2013 Lexus GS300h Owner's Manual

2594-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for
normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating
forces and engine braking forces.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 (P. 263)

2604-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Sport mode/Eco drive mode
P. 388
Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving
on slippery road surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the switch.
Press the switch again to return
to normal mode.
Selecting the driving mode

2614-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” or
“+” paddle shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be
downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is
suitable to driving conditions. When the “+” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range will be one gear upper than the gear in use
during normal D position driving.
Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest shift
range, preventing unnecessary upshifting and enabling the level of
engine braking force to be selected.
Upshifting
Downshifting
GS300h:
The selected shift range, from D1
to D6, will be displayed in the
meter.
GS450h:
The selected shift range, from D1
to D8, will be displayed in the
meter.
To return to normal D position
driving, the “+” paddle shift switch
must be held down for a period of
time.
Shift ranges and their functions
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
1
2
Meter displayFunctionGS300hGS450h
D2-D6D2-D8
A gear in the range between D1 and the selected
shift range is automatically chosen depending on
vehicle speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the shift range at D1

2624-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a
higher shift range.

2634-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be
selected by operating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allow-
ing you to drive in the shift range of your choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting
GS300h:
The selected shift range, from S1
to S6, will be displayed in the
meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is
automatically set to between S2
and S5 according to vehicle speed.
GS450h:
The selected shift range, from S1
to S8, will be displayed in the
meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is
automatically set to between S2
and S6 according to vehicle speed.
Selecting shift ranges in the S position
1
2

2644-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Shift ranges and their functions
GS300h: You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force
and engine braking force.
GS450h: You can choose from 8 levels of accelerating force
and engine braking force.
A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase.
GS300h: If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 5, the shift
range may automatically range up in accordance with the vehi-
cle’s speed.
GS450h: If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 7, the shift
range may automatically range up in accordance with the vehi-
cle’s speed.

2654-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following
situations:
When the vehicle comes to a stop
If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
When the shift lever is shifted to other than D
Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off
after driving in snow mode.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 9 0 4

2664-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in
the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left
with the shift lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able
to start.