2008 Lexus GS 450h

Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota Motors, takes gas-electric hybrid technology to a new plateau with its smooth gliding GS sports sedan. In addition to a gas-electric hybrid edition, the mid-size GS sedan is also available in gas-exclusive six and eight cylinder models. Shoppers also have the choice of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive in gas-exclusive GS sedans.

The Japan-built GS 450h (the h is for hybrid, not horsepower) enjoys a simpler marking strategy. One rear-drive trim is available. A 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine works in tandem with two electric motors and infinite ranging electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Total gas-electric horsepower is 340. One of the electric motors helps power the rear wheels, the other is used primarily as a starter motor and a source of juice for the air conditioner compressor and power steering pump. These two motors also function as generators, capturing kinetic energy during the braking process for later use. This vehicle is capable of operating in pure electric mode or pure gasoline-powered mode; but most of the time, operates utilizing both technologies simultaneously.

First available in April of 2006 as a 2007 model year entry, the low-volume GS 450h was the first rear-drive exclusive gas-electric hybrid on the market. Keep in mind not all hybrids are created equal. While the GS 450h enjoys better fuel economy than a typical V-6 luxury sedan, don't expect the 40 plus miles per gallon enjoyed by the four-cylinder Toyota Prius. While Prius, the gas-electric hybrid sales leader, is built to squeeze every available miles from a gallon of petro, the GS 450h emphasizes V-8 performance from a V-6 engine (thanks to the extra punch from the electric motor). Expect 22 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 mpg highway. The Lexus hybrid system helps boost economy at lower speeds, enabling city mpg figures to benefit more than highway. Low-end torque also receives a noticeable added boost thanks to the duo technology.

Not much changes in the 2008 GS hybrid edition save for a new front fascia and bumper. Hybrid technology remains identical to 2007.

Pricing starts at $54,900 for the GS 450h. Only a handful of options are available, making the transaction process a bit easier. Our test model included just about all the extra goodies including an in-dash navigation system with rear-view backup camera, ear-pleasing 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, run flat tires and rear spoiler for a bottom line of $60,741. The price reflected the $765 destination charge.

The great aspect about owning this vehicle is....there's currently no direct competition in the luxury hybrid sedan segment outside of Lexus. If you're interested in being the first on the block with new technology and the latest in 'green luxury' welcome in the GS 450h. Keep in mind too, Lexus also offers a gas-electric hybrid version of its top-line LS sedan (the new for 2008 LS 600h L) starting above the $100,000 watermark. For those who enjoy a wagon body style with a luxury slant, Lexus offers a third hybrid entry in its lineup, the five-passenger RX 400h crossover. Some European luxury competitors sport cleaner diesel technology to boost fuel mileage, but Lexus is the forerunner of gas-electric luxury hybrid options.

Fit and finish of our GS 450h test model were superior. The light blue paint job seemed to glow in the daylight and stood out from most vehicles in the mall lot. Doors and trunk all shut with a soft, quality thump. Unlike the Toyota Prius which boasts about its hybrid badging, this Lexus hybrid looks virtually identical to the GS gas-exclusive version. The only exterior clues to the hybrid under the hood is a small hybrid lettering on the lower rear door trim; plus the GS hybrid edition boasts an exclusive wheel design.

Turn signal indicators built into the side-view mirrors (new for 2008) also alert others on the road of the car's future intensions, a simple, yet very effective tool. Dual exhausts add a sporty touch. In front, the circular Lexus L logo is square inside the vertical-slatted grille, flanked by cat's eye-type headlight housing high intensity discharge headlights.

For those still queasy about new technology, the GS 450h boasts a more generous warranty than gas-exclusive Lexus products. Hybrid and battery components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles The V-6 engine coverage is six-years or 70,000 miles.

While Lexus has set the benchmark for interior quietness since its arrival in 1989, the GS 450h somehow takes quiet interiors to a new level. Thanks in part to the keyless entry design, I found myself leaving the vehicle with the engine system still running. If this happens, the GS 450h emits three soft pings before the suspect walking off too far. The keyless system allows the engine to start and stop with a push of a dashboard button as long as the key fob is nearby in a pocket or purse. The system also unlocks the doors when the driver and the trusty key fob are within close range.

A start of a dashboard push button brings the GS 450h to life; but don't expect a big fanfare. It's eerily quiet with no gas-engine rumbling. No doubt at first, drivers will be pushing the button more times than need be since engine sounds are barely audible. Toyota/Lexus engineers may want to include a simple (read large) dashboard icon indicating when the hybrid system is actively engaged or sleeping.

Inside, soft leather seating gets enhanced in front with heated and ventilated front bucket seats. The steering wheel and interior trim incorporate cherry wood-like trimming throughout. Trunk and fuel tank release buttons are conveniently located on the left side of the dashboard, not on the floor. Also nearby is a pod that retracts from the lower dash with the push of a button. This pod includes many electronic functions including power heated side mirror controls and a button to shut off the beeping park assist when desired. Power lock and window controls (for all four windows) are found on the driver's door. A digital compass is built into the rear-view window. A one-touch open sunroof comes standard.

The refined instrument panel includes three deep-set cylinder-shaped nooks. A digital window in the center circle lists warning messages. Map pockets on the two front doors bellow out for extra storage. The steering wheel includes a stub monitoring cruise control at about 5 o'clock. Secondary audio controls are also on the wheel face. The sedan body style with four door and generous side windows provide good perception in all directions.

The sound system not only includes a compact disc player and XM Satellite radio, but a cassette tape player as well. Lexus is one of the only auto makers continuing to offer a cassette player, ideal for books-on-tape loyalists. In between the front bucket seat is a two-tier storage bin/arm rest combo and in-line dual beverage holders with flip-down covering. Sport and normal suspension choices are available to drivers with a push of a button.

Because of the rather large 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack stored between the second-row backrests, trunk space is limited to a mere eight cubic feet. Second-row seat backs don't fold down either. Rear-drive linkage runs the length of the floor, so a middle hump eats up leg room if a third person is residing there. Two adults travel in optimal comfort in the second row. The high-tech battery system also adds weight to this GS model, tipping the scale at more than 4,100 pounds.

As with most Lexus models, safety features are plentiful and include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, head air bags and side impact airbags.

The GS 450h is everything you would expect from Lexus, now with a hint of green. It's a vehicle that stands out from the crowd in many ways. It's available at Lexus' 223 dealers nationwide.