Lexus GS 450h (2012): Full Review – Part 2

The electric power source is a combination of two electric motors getting the juice from a 30-kilowatt nickel metal hybrid battery set. The electric muscle fires out 180 and 200 horses from the motors, respectively. The electric mechanism is bit of blur but the end result is a totally unique experience from the traditional electric and hybrid cars. As mentioned earlier, it has no such resemblance to a hybrid like Prius or an electric like 2011 Volt.

For greenies, it is as green as grass, for speedsters it is as brisk as a thunder. Thanks to its unique power train system, even running on the electric source, it snakes through corners with sheer excellence. In arrow-straight drives it has a dragster that will at least put all other hybrids in the rear-view mirror.

Environment Protection Agency (EPA) pins an average mileage of 29 miles per gallon in the streets and city, and 34 mpg on the highway. After a series of rigorous tests performed on the car in turns, traffic signals and highways, the car gave a mileage of 31.4 mpg, in alignment to EPA estimates.

The hybrid power train gives the car oomph in the corners especially. Thanks to the Sport and Sport Plus modes, the car gets a rigid suspension that makes the car a more likely candidate for hammering in the corners. Sport in the GS 450h means a more aggressive throttle response, and Sport Plus adds a more rigid suspension setting. The GS 450h also comes with an adaptive suspension, a big part of why it can triple recommended speeds on turns without putting its beam at a 45-degree angle.

However, the Sport and Sport Plus modes in a hybrid make little sense. It is not that it will turn into a Ferrari upon the touch of a button. If anything, there could be a single button to indicate Sport coupling both rigid suspension and a responsive pedal, isn’t it what Sport Plus mode does.

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Posted by Usman Khalid on Jun 30 2012. Filed under Automobiles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.