2007 Lexus GS 450h

Up until now, the term ‘hybrid’ has equated to fuel economy and sensibility for the environment. Traits clearly seen in the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids. But many consumers are not willing to give up prestige just to be green. Enter the Lexus GS 450h, the world’s first hybrid luxury performance sedan. It has style, power, and efficiency. Let’s see if that balance moves our needle.
Pushing the envelope starts with breaking the stereotype. And, in the case of the 2007 Lexus GS 450h, it involves reinventing what a hybrid gasoline-electric car can be.  And this sexy, speedy midsize sedan does just that.

Not only is the 450h the world’s first rear-wheel drive hybrid sedan, it does so with a level of luxury and high performance that makes it a true breakout design.

Juiced with a full-hybrid drivetrain that is based on a direct-injection version of the ES 350’s 3.5-liter V6, tuned for 292 horsepower and 267 pound feet of torque. But when combined with two electric motor/generators, output jumps to a combined 339 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque.

That’s more power than the V8 Lexus GS 430. Allowing our 450h to squirt from 0 to 60 in just 5.6 seconds, and through the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at 101 miles per hour. Good company for any BMW or Mercedes.

Plus, when you combine the already quiet hybrid operation with the Lexus penchant for controlling NVH, the result is an unbelievably silent takeoff. The larger of the two electric motors alone produces 197-horsepower. When channeled through the ultra low final drive, it can move the car off the line smartly on its own.

Seamlessly distributing gas and electric power, the newly designed CVT transmission includes manual shift controls and tries and simulate actual gear shifts. While less than convincing, it still allows very high-for-its-class fuel efficiency. EPA ratings are 25 City and 28 Highway using premium gas. Our real world loop returned a slightly disappointing 23 miles per gallon.  That’s, over 20% better than the GS 430 V8 and comparable to the V6 GS 300.

This eco-conscience four-door boasts the same stylish body and fine lines as the rest of the GS-Series. At first glance one may not even notice the unique wheels or the hybrid badges on the rocker panels.

Over its long 112.2 inch wheelbase the GS 450h dons a sporty wedged skin, similar in profile to the Toyota Avalon. Details like steer-able HID headlights and new integrated fog lights up front, low profile 18-inch tires, and dual stainless steel-tipped exhausts out back, make the 450h even more eye-catching.

Eye-catching luxury is another priority of the 450h. Inside, it’s soaked in soft, buttery leather and richly grained wood. Class expectations include standard heated and cooled seats with 10-way power, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and power moon roof. The Mark Levinson surround sound system with voice-activated satellite navigation is also something that many buyers will not want to live without.

While the instrument panel is common to the GS-Series, the 450h does substitute a hybrid power meter for a tachometer. There is also a digital display and standard back-up camera.

While the sumptuous cabin does provide adequate room for five, the 450h comes up short on luggage space. Hiding hybrid components really eats up room, dropping capacity from the GS’s normal 12.7 cubic feet to a stingy 7.5.

At highway cruise the GS 450h is a dream. But also one that can cope with more challenging roads as well. Thanks to the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension system, you only have to push a button to firm up the dampers for the double wishbone suspension. Then you can really cut loose in the corners. And, when its time to pull in the reins, vented front and rear discs halt the GS in a reasonable 136 feet from 60.

The 450h also includes the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System. VDIM ties together driver’s aids like ABS, Traction Control, Steering Boost, and Vehicle Stability Control, among others. And while on the whole VDIM works to enhance the overall driving experience while keeping it safe, the system can be a bit intrusive for spirited drivers.

Pricing for the GS 450h begins at $55,595 or about $3,500 more than the V8 GS 430. That’s not too steep a premium for a total performance sedan that even Mother Nature could love.

So, it looks like Lexus has pulled it off.  The hybrid car stereotype is broken. The 2007 GS 450h successfully mates the heart of a hybrid with the soul of a luxury performance sedan. Making rivals not so much green, as red with envy.