2009 Lexus GS450h Review | Buyer Guide
A Hybrid With Performance
Lexus took a different approach to hybrid technology, when they designed the GS450h. Instead of just developing this car exclusively for better fuel economy, they gave it a boost in performance. The GS delivers the gas mileage of a large four-cylinder, but takes on the muscle of a V-8.
The GS hybrid uses a gas/electric system that includes a 3.5-liter, V-6, gas engine, a small electric motor-generator to start the car, a larger high-output motor-generator to drive the rear wheels and a Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack. Together, the hybrid system produces a total of 340 hp. That’s 37 more horses than the standard GS350 V-6 can muster.
The GS 450h starts off using electric propulsion, and is nearly silent at launch. The gasoline engine comes on, as additional power is needed. The surprising thing is that you don’t feel the engine switching on and off—the transition is seamless. When you come to a stop, the engine shuts off to save gas, but as soon as your foot is off the brake, it’s ready to go. Gas mileage, by the way, is estimated to be 22 mpg City and 25 mpg Highway.
Teamed with this power system is an efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This tranny delivers seamless acceleration, without the power loss incurred by shifting gears. Some CVTs seem slow to respond when you hit the accelerator, but not this one. As soon as you press the pedal, you’re off to the races. The speedometer will show 60 in just 5.2 seconds. And the passing response is just as good. This car will fly.
But performance is only part of the story—the GS450h also handles well. Drivers can firm up the shock absorbers by engaging the “Sport” mode, and tackle a twisty road. The variable-ratio, electric power steering nicely complements the suspension with its responsiveness and feel of the road. Furthermore, electronically controlled brakes allocate just the right amount of pressure to each wheel to maximize efficiency.
All of these systems are tied together by an enhanced anti-skid system that is so sophisticated that it can anticipate (rather than react to) a slide, and take corrective action. It operates in a non-intrusive way so that the driver may not even know that it is working. But perhaps the most significant of the new technology is the optional “Pre-Collision System. When radar in the car senses that an accident is imminent and unavoidable, this device cinches up the seat belts; firms up the suspension and activates Brake Assist. And if the driver fails to react, the brakes engage automatically.
The GS also comes with standard high-tech features like, Smart Access, a device that enables drivers to unlock the car and start the engine without a key, as long as they have the key fob on their person. There’s also a rear-mounted camera that gives you a picture of what’s behind you when you back up, and Bluetooth technology that provides hands free use of cell phones, utilizing the car’s audio system. A navigation system is also available as a $1500 option.
All of these goodies are wrapped up in a sleek four-door sedan with luxury appointments like leather, real wood trim and a premium, 10-speaker audio system. The ride in the GS is superlative—very compliant, yet well controlled, and exceptionally quiet. This is a car that makes you yearn for the open road. Pricing starts at $57,225.
Snapshot Review
V-8 Power, 4-cyl Gas Mileage
Excellent Handling
High-Tech Features.
Very Quiet
