immobile. These are just a few of the many safety systems available.
Warranty:
The basic warranty coverage is for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Wheel alignment and balancing are covered for 12 months or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
