Powerful new Lexus GS 450h arrives

The new generation high performance, full hybrid Lexus GS 450h went on sale in Ireland last  Friday. 

The GS450h is  available in 3 versions: GS 450h Executive (€59,950), GS 450h F SPORT (€72,950), GS 450h Premium (€76,250). 

The GS 450h features an all-new exterior and interior reflecting a further development of Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy. It has been given a more aggressive frontal treatment designed to project a  commanding road presence. 

Several highly innovative technologies make a first appearance in the new GS 450h: A new, ‘S-Flow’ energy saving air-conditioning system with ‘nanoe’ technology; a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world’s largest on-board multi-information display screen; and a choice of top audio systems. 

Front seat passengers benefit from an increase in legroom and up to 30mm of extra headroom. Rear seat knee room has improved by 20mm and headroom increased by 25mm. The smart-packaging of the hybrid battery into a stacked format has allowed GS 450h luggage volume to  increase by more than 60 per cent. 

The F SPORT package, which will be available in limited quantities on the Irish market, features its own distinctive exterior and interior design elements and bespoke suspension tuning.

The GS 450h is the world’s first front engine rear-wheel drive premium performance sedan to be equipped with a two-motor full hybrid system featuring a V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine with next generation D-4S direct injection technology. 

The second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system features improvements to every aspect of the full hybrid powertrain, combining significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂, NOx and PM emissions with performance on a par with comparable V8 powered rivals.

With a total system power output of 254 kW/345 DIN hp, the GS 450h will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Conversely, fuel consumption has been reduced by over 20 per cent to 6.0l/100 km, and CO₂ emissions have fallen to 139 g/km.

An Advanced Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) incorporates a Driver Monitor Camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC) now functions at all speeds down to 0 km/h on the GS 450h. 

Additional active safety features include a Lane-Keep Assist (LKA) system, a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system, the Lexus Night View system, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) with an expanded content menu.