Lexus revealed a lot of styling, technical and equipment revisions for GS 450h – full hybrid car. The model line-up is rationalized to just two trim levels – SE and SE-L. There are new exterior colour choices, alloy wheels and interior equipment.
GS 450h is powered by 3.5 liter petrol V6 and compact 650V electric motor, which provides extraordinary good fuel economy and low emissions.
Another feature is revised Pre-Crash Safety system and active headrests. It includes pre-crash brake technology, pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions.
Both front seats have new, inflator-operated active headrests, which are activated by a signal from the ECU should the car suffer a rear-end impact. The inflator slides a piston into the headrest, unlocks the mechanism and projects the headrest forwards and upwards to support the head and reduce the risk of whiplash injury.
Some of the interior upgrades include a new 40GB hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system, which gives Europe-wide coverage with traffic information data capture in each country. Additionally, the HDD provides 10GB of storage space for sound files.
There are two available audio systems: a 10-speaker Lexus premium package and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System giving 5.1-channel surround sound on selected CDs and DVDs. Both systems have USB port and audio jack plug for wide range of portable music players. The Bluetooth, provided as standard, includes an audio streaming function. DAB digital broadcasts can be received by the audio system, but it is an option.
In the cockpit there is a new hybrid-blue backlit stop/start button and the choice of a new Venaro Grey semi-aniline leather upholstery option, with contrasting black stitching and grey bird’s eye maple wood grain trim.
The exterior features new front grille design, hybrid-blue rear lamp clusters, a new 18-inch alloy wheel design has been introduced for the SE-L model. The SE version rides on 17-inch alloys, with five-double-spoke 18-inch wheels available in a combined package with parking sensors.
The range of colours includes three new shades: Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue.
GS 450h pricing, VED and insurance groups
| MODEL | OTR PRICE | VED BAND | INSURANCE GROUP |
| GS 450h SE | £43,035 | I | 41E |
| GS 450h SE-L | £47,280 | I | 41E |
| GS 450h SE-L with ACC/PCS and sunroof | £50,185 | I | 41E |
Option prices
| 18in wheels and parking sensors (SE grade) | £1,000 |
| Maru 18in wheels | £1,500 |
| Baransu 18in wheels | £1,500 |
| DAB audio reception | £360 |
| Metallic/mica paint | £595 |
Lexus introduces 2010 Lexus GS 450h at 