Over a GS350 which gets the same performance for less? Lexus hybrids are ok, I think people forget that the original idea was for hybrids to offer an alternative to a V8, it was supposed to give you "you're power" and "you're MPG"...this is how Lexus originally marketed their hybrids. I doubt most people would choose the GS450h if the GS460 was still around. It will be interesting to see how the upcoming LC500 and the hybrid alternative do.

 

ok, but back on topic....here's a case of hybrid vs non-hybrid, pretty much equal capability cars --- 2013 Prius C vs 2013 Honda Fit -- where the Fit costs just as much or probably even MORE than the Prius C (last Fit to be made in Japan).


with current gas prices ----



with $5/gal gas......

 

Back in 2005/2006, the first gen GS450h was a power hybrid, with a big heavy NiCad which has a faster discharge rate than the current model GS450h with a NiMH battery, and the old GS450h had bigger electric motors too for rocketship acceleration, albeit average economy, and a half size trunk which I could not accept.
Natnut has one, and he is very performance oriented with Brembo brakes etc, so I'm sure he loves his.

Today, the GS450h is an economy hybrid, with better bottom end punch, but diminished acceleration, very good economy, and nearly a full size trunk.
Just me only, but I got a 2015 GS350 all gasoline in the end.

If the 3rd gen GS450h in 2019 moves to lithium ion batteries like the current Prius, I'm sure the GS450h will be performance oriented with simultaneous economy, because like the 1st gen NiCads, the 3rd gen Lion batteries have a very rapid discharge rate for more power.
Only the 2nd gen NiMH batteries have a slow discharge rate, hence NiMH is not used much in cordless power tools like motorised drill drivers, and torque wrenches etc.

It will also be very interesting if the next gen GS450h will be based on the current 3.5L V6 atmospheric, or it will be based on the new 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo.
A small capacity turbo combined with electric hybrid will be a real rocketship, and even more economical...
.