The Lexus GS 450h got refreshed just last year, so there are no major changes in store for the 2017 model of this sporty luxury sedan. Apart from a new Smokey Granite Mica paint color replacing Nebula Gray Pearl, the big news is that the Lexus Safety System+ is now offered as standard equipment across the GS lineup (which also includes the GS Turbo and GS 350).

The hybrid GS 450h has a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT) with a net system output of 338 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. Available only with rear-wheel drive (RDW), the GS 450 boasts a 0-to-60 time of 5.6 seconds, a top speed of 137 mph, and fuel-economy numbers of 29 mpg city, 34 highway, and 31 combined.

Like the 2016 model, the 2017 GS 450h has a wide Lexus spindle grille and low, aggressive stance. This is a luxury car designed to be sporty and not just plush, even as a hybrid. For an even more aggressive driving experience, the GS 450h comes in an F Sport trim with performance upgrades and a suspension system tuned by the LFA supercar team. The F Sport trim features an adaptive variable suspension that controls the shock absorbers at each wheel, variable gear-ratio steering to adjust the front-wheel steering angles and response, 19-inch wheels with staggered-width tires, and 14-inch 2-piece front brake rotors with 4-piston calipers to keep brakes cool and reduce brake fade. Those opting for the F Sport also get exterior features like a unique grille, a rear valance, and a spoiler and interior niceties like heavily bolstered 16-way power seats, F Sport badging, aluminum pedals and scuff plates, and optional Rioja Red leather upholstery.

The GS 450h boasts plenty of interior luxury with 10-way power-adjustable leather-trimmed seats complete with heating and ventilation, heated mirrors, cruise control, a reversing camera, a heated tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a universal garage-door opener. The standard infotainment system features a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen with Bluetooth, the Lexus Enform App Suite and Destinations, 12 speakers, HD Radio, and Aux and USB jacks. An 835-watt 17-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system is an available upgrade.

The GS 450h now comes with the Lexus Safety System+, which offers a number of features to help you and your loved ones stay safe, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, intelligent high beams, and lane-departure warning with steering assist. Lexus Enform Safety Connect with roadside assistance, automatic emergency notification services, and a GPS vehicle locator is also offered for one year for free. Other standard safety features include 10 airbags, a reversing camera with dynamic gridlines for parking and tight maneuvers, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, hill-start assist, tire-pressure monitoring, Smart Stop technology, and LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The 2017 Lexus GS 450h starts out at $63,635, while the F Sport trim comes in at $68,680.