Lexus GS450h F Sport is the latest innovation from Lexus. Find out what features are available.
Lexus is known for making pretty sophisticated vehicles, and a petrol V6 surely makes a lot of sense. Even the best diesels deliver a bit of a clatter now and then but with the V6 that is entirely absent, and instead you have incredibly smooth, powerful responses to every situation.
The electric motor adds to the performance, filling in the gaps low down, so you should have a mightily impressive package. That electric motor can’t do a great number of miles on its own, so it’s not going to replace the petrol engine for long city stints. But when it is in full command it is of course completely silent.
However, there is quite a bit of boot space that’s been sacrificed for all the battery and gubbins, and it seems slightly questionable as to whether that’s a really good payoff. While performance is strong, the way it delivers can prove another bugbear.
The issue isn’t the luscious 3.5-litre V6, nor is it the electric motor, it’s the transmission. The transmission does that horrid elastic band thing, where when you put your foot down the engine starts to rev up, long before the actual speed catches up. It’s like a slipping clutch, or feels like it, and it’s not a particularly pleasant sensation.
None of that, the transmission nor the heavy electric kit, aids economy. Even as a hybrid this petrol hybrid can’t really match up to good diesels. It won’t be too far away in towns, but overall it will fall behind, and this is after a recent revamp which saw improvements all over.
Whether the revised front end is an improvement is a subjective decision, but the handling, in a vehicle with the Sport tag, isn’t very sporty. It’s safe and predicable, which is good, but it also manages to be pretty firm without really adding any sporting fun or control.
Inside you get high-quality materials, as you’d expect. The seats are particularly good, and there is a big infotainment screen in the middle along with another screen in front of the driver. They’re terrific to look at. Just don’t try to use them as the toggle control is enough to drive you nuts. However, if there is a bit of kit you can think of, it’s probably in the cabin somewhere, fitted as standard.
Overall the GS450h F Sport does make sense. You get a fine V6, a refined performance backed up by electric power, and a full suite of standard kit. But it just isn’t as frugal as some diesels, and we don’t like the transmission. Add in a maddening infotainment system, a boot which can’t even match its rivals and rear passenger space which isn’t up with the best, and there’s plenty to make you think this is a combination that simply doesn’t tick enough boxes.
Lexus GS450h F Sport features
Price £49,995
Engine V6, 3456cc, petrol, hybrid;
Power 340bhp (combined)
Top speed 155mph
0-62mph 5.9 seconds
Economy 45.6mpg (combined)
CO2/tax band 145g/km, 26%
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