Executive drivers have never had it so good with the BMW 5 series and Audi A6 but with the launch of the all-new Lexus GS things have just got better.
The mid sized Lexus GS is new from the ground up with more interior space and shorter overhangs. The car, now in its third generation is simply a super cruiser.
The exterior design has evolved. The wheelbase is now 50mm longer and the car’s centre of gravity has been lowered. The GS is substantial, smart and handsome when viewed from the front with some nice subtle curves, while the rear is more rounded with hints of Audi.
The GS is still a little strange looking when viewed side on with it’s high waistline and stubby rear but the car looks and is very strong. In recent NCAP crash tests the new GS scored the highest marks in its class. In the event of a crash there are twelve airbags (yes 12!) to cushion you.
The notch tailed boot now looks even less like a conventional three box saloon and is perhaps the only visual deterrent to getting more traditional luxury car drivers behind the wheel of the Toyota owned brand.
17 inch multi spoke alloys wheels are standard but they look a little too small in the wheel arch, the optional 18 inch wheels are more the part. Prior to launch Japan insisted that all 18 inch wheels be fitted with run flat tyres but Lexus Europe refused to take them as it felt they made the ride harsh.
Japan initially wasn’t convinced and refused to supply conventional tyres but Europe has won out. The end result is a smooth and sophisticated ride.
The GS has loads of new party tricks with ‘keyless’ entry and engine start the most obvious.
You only need the key fob on your person to get in and go. Once inside the GS the car is sumptuous and clearly designed for serious mile munching. It can seat five but the centre rear seat is really only suitable for a child. Lexus has tidied up the auxiliary switchgear with a clever pop down panel allowing access to the fuel and boot release buttons, mirror adjustment and so on.
The centre armrest hides the heated/cooled seat controls and engine power outputs (Power & Snow modes).
There is plenty of power for your €64,360. The GS300 (V6 3 litre) produces a healthy 249 bhp but if you want more poke you can get 283 bhp from the V8 GS430 (4.3 litre €97,040). As ever Lexus has a super smooth automatic gearbox. The six-speed box delivers better fuel consumption (14% improvement) and greater power (up 13%) over the outgoing 300. Lexus has no plans for a diesel version.
Thankfully my pet hate with the old car is no more. The foot parking brake’s ‘hand release’ is replaced by a Mercedes-like foot pedal.
The mid sized GS was launched back in 1997 and was a hit with all who drove it. The silky smooth 3 litre V6 came stuffed with a huge amount of goodies as standard that shamed the likes of Mercedes, Audi and BMW. There are now three trim specifications to choose from: GS 300 (cloth seats and good equipment levels), ‘Executive’ €70,460 (‘the kitchen sink’ i.e. leather etc.) and ‘Sport’ €77,995. Sport gets you ‘the whole kitchen’ with highlights such as Sat Nav, Mark Levinson stereo, adaptive/radar cruise control, voice activation etc.
Lexus has a great year ahead with the RX400h and new IS on the way. In a full year Lexus Ireland say 200 GS should find homes.
The only GS failing I can find is the lack of steering wheel ‘feel’. The electric power steering is speed sensitive but offers less feedback than the class handling 5 series.
The GS is a mighty machine.
- Michael Sheridan
