Luxury hybrids signify more than mere fuel-efficiency. With that goal in mind, Lexus’ midsize GS 450h sedan tries hard to satisfy buyers who expect high mileage from any hybrid. That’s a given, no matter how many other virtues a premium hybrid possesses.Being realistic, though, the comparatively large and heavy GS 450h is hardly the most thrifty hybrid on the market. Regardless, seriously eco-conscious folks are likely to agree that the GS 450h does justice to the original intent of hybrid power: using significantly less fuel than a comparable regular-powertrain model. Lexus also offers three conventional gasoline GS versions: GS 350, entry-level GS 200t, and super-performance GS F.
What's New for 2017
Little has changed, except that the Lexus Safety System + is now standard equipment.
Choosing Your Lexus GS 450h
The newly standard Lexus Safety System + includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure alert with steering assist. The backup camera includes dynamic gridlines. You also get vehicle-monitoring smartphone apps, as well as blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Only a handful of options are offered, including a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio, a parking-assist system, and a power trunk lid.
F Sport
Considered a separate trim level priced at $69,655, the F Sport version of the GS 450h gets 19-inch split-spoke machined-finish wheels, an F Sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension with Sport S+ mode, larger front brakes, variable gear-ratio steering, aluminum pedals and interior trim, a black headliner, and sportier trim throughout. Up front, the grille gets a mesh insert. Dynamic Rear Steering also is included.
Like other luxury hybrids, the GS 450h contains more standard equipment than its conventional counterparts. Adding the F Sport option group will have no appreciable impact on performance, but should enhance handling because of its tauter suspension. Making the valuable features in the Safety System + standard adds value to the GS 450h, leaving few opportunities to spend more than the starting price.
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