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Posted August, 2007

Road Test: 2007 Lexus GS450h

By Thomas E. Bonsall

Last year, we reviewed the Lexus GS300 in a head-to-head comparison with the Cadillac DTS. Interesting stuff. Click here to read that review. Except for the powertrain, the GS300 is very similar to the GS450h we are reviewing here. The GS450h is the V8-powered, hybrid version.

The 2006 model had the 3.0-Liter,  245 horsepower 24-valve V6. The total bill was $51,579. That included the Mark Levinson sound system, a $4K option that we felt was completely over-the-top. The GS300 fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

The 2007 model featured a 3.5-liter V8 (don’t ask why they gave it the "450" designation). Toyota isn’t releasing the horsepower rating, either. The EPA fuel economy rating, on the other hand, is available courtesy of the United States Government: 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, up slightly. The price was up, too. Our 2007 model carried a final sticker of $59,955, including about five grand’s worth of options and destination charges.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, has been a leader in the industry in developing hybrid technology and getting it to market. Almost every Toyota and Lexus line now offers a hybrid model. We think it’s a waste. We did an extensive review of the 2006 Prius hybrid last year. In particular, we delved into the whole issue of hybrid technology and whether it's all it's cracked up to be (it isn't), whether it's cost effective (not a prayer), etc. I don't really feel like going through all that again, so if you're interested that subject, read the 2006 Prius review by clicking here. R&D