Autobild Comparison: Lexus GS 450h vs. BMW ActiveHybrid 5 vs. Infiniti M35h

Posted by Kevin on August 19th, 2012

For the first time in its history, German magazine Autobild has named a Lexus as the top model in a comparison, with the GS 450h beating out the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 and Infiniti M35h in a hybrid showdown.

The article is only in the magazine, but there are some (translated) details & test results on the website.

Read about the Autobild comparison (Translated)

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Comments
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    BlackDynamiteNY
  • August 19, 2012
It's foolish to say you are surprised that the Lexus makes a better Hybrid than BMW..... BD
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     but too good to hated maybe :)
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      F1
    • August 19, 2012
    Yeah it is foolish to say that.. It's a German magazine anyway..
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    LexusLVR
  • August 19, 2012
From what I gather, Lexus doesn't do to well in most European comparisons because they don't offer the Europeans what they want. It's hard for a car to do well in a comparison test when it was primarily designed for another market (and we all know Lexus cars are generally engineered with the US market in mind). If I recall correctly, the biggest complain about the last generation GS450h was a cramped interior and poor payload capacity (the payload issue also applied to the LS600h). The GS still lacks a coupe or the very important wagon version for Europe and the lack of engine options means sales won't be impressive. I've said it before but Lexus needs to adapt their strategies to certain markets in order to gain inroads. Kudos to the GS for winning this comparison. I doubt it'll get people interested in the car, though. The GS needs to offer more in order to succeed in the competitive European market.
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      wasapasserby
    • August 19, 2012
    Sometimes, I wonder if Lexus are putting themselves in a catch 22.  They don't have the sales volume because they don't offer the range of powertrains and body styles that Europeans want, but Lexus won't develop these models because the current sales don't generate enough profit for it to be worth investing in.
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      LexusLVR
    • August 19, 2012
    I always feel that Lexus isn't serious about Europe. Europe is a market that expects more trim levels, engine choices and body styles, yet Lexus ignores all these expectations and tries to do their thing - which isn't working. Yes, in America we want luxury sedans. But in Europe, a luxury sedan isn't enough - they want a luxury wagon or a coupe. In that regard the IS and GS are completely uncompetitive and under the radar of most premium car customers because they lack these attributes. I believe the IS coupe/convertible is also only available with one engine choice in the European market.
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      Vogel
    • August 20, 2012
    Also the CO2 Emissions are way to high. GS250 209g/km CO2?! Are you serious? Not everybody wants to spend 60 000€ on a hybrid drive train GS. Also, where are the cheap Leasing Offers BMW use to have in Europe (especially Germany)?
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      yosafbridge
    • August 22, 2012
     Europe is in/about to enter a recession with no short-term future solutions. Lexus is smart to focucus on NA, Asia and the developing markets. FYI, the new GS450h largely addresses the cramped interior and boot-space of the older gen GS450h. And yes, it pretty much whips the BMW 5 series in terms of handling, throttle response and driver involvement. Note that the GS450h I test-drove was in F-Sport trim (came with the upgraded F-Sport brakes, VGRS steering and 4 wheel steering.)
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Lexus GS already unveiled for ... years ? Still have some people complain about it looks rather like a Korean Sedan . =.= This is what I saw people compare , http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303598_10151113231394361_6186014_n.jpg http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542552_10151109813124361_1932282017_n.jpg ... and float up lots of haters afterwards .

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