With a restyled front and new lighting for the rear, the 2016 Lexus GS 450h is looking good. Add to that a larger touchscreen and some much-appreciated blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection and you’ve got something going on.
Hybrids are now a common sight but the operation of the hybrid varies from car to car. All of them offer degrees of gas/electric to power the vehicles but some are slow and clunky while others have a noticeable jolt when transferring from electric to gas. The GS 450h seems to do it all seamlessly and with panache.
The 2016 Lexus GS 450h is a midsize hybrid luxury sedan that is offered in one trim level.
The car is fully-loaded with 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights and accent lights, LED taillights, water-repellent front windows, heated auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof, an adaptive suspension, adjustable drive settings, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats with lumbar adjustments, driver seat memory functions, a rear-seat center pass-through, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade and a power tilt-and-telescoping heated steering wheel.
The GS 450h also has standard techy features like a 12.3-inch infotainment display with Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface, navigation, voice controls, Siri Eyes Free control for iPhones, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 12-speaker surround-sound system with CD player, iPod/USB interface and satellite radio.
The F Sport package, included on my test vehicle, adds 19-inch wheels, unique body and exterior trim elements, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, variable-ratio and rear dynamic steering, upgraded brakes, a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, a 12-way power-adjustable driver sport seat and unique interior trim.
A 3.5-liter V6 combines with two electric motors, powered by a battery pack in the trunk. Together they produce 338 horses. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) utilizes the power through the cars rear wheel drive. Mileage estimates are 29/city, 34/highway, and 31/combined mpg.
The interior of the GS 450h is luxurious with a capital “L”. Seating is supportive and comfortable for long trips in the car. The rear seats are also comfortable with plenty of head and legroom for two adults.
With the new for 2016 upgraded 12.3-inch screen, the driver has an unobstructed view of the navigation maps or infotainment controls.
Even though part of the trunk is taken up by the batteries there is still plenty of room at 13 cubic feet. The rear seats do not fold down for additional space but there is a center pass-through for long stuff.
Since the hybrid is partially electric the car is very quiet. It has plenty of get up and go and even has and EV mode that allows the driver to stay in electric mode for short periods of time at slow speeds. Selectable drive modes allows for choices from eco to comfort to performance. The F Sport package adds a sportier suspension for tighter handling.
If you are looking for a hybrid with a side of luxury look to the 2016 Lexus GS 450h.
