Lexus GS450h V6 Car Review

Her Car Rating Model Reviewed: Lexus GS 450h V6 6 speed Auto $128,899* Other models priced from: Lexus GS 460 4.6l V8, $139,492* HerCar 3 word summary: Subtle, stylish sophistication

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HerCar Review

The Lexus GS450h is subtle automotive perfection.  You don't even need to remember your car keys.  At the press of a button, the steering wheel adjusts itself to your preferred position and you are ready to go.  With a sleek and sophisticated finish, this car is the Grace Kelly of automobiles.  The hybrid engine whispers so quietly you often question whether it is running at all, but if and when you want that extra power, you simply ask and the petrol engine delivers while still maintaining the elegance that you expect of a Lexus.  Rated Best Luxury Car of 2007, the Lexus GS450h is a treat for you and the environment.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

When you drive the Lexus GS450h, you feel like you own the road. Pampered to the core, the car features Refreshed Interior Treatment, a metallic finish on the meter faces, and gear shifter face plates complementing the clean contemporary look of your living space on wheels.  Audio controls, cruise control, phone access, speech commands, and Multi Information Display are all accessible from a state of the art steering wheel.  On top of that, the Audiophile quality Mark Levinson audio system allows your favourite songs to resonate throughout, wherever your travels may take you.

Visibility is key when driving, and the GS 450h utilizes the latest technology to ensure that there are no surprises on the road.  The side mirrors automatically adjust to allow a clear view while you reverse towards the curb or towards any other object for that matter. Upon selecting reverse, a colour image emerges on the EMV screen showing exactly what is behind you thanks to discreetly mounted cameras above the license plate. Furthermore, Rear Guide Assist provides a precise indication of distances eliminating the challenge of even the most delicate of parking manoeuvres.  In addition, the large windows and mirrors prevent blind spots for all of those objects that tend to come out of nowhere. 

Safety

The Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) helps to reduce collision injury and damage because a radar sensor on the front grille constantly scans for objects in front of your vehicle.  If the system deems a collision unavoidable, it retracts the front seatbelts while Brake Assist (BA) increases your braking force to reduce collision speed.

With modern technology, Cruise Control is a pretty standard feature; however, Lexus brings pomp to the equation as you relax while Active Cruise Control drives the car for you. Simply set your preferred highway speed via touch controls and should the radar detect another vehicle in your path, Active Cruise Control decelerates your speed, possibly even braking when necessary.  Your designated speed is resumed once a safe following distance can be maintained.

The Adaptive Front Lighting literally looks around corners to give you bat-like night vision while powerful High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beams self level and illuminate a greater span of the road.

As for air bags, there are ten.  For added reassurance, the GS 450h is equipped with dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.  There are seat-mounted side airbags in the front and rear and side curtain shield airbags to prevent injuring the outer occupants in the event of side impact.

Seating

The climate controlled seats actually remember your temperature preferences and the 8-way power adjustment allows you to tailor settings for your posture of choice, sliding back and forth, up and down.  No worries if you lend out your car, the memory function allows your personal settings to be recalled instantly at the push of a button so there is no need to waste time fiddling with your seat.

Comfort

This car was built for comfort.  As a Hybrid powered vehicle, the GS450h runs on two engines - electric and petrol.  With the Multi Information Display, you constantly know which power systems are operating.  Via the Regenerative Braking System on the console, you know whether the car is running on the petrol engine, electric motors, or both, and this technology alerts you when the regenerative braking system is active.

With no key to the vehicle, you must carry the sensor located on the key ring with the central locking remote.  The car locks and unlocks by pressing the central locking button or pressing the small button located on the door handle when the sensor is within distance.

As for the music, the 14-speaker audio system has a 6-disc DVD/CD changer and an Automatic Sound Leveliser constantly refining the tone of your music.  Needless to say, the display unit is touch screen adding to the professional nature of the car.  If you are feeling nostalgic and wish to listen to songs on tape, listen away on the Cassette player, yes, cars still come with those.   

Storage

The four door sedan has a number of storage spaces and compartments for every need.  With a glove box which slides back and forth electronically, a storage pocket/tray, a coin tray/holder, a full centre console, and a map pocket near the driver's seat, you should be pretty set for the road.  There is also a map pocket in the passenger's side if your wingman wants to play navigator for the ride.  Front and rear doors also have side pockets for mobile phones or loose papers.  With four cup-holders, there is enough space for a latte, cappuccino, earl gray tea, and a fruit smoothie for your every whim.

The boot isn't huge probably due to the significant legroom provided for the rear seat passengers; however, side pockets ensure that things are tucked away when necessary and straps keep your cargo stable. The spare tyre is easily accessible also.

Kids' Comfort and Safety

Your children will appreciate the luxury that the car has to offer and probably the comfortable seats may eliminate the argument over whose turn it is to sit in the middle. The built in Sat Nav is easy to use and will keep the kids quiet throughout the journey as they can see and hear exactly where they are and where they are heading.  This is an ideal way to avoid the notorious "are we there yet" game.  They can also listen their favourite songs with the six disc changer. Who doesn't love a sun roof?  The sun roof opens fully and tilts to suit your every desire, or the desires of the rest of the car depending on how selfless you are feeling that day.

Green Factor

The Lexus GS450h has a fuel efficiency rating of 7.9 litres per 100kms (combined city/highway cycle) and has a remarkable score of 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Green Vehicle Guide rating system.

Overall View

This car is a guilty pleasure for the perfectionists out there who appreciate the finer things in life. The best aspect of this car is that is does it subtlety.  The GS 450h does its part for the environment and your family by keeping you safe and happy. Designed with the latest technology and materials, this hybrid deserves its awe factor.  When you are in a standstill, you feel as if the car is off, but don't worry the peace and quiet is a luxury that you will learn to love. 

Test Drive Tips

The GS 450h is built with some of the latest technology; again, you don't need a key to turn it on.  For this reason, it would probably be a good idea to ask the salesperson to give you a quick lesson before you take off.

The sensor must be in the car to turn it on.  Apply your foot to the brake and press the Power button, it's that simple.

Don't panic when the car is silent at the light.  This is a good thing.  The hybrid engine is running causing your car to not make as much noise as your traditional petrol engine.

The button to open the fuel door is on the side of the driver's door.

To open the boot door, press it once and it will open automatically.

Features of model reviewed:

* Excludes on road costs
# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Lexus dealer for the most recent information.