2018 Lexus GS450h ESP

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Driving
Sport mode•SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by co ntrolling the transmission and engine.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in the multi-information display, and the
Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer. ( →P. 93)
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simultane-
ously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the hybrid sys-
tem. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To improve air conditioning performance, per-
form the following operations:
●Turn off eco air conditioning mode (→P. 289)
●Adjust the fan speed ( →P. 288)
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■Automatic operation of the seat heater during Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating operatio n and fan speed of the air conditioning sys-
tem to enhance fuel efficiency. If the driving mode select switch is switched to Eco drive
mode in cold temperatures, the seat heater will be automatically operated to assist heat-
ing performance.
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode and customized mode
If the power switch is turned off after driv ing in sport mode or customized mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the sele cted driving mode will be temporarily dis-
played on the side display. ( →P. 285)
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WARNING
■Handling the radar sensor
●Keep the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper clean at all times.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong impact. If
the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction and vehicles
that enter the detection area may not be detected. If the sensor or surrounding area is
subject to a strong impact, always have the area inspected by your Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on the
bumper.
●Do not modify the sensor or su rrounding area on the bumper.
●Do not paint the rear bumper any colo r other than an official Lexus color.
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed
inside the left and right side of the vehicle rear
bumper respectively. Observe the following to
ensure the Blind Spot Monitor can function
correctly.

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Driving
The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are
traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the outside rear
view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of the vehicle’s existence via
the outside rear view mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to:
Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m) from
the side of the vehicle
The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the side of
the vehicle is not in the detection area
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from the
rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) forward
of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
1
2
3
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supp lementary function which alerts the driver
that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind Spot Monitor
function. The function cannot judg e if it is safe to change lanes, therefore over reliance
could cause an accident resultin g in death or serious injury.
According to conditio ns, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s
own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

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Driving
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse. It can
detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle. It uses
radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence through flashing
the outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replacement for care-
ful driving. The driver must be careful when backing up, even when using the Rear
Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s ow n visual confirmation of behind you and
your vehicle is necessary and be sure ther e are no pedestrians, other vehicles etc.
before backing up. Failure to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditio ns, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s
own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
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The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert for faster
vehicles from farther away.
Example:
■The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is operational when
●The BSM function is turned on.
●The shift lever is in R.
●Vehicle speed is less than ap proximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
●Approaching vehicle speed is between appr oximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and 18 mph (28
km/h).
■Conditions under which the Re ar Cross Traffic Alert function will not detect a vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is no t designed to detect the following types of
vehicles and/or objects.
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*
●Vehicles approaching from directly behind
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehi cles and similar stationary objects*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
●Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*
●Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast18 mph (28 km/h)65 ft. (20 m)
Slow5 mph (8 km/h)18 ft. (5.5 m)
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Driving assist systems
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corresponding
to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle St ability Control) (if equipped)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
To help enhance driving safety and perf ormance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to variou s driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

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Driving
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed
and steering wheel movement
◆DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristi cs and responsiveness of the vehicle
by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accordance with
steering wheel movement
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from ro lling backward when starting on an
incline.
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system)
By independently controlling the dampin g force of the shock absorbers for
each of the 4 wheels according to the ro ad and driving conditions, this system
helps riding comfort with superior a high level of stability, and helps good vehi-
cle posture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select switch, the
damping force is suitable for sporty driving (→P. 258)
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Hand ling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to
turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling th e steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steeri ng wheel operation and vehicle speed
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system ou tput, steering assist, and steering ratio

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Driving
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded. (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehi cle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, grav el or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable wh ile driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle stab ility and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.