2008 Lexus GS Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
The 2008 Lexus GS 450h offers drivers the best of both worlds -- a (relatively) fuel-efficient gas/electric hybrid engine (designated by the discreet lower-case "h" in the car's name) combined with a high-end luxury sedan that doesn't skimp on the leather, wood trim, and other upscale appointments, as well as innovative technologies and sporty styling. Of course, all this comes at a price, but that should be expected when you're talking about the world's fastest hybrid.
Outside, the GS 450h displays clean, fluid exterior lines, with slingshot-shaped windows, blue-finish headlights, and dual stainless-steel exhaust pipes. But the real story lies under the shapely hood, since that's where the hybrid engine resides. At speeds up to 15 miles per hour, the GS 450h runs silently on its high-output electric-drive motor, but step on the gas pedal and the 297-horsepower, 3.5-liter gas-powered V6 engine kicks in, driving the car from 0 to 60 in just over 5 seconds (on premium fuel, just for the record).
Thanks to its hybrid engine, the GS 450h ekes out a mile-per-gallon rating of 22 in the city and 25 on the highway, according to Lexus. That's not spectacular when compared to other hybrids, but quite respectable for a luxury sedan.
For 2008, Lexus made a few minor updates to the GS 450h, including some additional hybrid exterior badging and a new exterior color, Black Opal, available only with the Lexus hybrid. Beyond that, the GS 450h comes well-equipped with a wide range of standard features, including a choice of interior wood trim (depending on the interior color), push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather-trimmed heated seats, and a moonroof.
The GS 450h gets high marks from drivers and reviewers for its performance, fuel-efficient engine, safety features, and luxury appointments, though some note that legroom and headroom can be tight for taller passengers.
User reviews for 2008 Lexus GS Hybrid
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Top Comparisons
2008 Lexus GS Hybrid Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 180 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 134 · Electric Motor Torque: 203 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 292 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6400 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 267 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4800
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler: lip · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation