Vehicle Information

It’s no coincidence that Lexus is the first mainstream luxury company to produce multiple luxury hybrids. Lexus is owned by Toyota. It’s no secret that Toyota is currently considered the world-wide leader in hybrid sales and technology. It would of course be Toyota’s luxury division that would innovate a luxury hybrid that is literally loaded with industry firsts. The Lexus GS Hybrid is even more of a niche vehicle than its crossover Lexus counterpart, the Rx400. The Rx 400 is a sportier and more luxurious version of other hybrid crossovers. The GS Hybrid is not a souped-up Camry, it is its own unique marriage of high luxury performance and sign of the times hybrid technology.
Priced in the mid 50k price range the GS hybrid is usually not an option for economy-minded consumers. For many hyper-miling Prius and hybrid Civic drivers, the GS is not only above budget, but it’s below what many have come to expect in fuel efficiency when it comes to hybrids. Critics of the powerful GS Hybrid have scoffed at the car’s 22 mpg rating. While this is considerably below other hybrids available the performance and driving experience of the GS is not even in the same category as the Prius. Also not in the same category are the 22 mpg gleaned by the GS as compared to other luxury sport models. Twelve to fifteen mpg is the standard for cars matching the performance of the GS Hybrid. So the GS Hybrid’s gas-saving lower numbers are enough to ease the conscience.
The GS hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6, with variable valve timing, 292 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. All of this adds up to 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. The continuously variable transmission in the GS does not include any of the jerks, lag or whine found in other hybrids. The gasoline engine works with two high-output, permanent magnet electric motor-generators rated at 197 hp with the gas and electric motor combined the GS boasts 339 hp.
To ensure driver and passenger comfort while being pinned back to the seat during acceleration, the GS interior is well appointed in rich leather and stately wood trim. Stainless steel scuff plates add a serious no-nonsense edge. The GS includes too many luxury comfort features to list. Several standard luxury options have been taken to the next level, such as climate control seats. The GS offers passengers ten different levels of cool to hot seat settings.
The GS comes equipped with so many safety features that Lexus has grouped them under the heading Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system or VDIM. VDIM includes a host of features such as ABS (Antilock Braking System), BA (Brake Assist), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ECB (Electronically Controlled Brakes), EPS (Electronic Power Steering), TRAC (Traction Control), VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control). These computerized systems expertly balance safety and performance to make the GS hybrid a major contender in the luxury sports high-end market.
For spenders who refuse to sacrifice even a little bit of performance or luxury, the GS Hybrid offers a guilt-quenching alternative to the standard 12 mpg fare.
Specifications for Lexus GS Hybrid
Style Luxury Sedan
Seating 5
Mileage 25/22
Tank Size 17.2 gal.
Emission Rating SULEV
Greenhouse Gas Emissions/15k mi 10,850 pounds
0 - 60 Performance 5.3 seconds
Passenger Space 103 cubic feet
Cargo Space 8 cubic feet
Drive Type Rear
Net Power 339 horsepower
Gas Engine Power 208 horsepower
Electric Motor Power 197 horsepower
Gas Engine Torque 267 lb.-ft @ 5000 RPM
Electric Motor Torque 203 lb.-ft @ 840 rpm
Displacement 3.5 liter
Voltage 288V
Drag Coefficient .27