GS450h gear box & semi automatic shift

[Alexw]

I have recently learned from this forum that my GS450h has an additional automatic gearbox that activates between 55-65mph as well as the CVT.

Can anyone advise if the manual gear shift which has 6 positions has any affect on this? 

I have only ever used the manual selection 3 or 4 for additional engine breaking on a steep decent and have always used the D position for acelleration. 

Is there any advantage using the manual shift during acelleration or is it just there for assisted breaking? 

 

[zeczec]

It's just to adjust the intensity of the regenerative breaking. And, if you do upshift during acceleration, it revs sort of like an automatic as some sort of pointless simulation.

[Lwerewolf]

"Manual" in "6th" gear doesn't keep the engine running at standstill. Also, manual mode in at least 5th gear downshifts at a lower speed - which is a bit problematic, given how hot the inverter can get in that range. Haven't researched this much.