Topic: First Drive: 2013 Lexus GS450h

[Autos_Editor]

The Lexus GS 450h is an "unusual" hybrid, says Paul Williams, combining power and handling with "excellent" fuel economy.

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[whaddaiknow]

Definitely an evolution for Lexus, and judos for keeping the prices in check.

Funny how Lexus gave Mazda a poke by mentioning the 13:1 compression ratio just in passing, like it's no big deal, while Mazda trumpets this as a major part of their SkyActiv technology.

[Jaeger]

I'd like to see this head-to-head against the Infiniti M hybrid.

Jaeger

[dbq]

You don't mention the compromised trunk space which is a hybrid weakpoint. So you can carry 4 people in comfort, just not their luggage for a weekend away.....what is the point ?

No such issues with a diesel.

[rrocket]

You don't mention the compromised trunk space which is a hybrid weakpoint. So you can carry 4 people in comfort, just not their luggage for a weekend away.....what is the point ?

No such issues with a diesel.

Nah...but your hands smell like diesel fuel if you get one drop on them...then it gets on the steering wheel and now the car smells like diesel on the inside.  No such issues with a hybrid.   

Nice try though....your fears about trunk space are unfounded.  Maybe early 1st gen hybrids.  But now the battery packs and their packaging are so small that you give up almost nothing.  In the new GS, you lose ~1 cubic foot of space going to the hybrid.  Hardly a make-or-break figure for a weekend of luggage.