2010 Lexus GS450h

Review

By

Strada

A Performance Rear Wheel Drive Luxury Hybrid

You heard that electric motors have “instant torque” and you always wondered what would happen with abundant instant torque? Here it is…the GS450h is a “performance hybrid” that gives new meaning to instant torque.

Torque Most hybrids are front wheel drive with a 4 cylinder ICE, and a moderate power electric motor. The

emphasis is on economy.

Increasingly luxury manufacturers are talking of launching hybrid versions in the near future. Ideally

with a V6 ICE, an electric motor, and rear wheel drive.

If you are an aficionado of performance, and horsepower, you have wondered what a luxury hybrid

would be. On several occasions we have wondered what an electric motor could do in a rear wheel

drive application (no torque steer) with abundant instant torque.

Wonder no more, the future is here the GS450h, provides not just a glimpse, also the driving and

performance experience of abundant instant torque…its hyper cool.

The Styling is Appealing

Elegantly conservative with good street presence….precisely what you would expect from Lexus.

Leather

Have you noticed that every car has a leather interior! Its refreshing to touch and feel buttery soft

leather, the front seats are heated and ventilated...impressive.

More Leather

Did the soft leather impressed us…yes it did! The fit and finish of the interior is flawless.

Instruments

Looking at the instruments belies the performance of this car. Its cool when the wheel (regenerative) in the instrument shows the battery being charged. Diminishes the sense of guilt…increases the sense of conservation after you throttle up….with a smile on your face.

eCVT

Hybrids have a CVT transmission, in the GS450h its electronically controlled to behave like a 6 speed

transmission, including a manual mode. Its cool to shift gears with a CVT.

Entertainment System

The Mark Levinson system with 14 speakers and 7.1 channel Surround Sound is simply stunning!

Power

The 3.5L V6 is rated at 292 HP with 267 lb.ft. of torque, the hybrid drive is rated at 340 HP, the torque rating of the hybrid is “peel your face off” exhilarating . The 0 to 100 kph time is a few points over 5 seconds, it gives you an idea of the power/performance .

Performance The intellectual direction of the GS450h is performance, not economy, although economy is a by

product of the Lexus Hybrid Drive.

From our perspective, and obvious from Lexus’ too, a $71,900. hybrid sedan is not destined

towards the individual seeking maximum fuel economy. Its for the individual that is seeking HPEE

(High Performance Economy/Efficiency).

In a dialogue on the expectations of a luxury hybrid, we commented that any rear wheel drive

luxury hybrid must have “peel your face off” initial torque as the prime performance indicator…the

GS450h does not disappoint.

Its mid May 2010 with crude still gushing underwater, for some reason a performance hybrid

alleviates the sense of responsibility associated with all performance cars.

Drive

This car drives and feels like luxury sport sedan, good steering , excellent brakes, superlative power. In

addition to all the luxury features that ones expects. Being a Lexus and an hybrid its “silent”…it “wooshes”.

The View

What most folks get to see of the GS450h…yes its hybrid waftability.