Everything about this car feels smooth. Power is always available aplenty, with gradual pressure or release of the gas pedal instinctively adjusting rpms and speed. In fact, there's enough power behind the continuously-variable transmission to ensure a roll of the throttle will give you the response you want without simply racing the engine in anticipation, as is often the case with such gearboxes. Give the throttle a good squirt and the GS 450h simply hauls tail.

On the down side, there's a surge in the powertrain while cruising at a steady speeds, most likely tied to the hybrid system's regenerative braking/charging activities – it was subtle, but noticeable. Fuel economy dipped to between 23 and 27 mpg, depending on driving style.