System Output 252kW, CO2 Emissions 145g/km

Details have emerged regarding the GS450h, the de facto flagship of the Lexus GS series. The powertrain beneath the GS's hood combines a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine employing the D-4S direct injection system with two electric motors, driving the rear wheels either solely by the engine, solely by the motors, or by both. While some media outlets refer to it as a "newly designed 2GR-FXE" engine, the 2GR-FXE is already in use in the Lexus RX450h, so its newness is uncertain. The system output is officially stated as 252kW (343ps). Lexus has opted against using lithium-ion batteries, sticking with nickel-hydrogen cells this time.

Performance figures boast a top speed of 211 km/h before the limiter engages and a 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.6 seconds, on par with the current model. Fuel economy is reported to be approximately 18.5 km/ℓ, a 30 percent improvement over the previous model. Furthermore, CO2 emissions stand at 145g/km, with Toyota aiming for SULEVII certification in the US. Five drive modes are available: Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+, and EV mode.

The body structure has been significantly stiffened by increasing the number of spot welds. The suspension features double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. By using aluminum for the front and rear control arms, unsprung weight is reduced, enhancing agility.

Additionally, the GS450h is equipped with a four-wheel steering system called Lexus Dynamic Handling System. This system comprises Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). It monitors vehicle speed, steering direction, and the driver's steering input during cornering to calculate optimal steering angles for all four wheels, thereby improving turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle stability, and overall agility.

DRS monitors vehicle speed, yaw rate, steering angle, steering speed, and lateral G-force, providing up to 1.5 degrees of steering angle to the rear wheels. The rear wheels turn in the opposite phase up to 50 mph (approximately 80 km/h), and in the same phase at speeds exceeding that. Standard tire size is 225/55R17, with an optional 235/45R18 available.

For safety, the vehicle comes standard with 10 airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. It also features Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and, for the first time in a Lexus, a system that monitors the driver's eyes and issues a warning or applies the brakes if drowsiness is detected.

While exterior and interior changes compared to the standard GS are minimal, the headlights now utilize LEDs for both low and high beams, with L-shaped LED accents below the headlights and in the taillights. The steering wheel, featuring reinforced bamboo, is also noteworthy.

Lexus GS450h
Body Dimensions | Length 4,850 x Width 1,840 x Height 1,455mm
Wheelbase | 2,850mm
Curb Weight | 1,900kg
Engine | 3.5-liter V6 + Electric Motor
Maximum Output | 252kW (343ps)
Fuel Economy | 18.5km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 145g/km
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive