Short test: Lexus GS 300h F Sport Premium
The previous hybrid engine combination had an unacceptably large engine displacement for the Slovenian market, now the GS 300h has a two and a half liter four-cylinder engine, which is still a silly enough tax limit for what should be a luxury. The new, otherwise mid-sized premium GS 300h now appeals to those with a little more environmental awareness. Extremists with this name, of course, are giving up cars, so they won't like the new Lexus either. It still emits emissions from the tailpipe of its gasoline engine.
However, in terms of size and status of the car, they are much less in the tested model than competitors of the same size and (probably also) from a similar price range. However, one should not talk only about the theoretical consumption rate, which on average is only 4,7 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers. The mileage result on our test was also surprisingly low, with only 5,8 liters of fuel used in our 300km lap where we test our test cars. The 'eco' support program that the GS XNUMXh offers as an option contributes to fairly modest fuel consumption during normal driving.
This is perfectly acceptable for everyday driving. However, it is not the only one, there are still options for normal, sport S and sport S +. In the latest GS 300h, it even offers a fully manual gearshift mode, then the engine sound changes a lot (but probably only in the cabin, since the electronics generates it through the speakers), and the average fuel consumption increases significantly. Not least because in the car, in addition to maximum power, the support of the electric motor is used. However, this way of shifting gears seems to the GS 300h only as a truly extreme option.
All equipment is designed for folding skiing. The transmission is the same as the Toyota Prius, the founder of hybrid cars, a planetary gear that behaves like a continuously variable transmission. For normal use, a four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine (modified by Otto) with 181 horsepower seems to be quite appropriate. Since a powerful electric motor is often involved, it is very difficult to determine the operation of one or the other. There are also no reasonable comments on the proposed accelerations, but the maximum speed is surprising - only 190 kilometers per hour. Of course, this is also a purely theoretical driving practice in Slovenia, not only because it is forbidden, but also because at higher speeds, the average consumption increases significantly.
The GS 300h focuses on alternative motorization in a different way. Especially when we look at the high-end equipment that Lexus calls the F Sport Premium. The interior offers a truly superb feel, the quality and workmanship are completely satisfying (with just two little things commentary). As for the usefulness of the infotainment system, it should be added that it is flimsy with a dedicated button on the center console that replaces a computer mouse. Also, searching through the menu is not intuitive and takes some getting used to.
This is why the GS 300h driver and front passenger really indulge in everything, the two passengers in the lobby and the knees in the rear seats may be less happy (I don't know what to do with the third one if he was competing for his seat on the back bench!). Of course, such transport plans can also be prevented by looking at the traffic permit, as we are only allowed to load 300 kilograms into the GS 445h. With five passengers, there would be almost nothing left for luggage.
As I mentioned, this Lexus is quite satisfactory in terms of driving comfort, slightly less on roads with clearly potholes. The wide wheels (different front and rear sizes) are also kept fairly secure on the road (which is also facilitated by the fast response of the electronic stabilization system).
While our tested GS 300h was at the top end of the price range, we missed out on some extra tech features. For example, active cruise control will follow the vehicle in front at a predetermined constant speed. However, it is also good that this was not the case in the tested car - it is impossible to control the cruise control with such a pre-start lever under the steering wheel (which unreasonably does not allow setting a speed of less than 40 km / h). really worth the name Lexus.
Text: Tomaž Porekar
Lexus GS 300h F Sport Premium
Basic data
| Sales: | Toyota Adria Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 39.800 € |
| Test model cost: | 59.400 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,6 with |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 4,7l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - displacement 2.494 cm3 - maximum power 133 kW (181 hp) at 6.000 rpm - maximum torque 221 Nm at 4.200-5.400 rpm. Electric motor: permanent magnet synchronous motor - rated voltage 650 V - maximum power 105 kW (143 hp) at 4.500 rpm - maximum torque 300 Nm at 0–1.500 rpm. Complete system: maximum power 164 kW (223 hp) Battery: 6,5 Ah NiMH batteries. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine driven by rear wheels - continuously variable transmission with planetary gear - front tires 235/40 R 19 Y, rear 265/35 R 19 Y (Dunlop SP Sport Maxx). |
| Capacity: | 190 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9,2 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,8/4,5/4,7 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 109 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.805 kg - permissible gross weight 2.250 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.850 mm - width 1.840 mm - height 1.455 mm - wheelbase 2.850 mm - trunk 465 l - fuel tank 66 l. |
Our measurements
| T = 23 ° C / p = 1.010 mbar / rel. vl. = 80% / odometer status: 5.341 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,6s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,0 years ( 139 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 190km / h (D) |
| test consumption: | 8,3 l / 100km |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 5,8 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 39,2m |
| AM table: | 40m |
evaluation
For whom the hybrid means something and, of course, is looking for a premium offer, he cannot refuse the GS 300h. It has incorporated all the years of experience with this technology in the first Japanese luxury brand.
We praise and reproach
appearance
the salon is elegant and sporty, of high quality
driving comfort
turntable
the drive system is powerful enough and economical enough
ergonomics
despite the high price of incomplete equipment
only average stopping distance
low permissible load
an unusual way to control the infotainment system
outdated cruise control
