The second hybrid version of the Lexus GS lowers its power, while maintaining the highest pleased to use his older brother 450h and improving consumption. In this struggle, the A6 is not easy to win outside their usual field.

Few manufacturers have bet as strong as Lexus for the hybrid systems of gas. Moreover, during the launch of the new GS They stated that only incorporate this type of propulsion, although our hands spent a few months ago (Highway 2830) version -no access hybrid- GS 250, which has ceased to be marketed in our country. Forget about it, because equality finish was more expensive and, above all, less satisfactory than the GS 300h new level of access, a much more clearly recommended car. Clearly, the not offer a diesel in its range is proof of the confidence that the Japanese firm in their hybrids and, judging by their derisory consumption, nobody will miss, because 5.2 liters real in town, as measured by our Technical Center in this GS 300h, It is something that very few cars of its size can boast. What if the GS 450h, with its 345 hp, has already proved in time to be an exceptional model and brilliant performance, his younger brother 300h, with 223 hp, represents a more rational alternative and less expensive, because its starting price is 45,900 euros with the basic finish Eco, a tight figure at the cost of giving up some equipment. Completion proven Hybrid Drive is fairly complete, ‘is the 3rd of the 5 that any, but still find something cheaper than Audi A6 Hybrid with which it faces, available with a unique finish.

Breaking schemes

There is no doubt that the inscription "hybrid" It provides environmental image and is synonymous with sophistication. The bad thing is It is a type of automobile in very rapid evolution, and models a few years ago we found the most advanced, have now been clearly overcome, either in touch, behavior or electrical performance. Not so in the case of Audi A6 Hybrid, but since its inception in 2011 Lexus He has had plenty of time to refine its hybrid system, It employs similar to the Toyota Prius, but higher-performance architecture. Audi, meanwhile, uses a relatively simple configuration, an integrated automatic change itself, where would the electric motor torque converter. In both models driving is especially in city you can run in electric mode for one or two kilometers by pressing a button -or let the system decide when to do so, take advantage of its strengths in traffic jams, or your immediate response when you make use of the extra supply of batteries.

But they are very different, and which largely determines their differences is the type of transmission. Audi opts for a fairly conventional use, which reminds me of a change DSG, making it well suited and with a lot of control on our part even in case of making sporty driving. Yes, the gearshifts, despite being soft, slightly noticeable. Also in electric mode they will come to perceive, but the desmultiplicar the electric motor power running his strength through transmission can take advantage of such batteries and loiter at a decent pace without slowing down other traffic when leaving traffic lights if you want to run in electric mode.

In the Lexus, the transmission operation is similar to a change of CVT. Pure softness without interruption in power delivery or transitions between its theoretically infinite developments except that we choose the manual mode, in which fijas- marches are simulated. There is not the slightest hint of roughness or vibration that could subtract refinement and if you tapases ears, you might even think that you’re driving an electric relaxing. His drive, though, is less immediate than the Audi when demand strong accelerations, perhaps because its heat, atmospheric engine does not rise turns so sharply, but also by the change, less direct, since before strong power demands have to wait for few moments until the engine reaches its optimal zone torque or power to notice a really consistent thrust. In normal use, without going to extremes acceleration it is most enjoyable. On the other hand, its hybrid management is more intuitive and, either forcing the electrical circulation with EV button or leaving the system act alone, we have more control of the situation when dosing the accelerator to keep out the heat engine running.

High-speed trains

Its stability and suspension comfort, both are more than lived up to what one would expect two sedans in its class. As rolling and filtering show no inconsistency, nor to require their racks one high dynamic level. Lexus offers a slightly more sporty feel, maybe for being rear-wheel drive and a slightly faster and less power steering, although the driving position. Very balanced, it maintains high accuracy and good manners at all times, even under heavy braking in burscos support and career changes. The same applies to Audi, what It adapts to all kinds of driving without hesitation, only revealing greater inertia and body roll than other lighter A6 if walking pace in addressing a curve is the result of a driving error or a result of a exajerado excessive optimism . In any case, electronics sweetens possible reactions without being unduly intrusive, making things easier and providing peace of mind.

By last, the always delicate and somewhat artificial feel of brake hybrids is present only on the A6, that is dosed worse at low speeds. Lexus has managed to solve this problem in the GS, which is undoubtedly one of the most desirable hybrid models of the moment.