Lexus GS 450h, test drive (Equipment, price and overall assessment)

These past few days we have had a star in our tests: the Lexus GS 450h, the flagship saloon of the Japanese brand -with the LS’s permission-. The GS is a very interesting alternative to consider for those looking for a large premium saloon, with enough space and moderate consumption despite its 345 CV.

In the first part of the test we looked thoroughly at everything related to its engine, the car’s behaviour -which pleasantly surprised us- and the consumption of this hybrid saloon. While in the second part of the test we analysed the exterior design and the interior space, without forgetting the quality of the finishes and the boot. And after that, we arrive at the third part, where we review the equipment -including safety equipment-, the price of the Lexus GS450h and give you our assessment of the model.

Equipment

We begin our review of the equipment available on the Lexus GS450h by first analysing the safety features fitted as standard. We must distinguish between the passive safety equipment, which is the same for any version of the GS, and the more innovative active safety features that come as standard on the second trim level.

Therefore every GS comes with: front, side, curtain and knee airbags -something not all rivals offer-, advanced stability control, traction control, ABS, tyre pressure monitoring, among other features.

And the next trim level (Hybrid Plus) adds: a pre-collision system that brakes the car, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, facial recognition system and a five-phase ESP.

In terms of safety we are dealing with a very safe car, but there is no Euro NCAP data because it has not been submitted for testing. That said, the previous model, dating from 2005, already had five stars.

The Lexus GS 450h range is structured in three trim levels: Hybrid Drive (base), Hybrid Plus and F-Sport. Our test car was the Hybrid Drive, that is, the “base” model within the GS range. Even so, the standard equipment includes features such as heated and ventilated electric seats, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, alarm, bi-xenon headlights, adaptive suspension, Mark Levinson sound system, navigation, a 12-inch screen, AUX and USB sockets, 18-inch wheels, and LED daytime running and rear lights, among other items.

Within the equipment, it is worth highlighting that the entire multimedia system is standard, including navigation and the excellent Mark Levinson sound system, which rivals the most expensive systems in the competition (in the style of Bang & Olufsen, but as standard). I particularly want to dwell on the sound system: 14 speakers and 835 W for a sound that comes close to perfection.

It is also rare, and noteworthy, for a car to have leather, electric, heated and ventilated seats as standard, an equipment list that is appreciated and lives up to the premium label. Other elements completing the standard specification are the bi-xenon headlights, which, admittedly, are not adaptive but offer good illumination, and the keyless entry and start system, also standard.

Prices

The Lexus GS 450h starts at 70,700 euros for the Hybrid Drive, rises to 85,500 euros for the Hybrid Plus, and finally the F-Sport costs 88,000 euros.

The version we tested has a very attractive price, since for 70,700 euros you get a large saloon equipped with everything necessary and more, with 345 CV. If we compare it with other models in the segment and consider an Audi A6 Hybrid with 245 CV, besides being less powerful it is more expensive for the same equipment (approx. 73,000 euros), and the Mercedes E-Class Hybrid comes in close to 70,000 euros but has less power.

Overall Assessment

The Lexus GS 450h has surprised us with the versatility it offers, normally if you opt for a sporty saloon you are conditioned to high consumption or to compromised comfort in favour of sportiness. But in the GS450h we get both, although the most remarkable thing is the comfort it offers its occupants; as soon as you select Sport+ mode the car transforms and you can enjoy dynamic driving without noticing its dimensions, weight or size.

Another strong point of the GS is its interior space, it has four comfortable seats on a par with any executive car (five will travel less comfortably because of the central seat), and passengers enjoy every luxury detail, as well as a finish worthy of the price and the premium label.

The equipment is abundant, with standard systems that are not usually seen without an extra cost (sound system, navigation, leather, electric seats, bi-xenon…) but at the same time it is a car with a high starting price. Compared with other hybrids in the segment, it has the advantage in power, equipment and price, but it is not accessible to those looking for the entry-level versions of the models in this segment.

In short, if you are looking for a large saloon that meets your space and quality needs, and also allows some sporting liberties with diesel-like consumption, the GS 450h is a good alternative.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira