Lexus has come a long way from just being a luxury brand name for Toyota Motors Inc. Nowadays it also boasts its own innovations and leaps in technology. A good example of this is the 2011 Lexus GS Hybrid. This will give you a glimpse on the engine performance and mileage of the GS Hybrid, exterior design, interior material, design and features, safety features & reliability reports, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the Lexus GS Hybrid. This also provides the consumer with alternative makes and models that compare to the GS Hybrids performance and/or price.
The Lexus GS Hybrid is classified under the Luxury Large Cars. Based on this classification the GS hybrid is ranked 5 out of 10. This is based on nearly sixty published works of reviewers, test drive data and model specification.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan | Base Price: $58,950.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 22 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 190.7 in. (484.5 cm) | Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm) |
| Height: 56.1 in. (142.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4134 lbs (1875 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (12.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 10.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.5-liter |
| Horsepower: 340 HP | Max RPM: 6400 RPM |
| Torque: 267 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | Transmission: ECVT-Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission |
| 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds | Maximum Speed: 131 mph (210 km/h) |
Performance
The Lexus GS Hybrid is available in only one trim. Four doors, rear wheel drive automatic that sports a hybrid gas/electric V6 3.5L engine. What makes the GS Hybrid unique is the fact that it successfully blends fuel economy to a monster V6 engine to improve fuel economy while maintaining power and acceleration comparable to most V6’s. Consumption is 22 miles per liter on the city and 25 miles per liter on the highway.
Exterior
The Lexus GS Hybrid scores an 8.4 out of 10 in terms of exterior design with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. The GS hybrid has the same score as a normal GS considering the fact that the Hybrid is almost identical to the normal GS. Proponents believe that exterior design maybe the most radical for Lexus but it is still incorporates the basics that make the GS hybrid distinctively a Lexus. Deponents state that while proponents maybe correct, it still does not compare to more comfortable, sportier and more elegant designs by its competition.
Interior
It also receives high marks for its interior design. Like the exterior, the GS Hybrid’s interior is almost identical to a normal GS. Both use high end brushed aluminum, real wood, extra soft leather. Opponents state the fact that the colors and design could have been more elegant and the audio controls could do with a few tweaks. More substantial gripes about the GS hybrid are the less than adequate leg and head room that may turn off taller consumers.
Safety
Nearly perfect in the safety ranking, the GS Hybrid can be driven with confidence. The Federal government has yet to crash test the GS Hybrid. However the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings remain the same as the normal GS; Front and side impact is “Good” while roof and rear impact is “Acceptable”
Standard safety features of the GS Hybrid:
1. Active head restraints
2. Airbags for the front, front-side and side curtain.
3. Anti Lock Brakes
4. Traction control
5. A” Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System” that aids the driver recover from a skid
6. Lexus Safety Connect.
Reliability
It received a high rank in terms of reliability, scoring 8 out of 10, with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. This is based on a three year reliability and performance.
Warranty specifications:
1. Basic warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
2. Powertrain warranty: six years or 72,000 miles
3. Wheel alignment: 8 years or 100,000 miles
4. Tire balancing: 1 year or 20,000 miles
However competition remains the same. Those that want a more elegant interior with better leg and head room can look at the Mercedes S class (MSRP $91,000; 19 city / 25 hwy), those that prefer a sportier exterior, better acceleration and handling can look at the BMW 5 ActiveHybrid ($45,050; 22 city/ 32 hwy) Sedan. However for those who prefer above average performance and design with the added benefit of fuel economy, the 2011 Lexus GS Hybrid is the car for them.
Overall Rating
81 out of 100
What others say:
“The Hybrid badges are small and rather easy to miss on the 2011 Lexus GS 450h, and that’s no mistake. This sport sedan, which can accelerate to 60 mph just as quick, if not quicker, than the V-8-powered GS 460, was conceived more as a high-tech performance sedan than a hybrid-halo model.”Car Connection
“Though dubious in terms of outright value, the 2011 Lexus GS 450h midsize hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan delivers swift V8-style performance while consuming fuel like a V6 family sedan.”Edmunds
“The GS hybrid combines the handling of a rear wheel drive performance sedan with green technology.”MSN-Consumer Reports
