Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Hoovey Review: 2013 Lexus GS450h

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-12-14, 04:33 PM
  #1  
Hoovey689
Moderator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,283
Received 122 Likes on 82 Posts
Default Hoovey Review: 2013 Lexus GS450h

**Pictures on second page


Hoovey Review: 2013 Lexus GS450h



So I currently have my 2IS in for a 60K service, Cam Gear recall, and some warranty work which despite being out of warranty, Lexus is being so kind as to “Good Will” the work needed for me (another testament to the fantastic customer service). For the time being I have a loaner vehicle which given my choices between RX, IS, ES and GS I took the latter. Granted working for an Automall I’m in GS’s all the time. This however happens to be the GSh, which is far rarer than standard ICE GS’s. Without further ado a Hoovey Review of the 2013 GS450h.

Exterior:

The vehicle I chose was a 2013 GS450h in Starfire Pearl and Black Interior which is an excellent combination IMHO. Though I would prefer the new Ultra White as it’s a more pure white, SFP is still a rich and classy shade of white. Compared to some of the competition while the side profile may seem a little plain, the front bumper is obviously a conversation starter. While I prefer the F-Sport bumper, I will admit the Base, Luxury and Hybrid front is growing on me. This GSh had the LED Projectors which even as I type this, my eyes are blinded just from the thought of checking both low beam and high beam output at night – suffice to say they are bright. The new “L” shape DRLs give the vehicle some personality at night as do the taillights. The GSh has the blue Lexus emblems, 450h badge, hybrid markings on the side skirts and no exhaust cutouts on the bumper, which distinguish it from the GS350. Overall rear is simplistic but elegant. This one has a rear spoiler too which gives off an heir of sportiness. The GS is a good size too at 190.9in which is 10.6in longer than the 2IS. The GS is still a few inches shorter than its competition the 5-Series, E-Class, A6, XF, M37/Q70. While the exterior is a major change, its inside and underneath that defines this Lexus.

Interior:

The interior of the GS has to be one of the best in class. In fact it won one of Wards top 10 interiors last year – the GSh to boot. The two most striking features of the GSh interior are one the 12.3” infotainment screen and two the matte bamboo wood interior which is by far my favorite. The cabin is rich, warm and inviting. Sit down and you’re graced with an 18-way power seat which has a cushion extender, two lumbar adjustments, an articulating seat back and my favorite the adjustable side bolsters. For comparison the base and F-Sport GS350s have 10-way and 16-way adjustable seats respectively. The GSh’s are loaded to the brim with packaged technology and features. Mine had the headlamp washers, heated steering wheel, rear seat controls, BSM, power rear sunshade and manual side shades, Park Assist and a nifty HOLD (holds the car in place without having to have your foot on the brake) button to name a few things. The leather is soft and supple and the plastics are at the level the IS, ES, CT, RX and GX should be using. All the information you need be it trip info, audio, climate or vehicle systems are easily accessible via physical buttons or with the latest generation of Remote Touch. It takes a little getting used to, but you can adjust the haptic feedback of the mouse in the Feedback Force settings in the menu to make the mouse easier to use. The navigation is worlds better than the 2010-11 (3GS) system and voice prompts work well and can understand you better. Sadly this system is already dated as the 2014 IS, GX and CT have the newest generation of navigation which includes One-Shot address entry (saying full address) rather than going through prompts. Still a decent system though. Oh and the 835watt 17-Speaker Mark Levinson sound system, well I’m no audiophile but my goodness its sublime – excellent bass and clarity. The large 12.3” screen makes it easy to have the map up while also viewing audio, climate or vehicle/trip info. Cup holders are in a good location but when you have a drink there; it does block the heated and ventilated seat controls. A non-issue for me though as I seldom use the heated seats because I’ve read it’s not good for your boys if you know what I mean . The GS has standard LED interior lights which give it a very modern heir when they’re on. The backseat is usable and fits two adults comfortably but forget the middle seats like most RWD sedans in this class. There is no 60/40 seats or pass through because of the hybrid tech. The trunk space is night and day between the 3GSh and 4GSh, not only is there more space but the load in is more open. Thankfully there is a spare tire even though it’s not a full size. BMW’s don’t have them because of runflats and Cadillac has a large open space with a can of fix-a-flat where a spare would be. So thank you Lexus . Back up front the glove box while not as flimsy as the ES or IS is still a bit light though it is bigger and nicely lined. The electronic parking brake frees up space where a hand or foot brake would have to go. The GS and GSh are the only Lexus’s I know of that have S-Flow which can detect if there is an occupant in a seat and will redirect air to them of shut it off in that section if no one is there - a more efficient way for climate system management. In all, the 4GSh interior blows the 3GSh interior out of the water when it comes to material quality and assembly. Everything feels more solid. Suffice to say the GSh interior is a world of wonder.

Drive:

With the 4GS Lexus set out to give a new direction to the Lexus line with the DNA of the LFA and also took the opportunity to debut the spindle. While L-Finesse vehicles brought a more modern look to Lexus, the quality suffered dearly. The 4GS is the starting point for change, in not only design and technology but the driving experience. Something Lexus up until this point has lacked. The 3GS always had a rock hard suspension (to me). It would absorb bumps but rode stiff. Lexus engineers worked their magic on this chassis and suspension dynamics as it is superb. As you turn on the GS, you get a nice little *beep* and a READY light. This means the car is on even though the engine may not turn on just yet – one of those hybrid quirks. The GS and GSh like most new Lexus’s have the new Driver Mode Select which allows you to tailor transmission and suspension on the fly with the twist of a nice silver dial. I drove most of the time in Normal mode since the majority of people – non enthusiast would certainly be doing. The drive is calm, relaxed and cabin noise is suppressed at most any speed. Turn the DMS to ECO and while it recalibrates the transmission and climate control for better fuel economy I was not a fan of the pedal feel – gotta push harder to go faster, but that’s the price you pay for efficiency . But even then with 338 total system output horsepower this isn’t your dad’s Prius and acceleration is effortless. Turn the DMS to Sport and another personality makes the GSh come to life. When in Sport the energy gauge to the left of the Speedometer turns into a Tachometer which is a neat little gimmick. Turn the DMS one more time to the right and Sport+ adds steering and suspension changes into the equation. I took this GSh out on the back roads and it out handles my 2IS which has steering damper, strut, sway, chassis brace and sticky summer tires. The power on this car surges if you stab the throttle, but because the transmission is a CVT you don’t get the gear change noise you normally do on a standard Automatic. I myself would prefer a nice 8-Speed unit in this Lexus but the CVT is smooth as silk. And the downshifts make me realize how terrible my car’s is when you go to engine brake. Pulling back on the “-“ paddle and there is essentially no delay nor clunky forward surge which to me adds so much to the refinement factor. This GSh has a few thousand miles on it, and the lowest mpg I’ve gotten was 27.4mpg and highest was 30.3mpg in mixed driving. Currently though the average has been 29.5mpg on Supreme 91 octane. The nice thing about Lexus hybrids vs Toyota ones is that the Lexus hybrids have EV modes on them which can force the car into Electric only mode under certain conditions like battery state of charge, temperature, >25mph. Of course I was on the freeway the other day and the traffic slowed to about 45mph, the engine kicked off and I was able to run on full electric between 38-41mph for about a mile and a half... splendid. The GSh seems to have a duel personality. Calm and relaxed on the daily but can turn into an animal at the twist of a dial. Think of the saying “lady on the streets but a freak in the sheets”. This is a testament to integrating Luxury and Sport and doing it well.

Overall Impressions:

Truthfully there was little I could find wrong with this car for ME. To others they may fear the word Hybrid or simply don’t like its design which is subjective and that’s fine, it’s not a car for everyone. But the GS has come a long way not just for the GS line but for Lexus Hybrids. So do dismiss these newfound merits and accolades would be ignorant. The hybrid technology is getting better. It is more refined, more efficient and better integrated than the competition (I have not sampled the Panamera Hybrid but the M35h and Q50 Hybrids are nowhere near as refined as the GSh). Of course the GSh is not without flaw, the lack of a sunglass holder (like in newer Lexus models) is a notable ommission, as is the plastic at the base of the Remote Touch which is rough and scratchy. The GSh needs an AWD option (standard RWD), even if it’s electric motors driving the wheels like the RXh AWD. A comfort setting would be a welcome addition to as the LS460/600hL offer a comfort setting in conjunction with Eco/Sport/Sport+. The biggest problem however the GSh faces however is the price. Most regionally packaged GSh’s will come in a shade over $70,000. I’m sorry but that is at least $5,000 more than it is really worth. For that sort of money you would expect even better mileage, a power bump or both. Speaking of power, while 338hp is a decent number the competition exceeds it. Other than those gripes the GSh is a superb vehicle. For 2014 auto folding side mirrors, auto on heated and ventilated seats, and “8” instead of “6” gear ratios have been programed for the CVT.

Up until now the GS350 F-Sport has been my favorite GS. After this extended experience my thoughts have changed. As I get older and looking soon to replace my 2IS I’ve contemplated GS, 5-Series or even going back to a SUV. Luxury, comfort, refinement and sport are all at the forefront of my needs in my next vehicle. As much as I like the new 3IS, it lost the luxury aspect in favor of sport and I want both. The GS happens to offer the best combination of the two, and in hybrid trim it conforms even better. Before I make any decisions, I’m personally waiting to hear official information on the GS-F (allure of a V8 tempts me too) before I pull the trigger on my Master Lease Program in 14 months. As it stands, if I had to choose today any Lexus it would be a GSh in Obsidian/Black

Last edited by Hoovey689; 01-15-14 at 05:54 PM.
Hoovey689 is offline  
Old 01-12-14, 04:38 PM
  #2  
Hoovey689
Moderator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,283
Received 122 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

You guys will like this GS Hybrid realted story too:

This is Warren Beatty and Annette Benning's 2011 LS600hL our dealer sold to them several years ago and we recently took back in trade to deliver them another LSh this time a 2013. For three weeks I travelled down to LA to deliver the 2013 LSh for Anette and get her situated. Well Warren enjoyed the car so much but wanted something a tad sportier, so that the next week I took a 2013 GS450h down to him. Also had to make a 51 page "how to" powerpoint for him in both USB and Paper form









Hoovey689 is offline  
Old 01-12-14, 05:24 PM
  #3  
RXSF
Moderator
 
RXSF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 12,042
Likes: 0
Received 69 Likes on 42 Posts
Default

I haven't had a chance to read your review yet, but I wanted to first say, thank god they got rid of that hybrid grill
RXSF is offline  
Old 01-12-14, 05:32 PM
  #4  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Hoovey, great review and glad you liked it. Loved the LS story as well, that is not small powerpoint presentation lol.

I truly wish the GS 450h F-sport was here as that is what we would have chosen over the 350..the main thing my wife does complain about is the fuel economy….

Do more reviews, I enjoyed that.
 
Old 01-12-14, 05:51 PM
  #5  
spwolf
Lexus Champion
 
spwolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 19,833
Received 104 Likes on 75 Posts
Default

I want GS450h too... they are so expensive though, F-Sport retails at $140k brand new... so I am importing used one from somewhere in Europe.

They are still expensive as they are barely 1.5yr old cars right now... so hoping that next year prices will drop a bit more.

GS300h is a lot less expensive... a lot... It is close to GS250 in pricing and crazy amount less than GS450h.
But it isnt fast...
spwolf is online now  
Old 01-12-14, 06:24 PM
  #6  
Hoovey689
Moderator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,283
Received 122 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LexFather
Hoovey, great review and glad you liked it. Loved the LS story as well, that is not small powerpoint presentation lol.

I truly wish the GS 450h F-sport was here as that is what we would have chosen over the 350..the main thing my wife does complain about is the fuel economy….

Do more reviews, I enjoyed that.
Thanks LexFather

Me too, I think its a silly omission.

Yeah I'm going to start doing more reviews. Did a quick count and this was the 5th one I've done. Love this car inside and out and curious to see what changes will come since I'm pretty smitten with this GSh. I don't want to give it back

Originally Posted by spwolf
I want GS450h too... they are so expensive though, F-Sport retails at $140k brand new... so I am importing used one from somewhere in Europe.

They are still expensive as they are barely 1.5yr old cars right now... so hoping that next year prices will drop a bit more.

GS300h is a lot less expensive... a lot... It is close to GS250 in pricing and crazy amount less than GS450h.
But it isnt fast...
Wow double the price intense!

Are you still in Germany? or am I thinking of a different member

Yeah GS300h is a lot less, but not so fast. What sort of mileage does it get if you know off the top of your head?
Hoovey689 is offline  
Old 01-12-14, 06:56 PM
  #7  
yardie876
Lexus Champion
 
yardie876's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SoFlo
Posts: 3,438
Received 87 Likes on 73 Posts
Default

Great write up. I too would have loved to get an 450h in F-Sport guise. $70,000 is a hefty sum of money though. Mmm and those headlights...
yardie876 is offline  
Old 01-12-14, 07:18 PM
  #8  
spwolf
Lexus Champion
 
spwolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 19,833
Received 104 Likes on 75 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Hoovey2411

Are you still in Germany? or am I thinking of a different member

Yeah GS300h is a lot less, but not so fast. What sort of mileage does it get if you know off the top of your head?
Croatia... 300h can get 35-40 mpg regularly, according to press.. it literally just came out. I dont really care about 20% fuel up or down, I would rather get 450h, but its CO2 is higher than 300h, so gotta pay >10% more taxes on it.
spwolf is online now  
Old 01-12-14, 07:24 PM
  #9  
natnut
Pole Position
 
natnut's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Singapore
Posts: 2,602
Received 87 Likes on 52 Posts
Default

Thank you Hoovey2411 for that review.

It confirms my test-drive impression that the 4th Gen GS450h F-Sport is currently the best sedan that Lexus makes currently (before the Lexus RC and new gen LS drops).

The fact that it can outhandle a smaller lighter 2IS with handling upgrades is a testimony to the work put in by the chassis engineers of the 4GS.
natnut is offline  
Old 01-12-14, 10:53 PM
  #10  
Hoovey689
Moderator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,283
Received 122 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by yardie876
Great write up. I too would have loved to get an 450h in F-Sport guise. $70,000 is a hefty sum of money though. Mmm and those headlights...
Thanks. Guess if I ever got one I'd swap an F-Sport bumper on it

Originally Posted by spwolf
Croatia... 300h can get 35-40 mpg regularly, according to press.. it literally just came out. I dont really care about 20% fuel up or down, I would rather get 450h, but its CO2 is higher than 300h, so gotta pay >10% more taxes on it.
Lexus would get so much more interest if they added a IS300h and GS300h Stateside. I don't understand their reasoning.

Originally Posted by natnut
Thank you Hoovey2411 for that review.

It confirms my test-drive impression that the 4th Gen GS450h F-Sport is currently the best sedan that Lexus makes currently (before the Lexus RC and new gen LS drops).

The fact that it can outhandle a smaller lighter 2IS with handling upgrades is a testimony to the work put in by the chassis engineers of the 4GS.
No problem natnut.

Absolutely. While not without flaw it does blend Sport and Luxury in a harmony the best of any Lexus to date
Hoovey689 is offline  
Old 01-13-14, 01:01 AM
  #11  
Fizzboy7
Lexus Test Driver
 
Fizzboy7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: California
Posts: 9,676
Received 156 Likes on 91 Posts
Default

Excellent review on a very interesting car. It is a shame it's so expensive and out of reach.
So I'm clear, this model comes with paddle shifters? Does the non hybrid and non-sport also come with paddles? I thought for the GS, paddles only came on sports.
Would love to see pics of the tested vehicle. The color combo you listed is my dream match. That light bamboo is hot.
Fizzboy7 is offline  
Old 01-13-14, 01:29 AM
  #12  
UpSideDown
Lead Lap
 
UpSideDown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SE
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Here is what Fifth gear says about the 450h...

UpSideDown is offline  
Old 01-13-14, 04:01 AM
  #13  
UZJ100GXR
Lead Lap
 
UZJ100GXR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: AK
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Great review, Hoovey. I always enjoy reading your posts. I sometimes think the Land Cruiser needs a little sister, either the IS or GS ...I went to the local dealer and found out a GS450h costs around $80k.....It was beautiful inside but not worth that amount of money. (We also get the F-sport version here )

Last edited by UZJ100GXR; 01-13-14 at 04:10 AM.
UZJ100GXR is offline  
Old 01-13-14, 05:30 AM
  #14  
yowps3
Lexus Test Driver
 
yowps3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NSW
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Excellent review man! Very informative.

But if I had to say one thing it is that the 3GS exterior had a more 'futuristic' design to it and the interior had a little more 'luxury' feel and it had the blue LEDs everywhere.

Not sure why Lexus has decides to skimp on many Lexus signature touches with their new Spindle Grilled sedans..

Last edited by yowps3; 01-13-14 at 06:39 AM.
yowps3 is offline  
Old 01-13-14, 07:09 AM
  #15  
bitkahuna
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
bitkahuna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Present
Posts: 73,690
Received 2,097 Likes on 1,360 Posts
Default

great review! thank you.

Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
You guys will like this GS Hybrid realted story too:

This is Warren Beatty and Annette Benning's 2011 LS600hL ...
name dropper. no seriously, great story, and fun task!!

hopefully they're nice in person.
bitkahuna is offline  


Quick Reply: Hoovey Review: 2013 Lexus GS450h



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:29 PM.