NADAguides.com Lauds the Lexus GS450H

Lead Auto Expert, Mark Perleberg, Weighs in on the Car's Fuel Economy, Handling and Style

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 11 -- Lead Auto Expert, Mark Perleberg, of NADAguides.com -- a leading vehicle information website -- recently test drove the Lexus GS450H and today, he weighs in on the car's performance, fuel economy and styling.

"During our week-long test of the GS450H, we averaged 28.1 miles-per- gallon, with a range of over 400 miles between fill-ups," said Perleberg. "In addition to excellent fuel economy, we loved this car's seamless power and silky smooth ride."

According to Perleberg, the preferred choice of power since the beginning of car building has been electric motors, and many manufacturers have tried to capture that power throughout the years. It's only been in recent years, however, that the 'Hybrid Car' (half gas/half electric) has gained consumer awareness and confidence. Perleberg says that unfortunately, however, these gas sipping machines had only been offered in compact form ... until now.

"That's all changed with the introduction of the Lexus GS450H. This car offers the power of a V8 engine with the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder, wrapped in a sleekly roomy, luxuriously-styled package" said Perleberg.

The Lexus features a 3.5Liter all-aluminum V6 engine that produces 292 horsepower and 267-Lb.-ft of torque, along with two electric motors that generate a peak 192 horsepower. In all, this 339 horsepower Hybrid Synergy System provides one of the most powerful platforms of any Hybrid on the market today, a platform capable of a zero to 60MPH performance time of just under five seconds and a top speed of 131MPH. According to Perleberg, the car's power, its luxury amenities and its sleek styling makes it easy to forget this car is a Hybrid. However, Perleberg says it's important to note the GS45H is fairly costly.

"The Lexus GS450H, with a base price of $54,900 ($62,700 as tested), is premiumly-priced, if all you want to do is save gas money," said Perleberg. "But I believe as more and more Hybrids are manufactured and sold, you can expect the price differential between conventional vehicles and more expensive Hybrids to narrow. In that sense, as Hybrids such as the GS450H become more affordable, the purchase of vehicles like this becomes a more practical, more attractive buying option."