Underimpressed By GS 450h
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Driver School Candidate
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From: IL
Underimpressed By GS 450h
Test drove the GS 450h yesterday for the first time. After reading all the reviews I was waiting for the "instant"accleration. But no.
While I woulg not go as far as saying I did not like the car, I was surprised and saddened that my current BMW 545i was quicker and better handling.
I've owned a GS in the past, so I expected the difference in handling, but after reading all the posts, I was expecting a rocket off the line. At best it accerated nicely, but not instantly and definitely not for $60,000+.
I'm going to give it another drive, but was my experience unusual?
While I woulg not go as far as saying I did not like the car, I was surprised and saddened that my current BMW 545i was quicker and better handling.
I've owned a GS in the past, so I expected the difference in handling, but after reading all the posts, I was expecting a rocket off the line. At best it accerated nicely, but not instantly and definitely not for $60,000+.
I'm going to give it another drive, but was my experience unusual?
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: CA
All the GS models seem to have a lot better acceleration from 60-90 than from 0-60, so I don't think so. For my needs, that's fine - highway passing is the only time I need powerful acceleration, and the GS delivers that in spades. 
that applies to almost all lexus cars. they're just awesome cruising cars.
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Driver School Candidate
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From: IL
It wasn't slow. It just didn't have the kick I was expecting given the battery's supposed instant acceleration. At highway speeds, it was wonderful. It felt like I was at about 55-60mph, but I was at 75mph.
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I dont seem to have this issue with my 07 450h. I have seen if the batteries get drained, the "kick" you are expecting goes away.
BTW, the tires would spin if the full amount of torque was let lose from the get go, and i believe that the car limits how much acceleration you get right off the line, but get into the 15 mph range and watch it fly.
I dont know if this holds true if the TCS is set to off.
BTW, the tires would spin if the full amount of torque was let lose from the get go, and i believe that the car limits how much acceleration you get right off the line, but get into the 15 mph range and watch it fly.
I dont know if this holds true if the TCS is set to off.
Last edited by Safire07h; Jan 1, 2007 at 08:27 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: MA
As for the handling aspect, BMW is known for their handling, while lexus tends to have a softer, more plus ride. If you're looking for a car that handles a bit tighter, I'd suggest looking towards the IS350.
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It still amazes me that people expect the GS to be sport cars. The car is big and heavy. It's tall too. The tranny and differential would need a redesign plus more like 500 horses to get the off the line quickness people crave. The car would a completely different suspension plus be wider for better handling. It's a luxury sport sedan with emphasis on luxury.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,201
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From: Colorado
Test drove the GS 450h yesterday for the first time. After reading all the reviews I was waiting for the "instant"accleration. But no.
While I woulg not go as far as saying I did not like the car, I was surprised and saddened that my current BMW 545i was quicker and better handling.
I've owned a GS in the past, so I expected the difference in handling, but after reading all the posts, I was expecting a rocket off the line. At best it accerated nicely, but not instantly and definitely not for $60,000+.
I'm going to give it another drive, but was my experience unusual?
While I woulg not go as far as saying I did not like the car, I was surprised and saddened that my current BMW 545i was quicker and better handling.
I've owned a GS in the past, so I expected the difference in handling, but after reading all the posts, I was expecting a rocket off the line. At best it accerated nicely, but not instantly and definitely not for $60,000+.
I'm going to give it another drive, but was my experience unusual?
The BMW 550i I have is better for corners, yes, but the GS450h, is an incredible car in itself. No comparison in long term value and longevity of the engine vs the maint. you I will have from my 550 after the 4 years free maint. is up. That's why I sell all my BMW's at that time, becuase the cost for all the rediculous maint. is annoying. They don't last... I've had several. My .02.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,024
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From: CA
Test drove the GS 450h yesterday for the first time. After reading all the reviews I was waiting for the "instant"accleration. But no.
While I woulg not go as far as saying I did not like the car, I was surprised and saddened that my current BMW 545i was quicker and better handling.
I've owned a GS in the past, so I expected the difference in handling, but after reading all the posts, I was expecting a rocket off the line. At best it accerated nicely, but not instantly and definitely not for $60,000+.
I'm going to give it another drive, but was my experience unusual?
While I woulg not go as far as saying I did not like the car, I was surprised and saddened that my current BMW 545i was quicker and better handling.
I've owned a GS in the past, so I expected the difference in handling, but after reading all the posts, I was expecting a rocket off the line. At best it accerated nicely, but not instantly and definitely not for $60,000+.
I'm going to give it another drive, but was my experience unusual?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: IL
It still amazes me that people expect the GS to be sport cars. The car is big and heavy. It's tall too. The tranny and differential would need a redesign plus more like 500 horses to get the off the line quickness people crave. The car would a completely different suspension plus be wider for better handling. It's a luxury sport sedan with emphasis on luxury.
When I redrive, I'll make sure it is not in Snow mode as I did not check that.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 340
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From: GA
What I'm saying is is that is not as quick from the start as my current BMW 545i. This was surprising given the reviews. Given the fact the BMW only weighs 100 lbs more and is actually bigger than the GS, I don't think it is too much to expect quickness given the price.
When I redrive, I'll make sure it is not in Snow mode as I did not check that.
When I redrive, I'll make sure it is not in Snow mode as I did not check that.
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1. Did the GS 450h you drove have the optional AAAS?
2. The GS 450h has the fastest passing speeds of any V-8 in its class and is very competative 0-60.
3. You are aware it has a CVT tranny, thus no shifting, it is always in the proper gear. Which takes some time to get used to.
Until R&T just got 0-60 in 4.9 in the IS 350, the GS 450h was the fastest Lexus.
Seat of the pants feeling just is not an accurate measure of speed, especially in a quiet, comfy Lexus. The car is so smooth added with the CVT, those of us used to shifts and redlines won't understand the 450h totally on 1 test drive.
2. The GS 450h has the fastest passing speeds of any V-8 in its class and is very competative 0-60.
3. You are aware it has a CVT tranny, thus no shifting, it is always in the proper gear. Which takes some time to get used to.
Until R&T just got 0-60 in 4.9 in the IS 350, the GS 450h was the fastest Lexus.
Seat of the pants feeling just is not an accurate measure of speed, especially in a quiet, comfy Lexus. The car is so smooth added with the CVT, those of us used to shifts and redlines won't understand the 450h totally on 1 test drive.
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 242
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From: CA
