Lexus GS450H Irish Launch first drive

[@Hwoarang121]

Lexus GS is not very close to BMW or Audi - It is MUCH BETTER.

[@andylie7699]

Lexus fanboy

[@Hwoarang121]

Andreas Lie I'm not. I'm driving Mercedes Benz E-class. :)

[@bighands69]

Andreas Lie My Lexus has never broken down and it has 150k on the clock. My friends and families have had to visit the garage a few times in there BMW's, Audi's and VW's. Lexus offers the quality of Mercedes at half the price.

[@MrSpeedy99]

People say BMWs, Audis and Mercs must be of high quality and be reliable because of their price. Nope, just check out the reliability index website, they're at the bottom! They just inflate the price because of the badge, but it doesn't go into creating the quality or reliability.

[@wilk1901]

Finally some voice of reason 👍

[@julianschmidt4905]

The 450h is the ultimate underdog. No one know that something like this exists. Pure performance and decent economy. Perfect daily driver!

[@enibedmo]

this is not a car, it's a relaxing luxury roaring exploding nuke

[@espritv12]

Much higher quality than the equivalent German saloon

[@wilk1901]

I totally agree, therefore I can't understand Bob's excitement over German competitors. 🤔

[@henrysniper8481]

​@@wilk1901 He's a real Enthusiast I think he just likes all cars, he's having fun. I like it.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

The GS450h manages everything that's thrown at it. The roads I was on were full of man hole covers and bumps which you won't notice, on the motorway the car just glides along. It's right up there in terms of suspension and handling. 4 Wheel steering is weird at first and then you'll wonder why no one else does it, so sharp and responsive.

[@MrSpeedy99]

Bob, great job yet again! Just love the way you don't make your reviews so sterileised like other review channels, and I couldn't help but crack a smile when you kept flooring it XD

[@francisjtuk]

I had one of these - someone rear ended me and it got written off. I was not happy. So I went straight onto autotrader and got another one. There were only 6 in the UK. Not sure why no one buys these - they're an utterly amazing car - fast, powerful, assured handling, very comfortable, calm cruising, highly practical and very economical.

[@jgh548]

"IT'S A BLOODY HYBRID!" Love it and having driven one of these, I'm with you all the way.

[@nkgudih]

Own one, it's unbelievable fast

[@BobFlavinVideo]

That's what happens when car companies put their thinking hats on, it'll only get better too

[@fransb8543]

This review is one of the reasons I ended up buying one of these

[@natnut2008]

I would love a head-to-head comparison between a GS450h F-Sport vs a A6 3.0TDI , XF 3.0TDI and a 535d.

[@chitpaul]

There are videos of a GS450h on a track and out dragging a load of pimped us sports cars.. people can’t believe the take off.

[@lariberaaltamalc]

Amuch higher quality review than the equivalent other reviews.

[@anthonyblore1651]

This is brilliant. Great review.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks, I'm here all week!

[@natnut2008]

The car that the reviewer is driving is BOTH : it's the hybrid GS450h AND it has the F-Sport package - rear wheel steering, variable gear ratio steering, adaptive F-Sport tuned dampers, 19 inch staggered rims for better grip, F-Sport seats with side adjustable bolsters. Global perspective : GS250 : F-Sport and non F-Sport GS350 : F-Sport and non F-Sport GS450h : F-Sport and non F-Sport Basically, the GS450h F-Sport is the current top of the range model. Until the GS-F arrives...that is :)

[@BobFlavinVideo]

My bad, I'll be getting the car for test in a few weeks so I'll get some footage of the boot. On the plus side it's big, they've changed the way the batteries are mounted so there's more space in the boot.

[@CovesPhotographyBrampton]

I love watching these reviews! Keep up the good work.

[@CavanRail001]

Bob, How do you like them apples? I couldn't stop laughing at your expressions for the first 7minutes from the fact its a V6,Tax band C,3.5ltr you were having wayyy too much fun doing this review.When the siren behind you (ambulance) I thought you were going to be pulled by Garda for speeding as Im sure you did too.That's one serious piece of powerd motor. Giving you the choice of a free night on the rip or this car for an hour you'd take the hour I reckon.Good stuff as ever and the funnies yet

[@procyontv]

Man you're definitely as good as mr Clarksson when it comes to this. Keep it up, loving all the reviews!

[@espritv12]

Tree point 5 litre engine

[@sushidynamite842]

I HE HE HE

[@eliaszdoulan5750]

"Destroy as much of the environment as I can, as quickly as possible" - iconic

[@warrenharding103]

I have a 2007 GS450 which is more than half a second quicker then the one in this video (5.2 seconds to 62) and my mate who has a BMW 545i just drove it and was mighty impressed. He says his feels quicker so we'll have to have a drag but according to the published stats mine is much quicker. The CVT transmission gives a constant pull whereas a normal gearbox gives you acceleration peaks with dips either side of maximum torque which might make it feel like it's quicker but on _average_ it isn't. So I think I'll win this. 8^)

[@andylie7699]

You havent tried the 8 speed ZF, have you?

[@warrenharding103]

Andreas Lie No, I'm not American and I'd never own another American car. I did have a 66 Valiant in the old days though. Very reliable but a gas guzzler even with a 225 cu.in. slant six. The Chrysler Torqueflight automatic transmission was arguably the best American gearbox in the USA back then. As for the 8 speed, that demonstrates my point. Car makers are headed towards more and more gears in order to keep the engine in its sweet spot (whether it's for acceleration or economy). The CVT has an infinite number of ratios so it's the ultimate refinement of this goal. And perfectly executed by the best car maker in the world... Lexus.

[@andylie7699]

Well, personally I think the CVT is just so bad... I tried a Toyota once and there was a constant engine wine when you accelerated

[@warrenharding103]

Andreas Lie The engine noise is a detail for the engineers and probably a cost/benefit trade off. The Lexus CVT doesn't whine. I think the problem is that we've grown up with engines revving in sync to the acceleration and some people like that. But the fact remains that a CVT is better in every way because it has an infinite number of gear ratios so the engine can sit in its sweet spot.

[@andylie7699]

Thats also the case with the 8 speed ZF auto in BMWs and Audi's, the shifts are quick and smooth at all times.

[@jakemalatesta9592]

It's difficult to imagine Bob as a motor journo at a posh hotel, he strikes me as the type of fella you'd see at a budget hotel kicking the shit out of the vending machine because it stole his change.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

+Jake Maletesta I have been both these people!

[@jakemalatesta9592]

Bob Flavin You never let me down Bob, legend.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You are too kind, thanks very much!

[@petitflocon647]

My second gs450h f sport actually. I like Serie 5 G30 or E class 2016.. but even if the Lexus is a little under for a few hard plastics and a few finish built... all the rest is over the top and the price much more attractive for better equipments and hybrid motors than the germans. And the reliability and the leathers sits are over the over top.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You best your life I rather a thrilling drive than a night in the pub, there's all the excitement and none of the hangovers!

[@bassicuk1986]

beautiful car. Funny review too!. I love Lexus

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

It sounds sooo quiet inside! Can hear you when youre wispering

[@tyraela115]

OK. A nice test from you as always. So what about the suspension experience. When I watched developers videos months ago they said that they wanted to develop something more sporty than previus GS offered so that young people would also enjoy in driving the new GS. My question would be: how does the suspension deal with less smooth surfaces than motorway etc. Is it still comfortable when you need it to be? Thanks for a reply. P.S. It`s nice to see 4 steering mechanism again in cars.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Good question, there's the new Avensis, Kia Optima, A1 Sportback, Merc B Class and currently filming the new 3 Series. In between all that I'm filming an end of the world movie, busy busy lol

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks very much!

[@ThePetrolhead94]

One main problem i see is there is no diesel engine which an executive car needs hybrides are great nd all but diesels are much more economical it needs a 4 cylinder diesel to make money this is something jaguar realised only recently and a v6 diesel for people who want it to be cheap to run but dont want it to be slow once again great video

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Take my answer in the context of the question, it was about torque. A standard diesel with no turbo has very little torque as opposed to pulling power. To get the same torque from a diesel engine as you do from a petrol engine you either need a huge diesel or a turbo. A diesel engine needs to be heavier to withstand the stresses put on which will be a factor when it comes to power to weight ratio and torque. I answer all questions, technical or not

[@mito155]

Bob is the man!!!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

yes, I'm currently filming a movie that will be out in later in the year. It's all about the end of the world as we know it. It's also a bit of an action movie but there's no cars in it!

[@HunBela]

I would live this car, in case of lotto win, this gone be the first buy. BTW Very nice test, i love your stily!

[@ThePetrolhead94]

Ye cant beat the purrr of a v6 what reviews are coming up in the next few weeks bob

[@Rage4Liberty]

Bob reminds me of Mrs. Brown from "Mrs. Brown's boys". I love that show lol

[@storyclips]

Great review greetz from the netherlands.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Because of the hybrid engine I don't think there's plans for a manual version, to be honest a luxury car needs a decent auto box and the GS has one.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks very much

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I wouldn't say the focus has a cramped back seat, if anything it's more comfortable than the Civic. Suspension is different in every country so you'd have to test that one but in Ireland it's one of the most comfortable cars. I'm not a big fan of the new Civic so I'd have the Focus over it any day.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You are right but the torque from the diesel is coming from the Turbo. If neither engine had turbo help then the 5ltr petrol would be much better to have. All engines have a turbo these days, I'm in the Ford Focus Ecoboost 1.0ltr this week and it's great but its turbo again

[@natnut2008]

How does the torque and acceleration compare to a Jag 3.0 diesel, Audi 3.0TDI or BMW 535d ?

[@fergussmith8389]

So, do you like it or not?

[@GeorgeFalls]

Solely on the back of this review. I am off to purchase one of these. Hang on though, I almost forgot. I'm skint..! Off to purchase a Lotto ticket instead.. :0(

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Sounds like a good test, one petrol against 3 diesels. Hmmm, might look into this

[@BobFlavinVideo]

The cars you're mentioning are all diesel which means they don't have the same torque feeling as any petrol. That said the Lexus has the torque just right so there's plenty of it, if anything it feels more urgent than the other 3.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Dude I would love to have a go in something State Side, anything over 6ltr will do nicely :D

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Vroom vroom!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Work is always hard just some days are harder than others..

[@sherali9347]

So when you put it into sport plus mode does it just use petrol engine or does it uses the hybrid also?

[@roshanpanchal8889]

Since I'm from UK, im aware the GS tend to cost more than Jag and the German rivals if we consider the base prices, how's it in Ireland, is it worth paying more?

[@SuperCosminache]

whats the consumption for this hybrid?

[@arcadyt]

not that I am going to buy this car, but you forgot to show us the boot.. you said that the electric engine is back in there, so i am wondering how much place is left back there..

[@natnut2008]

Thanks! Where I'm from, we don't get many diesel cars and I keep hearing about all the benefits of diesels (low end torque and fuel efficiency). Apparently Lexus is relying on their petrol hybrids to compete head-on with the Germans/Jaguar diesels in Europe. So I was wondering how the GS450h fares against it natural diesel rivals i.e the cars I mentioned in my previous post.

[@nkgudih]

7 years later, the diesel is dead in sedan cars, and almost all cities are banning it, and guess what all who were pushing diesel are going the hybrid way, but first through wasted hype of EV that won't last till 2025. Hybrids are the future, period

[@BobFlavinVideo]

F-Sport has rear wheel steering and more horsepower, there's also more kit hence more price

[@henrysniper8481]

No more horsepower

[@foxdmulder]

The instrument cluster is out of the new Avensis! Nice car but I wouldnt change from my 2010 citroen c5 2.0 D, you should do a review on one of them

[@rossgoodwin2700]

Savage review....even though its 9 years old - how would you compare this car with the newer gs300h or even the is300h ?

[@kubanskiloewe]

all new Lexus in this class have small and noisy 4cyl. I drive this old V6Hybrid in my RX450H and its growl is the real deal. Economy is in the 4cyl. 2ltr better but again the V6 is worth it ! I think Toyo/Lex did a huge mistake to drop all V6Hybrid out of their cars ! Big, luxury and heavy cars like my RX or Highlander or GS or even ES should definately have an V6Hybrid as a option !

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Nice, you know your stuff.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I don't think Citroen have one for test, they seem to be a bit focused on the DS range.

[@TeddyTedson013187]

Will Ireland ever get the new model Honda Legend? Much nicer car compared to the GS in my opinion. My Dad taxied a 99 Legend 3.5 V6 in Dublin a few years back. Bloody loved that car.

[@uqh95]

lol, big V6, my man you need to come to the states!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

On public roads that would be mental, not on camera :D

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Best of luck with the lotto, if you manage to win and buy the car I want pictures!

[@1989rs500]

Again in confusion Mondeo is too big Passat and Octavia too expensive due service cost and luxury tax, so i hope you can help me out with this tooo this time, i test drove Honda civic but sadly it dosent have diesel, does thr new ford focus have same back seat space and comfort as of a civic, some reviews posted focus back seat cramped and suspension to be tight, so is it better or worse than a Honda Civic.(Honda Jazz)

[@BobFlavinVideo]

That debate is on going, MPG from petrol is starting to equal diesel around city or big town. The 3.5ltr in the Lexus cruised at 5ltrs per 100kms on the motorway which is what I'd expect from a diesel. either way there is a diesel version on the way, won't be as good though lol

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Did you wipe your keyboard before typing that?

[@nwhite06]

A car with an engine 2.5 times the size of my car, which is in tax band C, is also in tax band C? What sort of Witchcraft is that?

[@MalcolmRowley]

Big petrol engine? Bro, we gotta get you out to the states. 3.5L ain't nothing.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

hmmm not sure if that's a complement or...

[@sparky6996]

I want

[@thomaspowell3739]

I found the Citroën DS5 much more exiting especially the wonderful interior and superb drive

[@kubanskiloewe]

french have the worst quality from all the carmakers !

[@TeddyTedson013187]

Your opinion.

[@tranhien121989]

F SPORT use a part of hybrid, i mean a half Hybrid and half fuel...lol

[@jakemybigblackdog]

Funniest video yet....does it come in a manual??

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Hmm, the hair?

[@yabbayabbadoooh]

take off at traffic lights sweet!!!

[@TeddyTedson013187]

Yes, I am serious.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Only it's not a Mini...

[@alek908]

end of the world movie ??????

[@alek908]

there is not going to be the end of the world .. but ok good luck mate :D

[@ktktsun]

Ok I get it... 3.5 v6 dat engineeee

[@petitflocon647]

lol dude you so funny 😀

[@Trevion3D]

He looks like Mr. Bean and

[@BoiiGorg3ous]

@TeddyTedson013187 seriously the bloody Honda Legend is nicer? u cant be bloody serious

[@TeddyTedson013187]

But its not fact

[@olavoparno]

Best part kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYvCqplpbd94nrM

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks very much!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thanks!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Thank you!