They've always had a reputation for finely-crafted, high-tech interiors, but the cabin of the GS is impressive even by Lexus standards. Plush 18-way adjustable leather seats are infinitely comfortable for long trips, with adjustable bolstering for sporty driving. Rear passengers are equally cosseted, with plenty of legroom, heated seats and HVAC controls. A gigantic 12.3” split display screen dominates the instrument panel, relaying everything from entertainment and navigation info, to Lexus's new "Night View," a new infra-red enhanced night vision system.
Also impressive – if a bit creepy – is the new "Fatigue Detection" system, an infrared camera built into the steering column that detects signs of distraction in the driver's eyes, and sounding an audible warning. As expected, the level of acoustic hush is on par with the average bank vault, and doors shut with a muffled, authoritative thud.
Although the GS comes in three models – the $51,900 GS 350 RWD, the $54,900 GS 350 AWD and the range-topping $64,650 hybrid GS 450h, there's a bewildering array of available packages that can very quickly send the sticker price soaring. These include the $1,900 Navigation Package, the $5,850 Luxury Package (which includes navigation), the $8,850 Technology Package (which includes Nav and Luxury groups), the $13,950 Technology Plus Package (including Nav, Lux and Tech) and the $4,800 F-Sport Package (which includes navigation).
The V8 has gone by the wayside; instead, all models are powered by a 3.5L V6. In the GS 350, the 306 hp and 277 lb-ft mill is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the GS 450h hybrid boasts a reworked Atkinson cycle six-pot with an output of 286 hp and 254 lb-ft, matched to an ECVT transmission. Horsepower is bumped up to a combined 343 with the 180-hp electric drive motor.
The sculpted body is formed with high strength steel for extra rigidity – but the biggest transformation is in the re-engineered suspension. During a session at Laguna Seca where we were encouraged to compare the GS to competitors Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, the Lexus acquitted itself surprisingly well – out-handling the Mercedes and proving itself the equal of the sporty Bimmer.
 |
| Lexus always had a reputation for finely-crafted, high-tech interiors, but the cabin of the GS is impressive even by Lexus standards. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Also impressive – if a bit creepy – is the new "Fatigue Detection" system, an infrared camera built into the steering column that detects signs of distraction in the driver's eyes, and sounding an audible warning. As expected, the level of acoustic hush is on par with the average bank vault, and doors shut with a muffled, authoritative thud.
Although the GS comes in three models – the $51,900 GS 350 RWD, the $54,900 GS 350 AWD and the range-topping $64,650 hybrid GS 450h, there's a bewildering array of available packages that can very quickly send the sticker price soaring. These include the $1,900 Navigation Package, the $5,850 Luxury Package (which includes navigation), the $8,850 Technology Package (which includes Nav and Luxury groups), the $13,950 Technology Plus Package (including Nav, Lux and Tech) and the $4,800 F-Sport Package (which includes navigation).
The V8 has gone by the wayside; instead, all models are powered by a 3.5L V6. In the GS 350, the 306 hp and 277 lb-ft mill is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the GS 450h hybrid boasts a reworked Atkinson cycle six-pot with an output of 286 hp and 254 lb-ft, matched to an ECVT transmission. Horsepower is bumped up to a combined 343 with the 180-hp electric drive motor.
The sculpted body is formed with high strength steel for extra rigidity – but the biggest transformation is in the re-engineered suspension. During a session at Laguna Seca where we were encouraged to compare the GS to competitors Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, the Lexus acquitted itself surprisingly well – out-handling the Mercedes and proving itself the equal of the sporty Bimmer.
 |
| The sculpted body is formed with high strength steel for extra rigidity. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |