Jace7

Compare both, and which do all think is better and why.
Be detailed.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

tough choice, but i would probably prefer the gs460. it has a bigger trunk, gas mileage is worse but i like the v8 roar more, though on the other hand the 450h is super quiet if that's what you want.

The Godfather

iTrader: (1)

both the same price? I'd be tempted to go for the hybrid for the gas savings....

Jace7

Given that both are the same price, same ML, same AAAS suspension.

Does the 7 speed gain a point over the hybrid or not?

Is the best leather in the 460 the same or a notch above the 450h?
Those are my two main wonders.....

I don't care about a price difference, or the engine noise difference, I can debate those aside from the others.

ste

i would go with the GS460. 460 has the new 8 speed tranny, Has a V8, and the 450h is a wonderful car. but i would be skeptical about maint on a hybrid if i decide to keep the car for a long period of time, plus the GS460 name sounds better lol just my 2 cents

timeToy

iTrader: (11)

I didn't tried the GS460 personally, but I do own a GS450h and a LS460 (With the same engine and transmission as in the GS460, albeit with more power and more weight)

I do prefer the power train of the GS450h, don't get me wrong the 460 engine and 8 speed tranny is smooth, powerful and very quiet, yet it lack the "instant on" aspect brought by the Hybrid system. Electric motors have maximum torque at 0 rpm, that mean that when you step on the gas with the 450h you just go, no matter what speed you are traveling at, off the line, 40mph, 60mph, or hell, 80 or 100mph; at all theses speed you get a kick in the back... I found that, to get this kind of agreement with an all-gasoline engine, you need to step into M3, AMG or RS4 territory. For sure, the hybrid battery are going to deplete in no time if you attack canyon roads with spirit and our Europeans friends are going to leave the 450h behind, but for everyday driving I found the 450h power train to be ideal, fast, smooth, extremely responsive with the take off and passing power to play with anyone, while still having a very good fuel economy. Also the CVT transmission is pretty much incredible, past the initial weirdness introduced by the fact that the RPM are pretty much going to stay constant while the tranny does it magic, resulting in an eerie feeling of pull without the usual sensory feedback, the smoothness and flexibility is great.

I think it goes down to the ad Lexus put out on the GS460 "Etiquette", if you want to do doughnuts and burnouts, get the 460, if you want to go just as fast (maybe even faster) with less drama, then the 450h is for you.

My personal take on this is that without a proper manual, the GS460 is useless anyway.

Oh and when it come to the noise, the V6 is not bad at all, I will post some sound clip once I got my Intake and TRD exhaust installed :-)

Jace7

As you see from my sig. I am not questioning the 450h, I currently have, I am more questioning the refinement (if any) from that and the new 460.

Leather,
smoothness,
quietness,
7 speed tranny,

stuff like that.

I love my 450h, don't get me wrong, I am just getting the itch for wanting something better, just not sure what or what I am willing to spend.
considering the $70-80K mark, not sure. considering the M5, but I don't want to, nor can I afford the 100K brand new.
I wouldn't consider it in the 2006 year, but would in the 2007.
Still contimplating...........................

whlkev

I'll probably never take the 450h over the 460

8sp automatic is smooth as heck and really awesome on the mileage.
useless trunk space for hybrid model
shelf life for the hybrid battery, long term issue
nothing will beat the sound & growl of a v8+ engine
do not like CVT and can never get used to it
the shut off of gas engine at stops really annoyed me when we had the hybrid

hybrid
instantaneous power when both engines are on is amazing (we had the rx400h)
cool hybrid badging
hybrid tax incentive in AZ

hybrid might be a good choice for me if this car isn't my primary car. If i can pair the hybrid with a suv for the trunk space + v8, then i would consider a hybrid.

ste

hey jace7 what car has 7 speed tranny, i thought GS450h has 6 speed tranny and GS460 has 8 speed tranny

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Hmmm...

There is a psychological effect for having the GS460 rated as 342 hp, when it should be 380...

I would choose it as so:

a) If you will be driving it a lot in traffic, might as well go for the 450h for quietness and smoothness.
b) If you will be using it as a weekend cruiser, might as well go for the 460 for the roar and luggage capacity.

ahearn

I can't compare the GS450h but it is interesting that the EPA mileage on the 450h is 22/25 which is not much different than the 19/25+ I'm actually getting in a GS460.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Highway driving is near the same.

City driving makes a HUGE difference...

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the 450h has cvt and the 460 has 8 speed. while the 8 speed is very smooth (i have ls460l so i know very well), the cvt with no shifting should give a smoother ride, and also quieter

the leather, please correct me, but i believe both you can get the higher grade leather now. they are both the same (softer) i believe

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

I'd take the 450h I think.

marshmallo

Since I think gas is going to be $4.00 a gallon in the near future I would
choose the GS450h.