In 2006, the Lexus GS was the first executive sedan with hybrid powertrain. Today, there are many alike.
In 1993, this model joined the LS in the european showrooms.
In 1997, the second generation followed, and in 2005 the thirth one and today the fourth.
This one looks more sporty, because that weird hunchback is gone.
Nevertheless this one is higher and wider than the last one, and the seating is lower.
Therefore, the headroom is much better.
The trunk is bigger, too. The battery is behind the back seat. That gives you 60% more trunk space.
The electric engine adds 200 HP, that gives this car 345 HP combined, and that's a lot.
This car weights almost 2 tons, but as you know, electric engines give maximum torque at very low revs.
This car is very fast. 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds, and that's a lot for this car.
A Toyota hybrid means CVT. I don't like that.
Sure, you're always at the ideal rev.
But it feel unnatural. At maximum throttle, the engine stays at the save rev.
In a Lexus CT or a Prius, that's really annoying. But not that much in this car.
It doesn't need that high revs. And a V6 sounds much better.
The competition is high today. BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, Infiniti M, they all are available as a hybrid.
I think this car stands strong in this field.
I'd prefer this car over the Infiniti. The suspension is more sporty.
Set it in Sport Plus and you get a very agile car, better than the Infiniti.
But: the Infiniti can run on electricity up to 100 km/h.
The Lexus only up to 50 km/h, that means only in the city.
But not in ther highway, like the Infiniti.
The interiour looks really great.
They used very special materials.
The tft-screen is wide like a cinema screen.
The ergonomy of the interface isn't very good though.
In my country, there is no fiscal advantage for this car.
But I wonder if people in this segment care a lot..
+ Powerful engine + Steering - CVT - No fiscal advantage in the Netherlands