We drive the Lexus GS450 Hybrid

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 83%

Going green used to mean sacrificing space, comfort and power. But that's changed since Lexus started selling its 'performance hybrids'.

The GS has been hugely popular thanks to its green credentials – especially in London where it is exempt from the Congestion Charge. But can a car this size, and this fast still be a real green machine?

Read on for our full review, or click the links to skip to a section.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor | Rivals

1. Looks

Understated and classy are the buzzwords for the GS's styling. But despite the all-important 'h' on the bootlid, denoting hybrid, the 450h is actually the high performance flagship of the range. That means a discreet bootlid spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels, unique to the model. Its sweeping roofline gives the GS an almost coupe-like stance, while the front and rear both reflect this smoothness with a look devoid of unnecessary clutter. The GS is every inch the svelte executive express.

8/10

2. Looks inside

Luxury cars used to be the preserve of the European car makers like Jaguar, BMW and Mercedes. But the GS manages to pull off the luxury look, while still staying true to its Japanese roots. There's a plethora of buttons around the centre console, and a high-tech looking colour screen providing information on heating, audio, sat-nav, trip information and the status of the batteries and electric motors.  The seats are leather, heated and move about electrically, of course, and are very comfortable, even on long journeys. Sadly the wood effect trim on the centre console and door cars look more like mottled brown plastic, and spoil and otherwise pleasant cabin.

7/10

3. Practicality

For such a big car, the GS has a tiny boot; most of the space is taken up by the batteries. This also means the seats won't fold, so you're stuck with just 280 litres of capacity. It's far better in the cabin, with plenty of space for the occupants – particularly rear legroom. Only the sloping roofline reduces the interior space, restricting headroom for taller rear seat passengers.

7/10

4. Ride and Handling

One of the musts for any luxury car buyer is a good ride quality. The GS soaks up bumps with aplomb, but road noise can become intrusive over badly maintained A roads and motorways. Even after journeys of several hours, occupants emerged relaxed and free from aches. And although the GS is no sportscar, it proved itself worthy on twisting B roads while never losing its composure.

8/10

5. Performance

Fast. Hybrid. Those two words used to be mutually exclusive, but the GS has proved otherwise. It will hit 62mph from rest in less than six seconds and head on to 155mph, putting it in Subaru Impreza territory. At slow speeds the GS will run silently on its electric motors, while at moderate or cruising speeds, the petrol engine drives the wheels and recharges the battery. But at full chat, the Lexus is powered by both its 292bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine and electric motor. Combined, the power sources add up to the equivalent of a 450bhp V8 (hence the GS 450h badge).

9/10

6. Running Costs

At nearly £50,000, the GS 450h we tested is a lot of money. But drivers are exempt from the £8-a-day London Congestion Charge, and it has a low liability for company car drivers. Emitting 186g/km of CO2, the £44,000 entry level 450h incurs a 21 per cent Benefit in Kind rate, which will cost £3,672 per year. That's around £2,500 less than the equivalent BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class. It's not so good when it comes to filling up: we were about 8-10mpg away from Lexus' claimed 35.8mpg average. Group 18 insurance is about average for an expensive high performance saloon car.

8/10

7. Reliability

Lexus is Toyota's luxury car division, so there should be few problems to worry about. It is a very complex car, so should there be some electrical gremlins, it's likely to cost a packet. And the battery pack won't be cheap to replace when it finally gives up the fight.

8/10

8. Safety

The Lexus GS is loaded with safety kit, so it's no surprise it scored a full five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test programme. Our fully-loaded test car featured Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) which is an advanced package of electronically-controlled braking, brake assist, brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, steering and gear selection to keep the car under control in extreme conditions. The range-topping SE-L we tested came with Lexus' Pre-Crash Safety system which anticipates impending collisions and primes the seat belt tensioners and brake assist for maximum protection. It has the most comprehensive airbag protection in its class, with dual-stage driver and passenger, two front knee, four curtain and front and rear side airbags.

10/10

9. Equipment

All models in the hybrid GS 450h range come with a huge list of standard features. The highlight is a full colour, dash-mounted screen which provides information on the state of the hybrid system, navigation, audio, climate control and telephone. It even has a rear parking camera which superimposes guide lines on the screen so the driver can quickly see whether a tight manoeuvre can be made in one go. The SE and SE-L models have a superb Mark Levinson audio system with 5.1 surround sound. It's just about the best system fitted to any car on sale today. All seats, mirrors, windows move electrically, while motors in the bootlid mean the boot shuts softly.

10/10

10. X-Factor

The Lexus GS 450h is luxury performance motoring with a conscience. It’s a marvellous car in its own right, and with clever use of the hybrid technology, it reduces its emissions without impacting on performance or driveability.

8/10

Rivals

You might also want to consider:
Volvo S80
Lexus LS
Jaguar XJ

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