Very Close To Buying Gs450h

[blindwatchmaker]

Hi all

Been lurking for a while.

I currently drive a 2005 BMW 645ci and (like many others, I'm sure) have reached the point of giving up on such an expensive vehicle to run.

I can usually get no more than 15-16MPG in town and with fuel prices rocketing plus increases in congestion charging and road tax on the way, I think it's time I went for something just a little more sensible.

From what I can gather, the 450h seems to be the only car around that fits the bill: Fast, luxurious, more fuel efficient, more environmentally sound and equally if not more refined.

I'm wondering if anyone here has switched from a 6 series BMW (or similar) and what your impressions are?

I tested a 450h last week and I must say I was extremely impressed. The ride was slightly harder than I was expecting from a Lexus but still smoother than the BMW (which also has run flats).

I drive with a light foot in town. (No point racing to get to red lights!) What kind of consumption do you think I might expect from the Lex?

Also, one other question....Are the headlights automatic? (ie come on in low light automatically)

Many thanks!

BW

[Parthiban]

Also, one other question....Are the headlights automatic? (ie come on in low light automatically)

This is the only question I can answer, and it's yes! You will struggle to find a toy that isn't on a Lexus, except the really specialist stuff you may have had on your BMW like a head up display.........

And welcome to LOC! :D

[blindwatchmaker]

Also, one other question....Are the headlights automatic? (ie come on in low light automatically)

This is the only question I can answer, and it's yes! You will struggle to find a toy that isn't on a Lexus, except the really specialist stuff you may have had on your BMW like a head up display.........

And welcome to LOC! :D

Thanks Parthiban!

I will my miss my big black mean 6 series (and yes the HUD is amazing) but I think from what I've read, the 450h seems to be a pretty remarkable car!

Last week in a bad traffic jam I looked at my trip computer on the BM and it showed 11.5MPG. No more of that please!

[durg]

Don't have one myself but have been investigating. If you've got enough juice in the batteries then the car will run in electric model only while in traffic (slow speed and if you don't give it the full beans when you pull awawy - as you said - no point when there's lights around) therefore giving you more mpg than you can possibly imagine! The engine will probably cut in now and again if you are in traffic for ages to keep the batteries topped up. It's quite strange because it makes almost no noise at all. Quite cool as well though B)

Certainly better MPG than the BMW and all the toys in the world!!

[kns]

I have had a GS450h for about 18 month switching from some ten years of Jaguar ownership - my last being the current shape XJ6.

My reasons for switching to the Lexus were much the same as yours.

Firstly yes the car does have auto headlights and with S E L model I have, virtualy every other gadget, including a personal favourite ADAPTIVE Cruise Control. In fact if you want to understand all the things the car has, and if you can spare the time read through the vehicle handbooks.

In terms of fuel economy in heavy traffic that was producing 11 mpg on your BMW, will produce probably 18 mpg in the Lexus. Mixed driving should give mid twenties, and long journeys low thirties.

I think given the performance on offer- equivelent of a four litre V8, those economy figures are pretty good. Like you I am a slow driver, and if you drive gently as has already been said you can spend more time on the electric motors. However if you get caught in heavy traffic the traction batteries will run down and as there will be little chance to re-charge through regenerative braking the only alternative will be for the petrol engine to run, which will obviously be when the economy will suffer.

Regards

Keith

[ADW]

I've had a 450h for about 6 months, swapped from an E500, so although it's not a 645, it's just as thirsty. On my run to work which is a mix of B road / motorway (but only about 25 miles total and a reasonably clear run) I get around 35mpg, but that's at the upper limit of what's achievable. Normal motoring you'll get around high 20s to 30 mpg, but only if you're feather footed. Experience the fun of the 450h's accelleration and the economy not to surprisingly drops like a stone.

Top tip. Don't spend too much time looking at the fuel economy histogram, which draws your eye in hypnotically ... the roads have a nasty habit of having other cars pop out at you ..

You'll not be short of toys though. It's also quite nice to have a reasonably unusual car. Today I followed another 450h, the first time I've done so since I got mine in September.

Go on, spend that money, you know it makes sense ;)

[WESTIE]

I have had a 450H since last September. What a car! I to have had 2 Jaguars in the past as well as an LS400 and two LS430's. Whilst I miss the absolute luxury of the 430 the performance of the 450 more than makes up for this. My other car is a Westfield GTZ and the 450 on normal roads is just as quick with the added benefit of traction control to keep me out of trouble when I overcook things. I find that on long runs of 2-300 miles I always get over 30 MPG and I am not a slow driver! Worst case is when I find a good empty road across somewhere like this North Yorkshire moors (Just last week) high teens low twentys but that is really driving on the limit with Hybrid power and Sports suspension engaged.

Best economy achieved so far was 35.4MPG on a 650 mile round trip of mixed motorway and B road driving. If you want to have fun in comfort this is the car to do it in.