Hey folks!

I have been testing it a bit and using S-mode mostly for downhill and light braking (instead of conventional braking to regenerate more power) - but what does it actually do? I thought it might mimic fixed gear ratios for you to manually shift through but as you can start with "5th" for example from standstill it works just fine so it can't be that? Also, I have seen some acceleration videos where they put it in S and leave it in a fixed "gear". Why is that? Can someone explain whats actually going on? Other than using it for braking or downhill coasting, I haven't found any practical use of this mode. Only if I knew what it really does? (I don't have the car's user manual so I can't look up the "official" explanation)

Thanks!

 

So after a year of ownership I find that the manual mode is used more for engine braking, rather than simulating gears. The reasons that you state, downhill and light braking, is exactly what this mode is for. For accelerating it has been stated that the "D" setting is the fastest for the vehicle. I picked that up from this video.(6:12 is about the transmission.) It's a boring but very informative video. It looks like it's an official press meeting.

It's everything about the gs450h...enjoy!

 

Awesome, thanks!! Also thanks for the video... very interesting! Haven't seen it yet.