Lexus GS 450h Executive

The Lexus GS is the cabbage of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E Series. Although it was introduced two years ago, thankfully its competitors are already old gentlemen. With a dynamic outer form of a mostly BMW sandbox rink, with an inside feel undeniably Mercedes-Benz, and with technology that the 450h GS has taken its own path, we can also say that in innovation it is far ahead of other established competitors.

Unsurprisingly, the exterior attracts buyers who are thinking of the BMW Five. This may not please everyone, but we can safely congratulate the designers for the successful combination of elegance and sportiness. The sharp shape speaks volumes about the dynamics, while the elegance is provided by numerous design accessories and many chrome details. Blue Lexus branding to the nose and rear and sleek Hybrid lettering on the sill indicate advanced drive technology, while chrome trims on the door mirrors, door sills, around the headlights and grille add shine. This is why even slightly Baha'i bright license plate frames are an integral part of the car.

As we said in the introduction, pioneering has never been, and never will be, an easy and effortless path. Toyota (Lexus is just its prestige brand) decided some time ago that caring for the environment was one of its main goals, so hybrids began to be produced and sold as mass-produced cars, even when competitors presented diesels as the saviors of our Earth. Not to mention that hybrid technology based on gasoline and an electric motor is very likely just a step towards the ultimate goal of a fuel cell (hydrogen) vehicle.

Many manufacturers laughed at their itinerary a few years ago, and now they are in a panic looking for ways to at least catch up with Toyota (and therefore Lexus). Therefore, we can safely say that Lexus is a three-time pioneer. Firstly, because hybrid technology is their most obvious advantage besides workmanship, secondly, because they dared to challenge the big German trio (and already boldly cornered them in the US), and thirdly? Do you even know how old the Lexus brand is? Given that Mercedes-Benz has been making cars as far back as 1886, Lexus is a true pioneer with the first model introduced in 1989, although it was easy to put diapers on its buttocks. And this Toyota baby has already performed very well in the US, and now it's Europe's turn. Also Slovenia.

If you have already chosen an alternative to the "six", "five" and "E", then take courage and bring the hybrid to your garage. You can think of the GS as a classic sedan labeled 300 (three-liter V6, 249 horsepower) or 460 (4-liter V6, 8 horsepower), but the 347h hybrid version won't impress you. only environmental activists, but even those for whom the preservation of the environment is our ninth concern. The Lexus GS with hybrid technology has as many as two engines: a 450-litre V3 petrol and an electric motor. Together, they are capable of producing an enviable 5 "horses", which, in other words, means that the factory only measured a 6-second acceleration to 345 km / h and a top speed of 5 km / h.

This is the data that puts this Lexus next to its petrol sibling GS 460, BMW 540i (6s) or 2i (550s), Audi A5 3 V6 FSI (4.2s) and Mercedes-Benz E8 (5 , 9 s). Let's face it, if you didn't get the hint: the Lexus GS Hybrid, despite having a V500 engine coupled with an electric motor, easily competes with its V5-powered competitors. Business people, welcome, the no-speed German freeway is waiting for you! Although statistics say you will use an average of 3 (6i) or 8 (9i) for BMW, 7 for Audi and 540 liters for Mercedes, Lexus should only consume 10 liters of unleaded petrol for 3 kilometers.

Are you saying that despite the now dizzying fuel prices for cars, the price of which rises to 60, 70 or 80 thousand euros (depending on the configuration), a liter up or down does not matter? We fully agree. Perhaps we need to compare other data, such as carbon dioxide emissions per kilometer driven. The Japanese hybrid takes 186 grams into the air, and limousines from Munich (232 (246)), Ingolstadt (257) and Stuttgart (273) average a third more. If you know how difficult it is to get rid of every gram of CO2, then you also know that Lexus can make you laugh out loud. You will now say that the concern for the environment with such large limousines with such capabilities is simply a farce.

We agree again, but only partly. Maybe the businessman would have done a lot more if he had driven an Aygo 1.0 or at best a Yaris 1.4 D-4D, which pollute only 109 and 119 grams per kilometer, respectively. But to expect them to (refuse!) At least for the moment to give up the opportunities, comforts and prestige to which we are accustomed is an even greater illusion. That's why it tries to offer the same quality of life but in a more environmentally friendly way. And the GS 450h is top notch here!

Unlike the Lexus RX 400h, where the gasoline engine primarily drives only the front wheels and the electric motor drives the rear wheels, the GS 450h always drives the rear wheels. The longitudinally mounted six-cylinder engine drives the rear wheels, while the hybrid transmission helps with the job, especially at low speeds and under full acceleration. It was interesting to talk to the salesperson, who is always kind enough to offer you a "smart" key (friendliness in the service is another very smart way to attract customers!).

Many people ask if they need to switch something to electric traction, whether they need to charge at night, and so on. Lexus has created a hybrid that does not require additional knowledge or adaptation of the driver to the hybrid drivetrain. The only thing you need to know is that a gasoline engine does not usually wake up at startup. So no noise. The English word Ready is displayed on the electricity meter (the left meter that should show the engine speed). That's all. Then we put the automatic transmission lever in position D and enjoy. ... silence. You probably have never heard such silence in the car. You find it strange at first, but after a few miles you start to enjoy it.

He enjoys listening even more to music coming from the Mark Levinson system. Excellent! Passengers may be surprised at the acceleration so exciting for such a large (and heavy) car. When the gasoline engine strains the muscles, and especially when the constant high torque electric motor rolls up its sleeves at the starting point, they catapult the sedan to 100 km / h in about six seconds. The rear almost always gets a little hectic at wide open throttle, and the stabilization electronics soon calm it down successfully. If the toddler had taken a chance and (partially) turned off this electronic system in his father's car, he would probably feel that the GS has a differential lock.

And I would most likely also feel how fast the rear is moving on a wider track, since the torque is really huge. The synchronous electric motor, which runs on 650 volts AC and is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery (the fruit of a collaboration with Panasonic), does not require charging, so you don't have to make a hole in your garage over a power outlet. However, in the near future, a technology also called Plug-In will likely become available to users, as modern batteries are adapted to the voltage of the home network. The electric motor is automatically charged while driving, as energy is regenerated when braking and driving without gas, and especially when driving downhill.

But the point is, the electric motor unfolds the white flag relatively soon, and then the gasoline engine takes over. The transition between an electric car and a classic petrol car is almost imperceptible, inaudible and not at all disturbing. The biggest mistake is that the electric motor is most efficient at low city speeds. Slovenia is still not motorized enough, in other words, it tends to move for the electric part of the car to really prove its worth. The paradox of this car is that it is the best in the city at low speeds.

However, we believe that you do not buy a car almost five meters long, that you will squeeze city streets for several hours every day, do you? Speaking of city traffic. . The Lexus GS 450h is a dangerous vehicle, as we nearly hit a few careless pedestrians due to the silent ride. You should see the expression on their faces when they saw the carcass in front of them at the last moment, which they had not noticed before - they imagined. It doesn't matter, it's fun as long as everything is under control! The petrol engine is, of course, technically improved.

At Lexus, he was given a combination of indirect and direct injection. Namely, they can only inject the injectors into the combustion chamber (direct mode) or also the injectors in the intake duct (indirect mode), so more torque and less pollution are generated. In addition, the V6 engine boasts dual VVT-i, i.e. variable angle of all camshafts, lightweight materials and an exhaust system that reduces noise with a double wall. The result of all this technology is that in our tests we used an average of ten liters of unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers. For almost 350 "horses" and a two-ton car, this is more than happy! Of course, with the hybrid, there are concerns about the maintenance of this unique system.

Unfortunately, after 14 days of testing, we can't confirm if this is really problematic in the long run, but the warranty information already says a lot. The remainder of the warranty is three years or 100 kilometers, while the hybrid components have a five-year warranty or 100 kilometers. The electrically driven part is also completely destroyed at the end of its service life and must work for the entire life of the vehicle. Our experience shows that we have not had a single problem: not during the chase, not in the tropical heat in the column, not on a cold morning, and even more so during normal driving. Hats off, Lexus, well done!

Touching the doorknob opens all doors. A smart key in your pocket starts a process whereby you can't stay calm. Each seat is discreetly lit, but when you open the door, the light shines under your feet. When you enter, the area under the seat lights up, and when you exit, everything around the car. Basically, this is nothing new, but Lexus has taken care of helping passengers at night or in the garage, which works discreetly and nothing gets in the way. It's like in a theater or an opera, when the lights go out slowly. The steering wheel retracts into the dash so that the belly slides easily behind the wheel, which reminded us of a Mercedes.

Sits comfortably, but unfortunately the seats (also full of interesting design details) are made to carry heavyweights more easily than featherweight drivers. The steering system is electric, of course, but it works the same way as in Mercedes limousines. The parking lot handling is extremely simple, with the flexibility of the handling hardening a little at higher speeds, but still not enough to get a better understanding of what's going on under the 18-inch wheels. Look for an Audi or BMW for more cornering dynamics, as the Lexus is closer to a comfortable Mercedes despite its dynamic exterior.

A similar story is with the chassis. Shock stiffness is electronically controlled and overall the chassis is very comfortable. If you want to go a few turns faster, switch to stiffer shocks. Then, of course, the GS 450h will grip much more securely on firmer legs, but you will still feel like the soft chassis has just been hardened rather than programmed to be truly sporty. After all, we can calmly ask ourselves if this makes any sense at all? Even a Boeing 747 will never be a military fighter. ...

As befits a car in this class, the equipment is enormous, from heated and cooled seats to navigation, from leather and wood to parking sensors and a camera that successfully assists when reversing. The control panel is well-stocked but neatly laid out so you won't get lost in the many buttons. It impresses with its easy menu navigation and starts to get in the way of the touchscreen, which is always fingerprinted due to its greasy fingers. If you want to have a clean car, you have to clean up after you all the time or carry a cleaning lady with you. Which is not bad, especially if she is young and pretty, isn't it?

Finally, let me mention two features that are bothering you. Lexus (similar to Toyota) does not have daytime running lights, so already (invisibly) it is proposed to install a simple switch in the car dealership, which costs a few euros and allows you to live without turning the left wheel unnecessarily. A much more serious problem is a modest trunk. Thanks to additional batteries, its size is only 280 liters, so it is in the Yaris assortment, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to fold several suitcases into it. Competitors have at least one bigger one. But is this other side of the hybrid finally solvable? you can install the box on the roof. So, we can recap that the GS 450h is not perfect and far from suitable for everyone, but it is undoubtedly technically advanced, interesting, comfortable and well made and, as such, a serious thorn in the side of the big German trio. For a pioneer (baby) he already has a good path, not to mention what lies ahead!

Face to face

Dusan Lukic: Let's leave the debate about how environmentally friendly hybrid cars are (given that their production requires energy and emission control). With this drivetrain combination (again, if we forget how it all works technically), this GS is very sovereign in terms of performance and is quiet and refined at the same time. The fact that the trunk is (very) small is just a fact to come to terms with, and the fact that some of the switches and plastic parts are still a bit Japanese (or American, if you will) is quite acceptable to some, as some, not at all. In short, if you're willing to put up with a few downsides, this GS is the best in class for you. If not, forget about it right now.

Vinko Kernc: Most immediately catch the eye - whether it's the future of hybrid cars, whether the direction chosen by Lexus, and the like. Most of the opinions are secular, the rest are mostly unfounded, aimed more at the desire to attract attention than serious comments. Money for development and risk is Toyota, and time will tell how and what.

But there is also a downside: you will not get such a complex, interesting and sophisticated drive technology from any other brand. And most importantly: driving is a wonderful thing.

Alyosha Mrak, photo :? Ales Pavletich, Sasha Kapetanovich

Lexus GS 450h Executive

Basic data

Sales:	Toyota Adria Ltd.
Base model price:	69.650 €
Test model cost:	73.320 €
Power:	218kW (296 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	5,9 with
Maximum speed:	250 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	7,9l / 100km
Guarantee:	Total 3 years or 100.000 5 km warranty, 100.000 years or 3 3 km warranty for hybrid components, 12 years mobile warranty, XNUMX years paint warranty, XNUMX years anti-rust warranty.

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials:	1.522 €
Fuel:	11.140 €
Tires (1)	8.640 €
Compulsory insurance:	4.616 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +	4.616 (
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up	€ 70.958 0,71 (km cost: XNUMX) €)

Technical information

engine:	6-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline - longitudinally mounted in front - bore and stroke 94,0 × 83,0 mm - displacement 3.456 cm? – compression 11,8:1 – maximum power 218 kW (296 hp) at 6.400 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 17,7 m/s – specific power 63,1 kW/l (85,8 hp / l) - maximum torque 368 Nm at 4.800 rpm. min - 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder. Rear axle motor: permanent magnet synchronous motor - rated voltage 650 V - maximum power 147 kW (200 hp) at 4.610 5.120-275 rpm - maximum torque 0 Nm at 1.500-288 rpm. Alumulator: Nickel-metal hydride batteries – nominal voltage 6,5 V – capacity XNUMX Ah.
Energy transfer:	engines driven by rear wheels - electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (E-CVT) with planetary gear - 7J × 18 wheels - 245/40 ZR 18 tires, rolling range 1,97 m.
Capacity:	top speed 250 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 5,9 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 9,2 / 7,2 / 7,9 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension:	sedan - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front auxiliary frame, individual suspensions, spring struts, triangular cross beams, stabilizer - rear auxiliary frame, individual suspensions, multi-link axle, spring struts, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling) , rear disc, mechanical parking brake on the rear wheels (leftmost pedal) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,6 turns between extreme points.
Mass:	empty vehicle 2.005 kg - permissible total weight 2.355 kg - permissible trailer weight 2.000 kg, without brake 750 kg - permissible roof load: no data available.
External dimensions:	vehicle width 1.820 mm - front track 1.540 mm - rear track 1.545 mm - ground clearance 11,2 m.
Inner dimensions:	front width 1.530 mm, rear 1.490 - front seat length 500 mm, rear seat 510 - steering wheel diameter 380 mm - fuel tank 65 l.
Box:	Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total 278,5 L): 5 places: 1 × backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 1 × suitcase (68,5 l)

Our measurements

T = 16 ° C / p = 1.040 mbar / rel. Owner: 44% / Tires: Dunlop SP Sport 5000M DSST 245/40 / ZR 18 / Meter reading: 1.460 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	6,2s
402m from the city:	14,3 years ( 164 km / h)
1000m from the city:	25,9 years ( 213 km / h)
Maximum speed:	250km / h (Position D)
Minimum consumption:	8,8l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	11,2l / 100km
test consumption:	10,0 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	70,9m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	41,4m
AM table:	42m
Test errors:	unmistakable

Overall rating (395/420)

• He missed the five, which is not so important. It is important that from now on, businessmen have the opportunity to buy a high-speed limousine that indulges in comfort and maneuverability, but at the same time is more environmentally friendly. BMWs go crazy with dynamic design and Mercedes-Benz with superb comfort. But BMW is still more driving. However, Mercedes-Benz has a much longer history. This also matters for cars of this class.

• Exterior (14/15)

  Carefully thought out and interesting design. Let everyone judge for himself whether he likes it.

• Interior (116/140)

  It is not the largest in terms of internal dimensions; he lost a few points due to unpredictable heating (cooling) or ventilation, and most of all due to a small trunk.

• Engine, transmission (39
  
  
  / 40)

  Almost all of the points speak for themselves. Who would have thought that a hybrid could be so alive!

• Driving performance (73
  
  
  / 95)

  Despite the adaptive damping, this is a comfortable sedan that prefers a leisurely ride rather than breaking speed records.

• Performance (35/35)

  You can hardly ask for more. If you're not careful, your driver's license may even be revoked with new fines.

• Security (41/45)

  It loses a little average braking distance, but active and passive safety is just another name for the GS.

• Economy

  Pamper yourself at gas stations and enforce warranty, a little less kindness for price and loss of value.

We praise and reproach

capacity

fuel consumption

workmanship

Equipment

comfort (silence)

pioneering (technique)

barrel size

unpredictable automatic heating (cooling) or ventilation

it has no daytime running lights

communication servo-called

machine weight