When Eiji Toyoda challenged his group to develop a luxury brand to rival the ideal Europe needed to offer within this segment within the 1980s, it took 2017 LEXUS GS a whopping 450 prototypes and as quite a few as 4.5 million kilometers to signal off the Lexus LS 400 in 1989.
Right after that decisive second with the 1989 Detroit Motor Demonstrate, the lineup grew to just about everything in-between the compact and full-size section. The fourth generation of your GS, and that is a mid-sized motor vehicle, is slotted in the upper echelon of the Lexus selection.
Despite the fact that it had been hardly ever a bestseller for the Toyota-owned manufacturer or in comparison to other luxury mid-size sedans, the GS features a stellar status for sound engineering and bulletproof dependability. For what it is really worth, Lexus’ existence is often summed up by those two virtues.
Beyond that, the GS is actually a competent motor vehicle tailored for the demands of people who would rather one thing a bit much more diverse from the German norm. But be that because it could, the GS is up against sturdy rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. One particular region in which the 2016 Lexus GS one-ups the establishment is, not surprisingly, the left-field design and style.
Exactly like the U.S. configurator for that 2016 Lexus GS alludes, the mid-size sedan is all about sharpening your edges. A product or service of what the producer calls the L-finesse style and design philosophy, the GS surely is not a crowdpleaser. The eye-popping visuals is usually tricky within the eyes of individuals devoid of the acquired taste for automotive style. To these who know better, the body shell is usually a delight for shoppers while in the market for something exclusive.
In the segment the place the 5 Series and E-Class rule supreme, the GS is extra compared to the sum of its parts or even the intrinsic excellent of its badge. The L-finesse college of believed also gave birth to the Lexus spindle grille, that’s arguably quite possibly the most striking visual characteristic of your GS. Particularly in F Sport flavor, the front fascia provides the impression of an alien’s face.
Since it is fit to get a sharp dressed Predator, the front fascia is flanked by exotic-looking typical Bi-LED headlights with an unmistakable nighttime glow. Through the profile viewpoint, the roofline has the flow of coupe in lieu of that of a sedan. Revised in 2015 for the 2016 model yr, the facelifted GS also prides itself on an unashamedly imposing rear end. It really is no JLo, although.
Taken as a total, the sophisticated proportions and sporty sprinkles here and there make the Lexus GS a sight to behold.
So far as the cabin is concerned, the Lexus GS doesn’t check out to impress any individual. The layout on the controls is just everything you would count on from a sedan born to perform the luxury card. Even the Flaxen NuLuxe seats feel lavish, even though the optional leather feels a lot more like it. Satin aluminum trim is on the menu likewise, as are as alternatives like open-pore walnut, sapele wood, and Naguri aluminum trim.
Bang from the center with the dashboard, a round-faced analog clock is housed in the single piece of ingot aluminum. Really do not be fooled by its old-school appearance due to the fact the clock functions GPS performance for adjusting the time zone. The horizontal plane in the no-fuss dashboard also creates the impression of room.
In F Sport configuration, however, the GS’ cockpit adds a handful of driver-focused cues that transform the cabin from a luxurious setting right into a go-faster cocoon for your keen driver. In range-topping GS F kind, Alcantara and glossy carbon fiber ornaments dominate the dashboard, door panels, and seats.
2017 LEXUS GS Spec
For that segment, the GS also features bundles of headroom (37.8 inches / 960 mm within the rear) and leg space (36.8 inches / 934 mm while in the rear). Cargo capacity isn’t as well lousy at 14.3 cubic feet (404.9 liters), rendering the GS that bit roomier than the 5 Series and E-Class. Significantly less luxurious mid-size sedans like the Hyundai Sonata present more, even though.
Acquiring manufactured its debut in 2011, the fourth generation with the Lexus GS is more like an previous canine making an attempt to find out new tricks rather than a front runner. Without the need of regard to futuristic gimmicks like gesture manage or remote parking, the GS does a fair job of trying to keep the driver and also the passengers entertained. A case in point is definitely the sat nav.
In its most unabridged format, the satellite navigation process lets the driver to search enterprise opinions on Yelp or to examine in on Facebook Locations. What Lexus calls Enform App Suite furthers the infotainment procedure with World wide web radio, plus restaurant reservations via OpenTable.com and film tickets via a focused app.
Obtainable for iOS and Android units, the Lexus Enform Remote is an app that permits the owner to control specified functions with the vehicle remotely. These contain guest driver keep track of, vehicle finder, door lock and unlock, plus start/stop for your engine and climate manage. For iPhone customers, Siri Eyes No cost Mode may be the name in the game while in the 2017 LEXUS GS . And yes, satellite navigation via Apple Maps is included.
What’s not so wonderful regarding the GS (and most other Lexus versions for that matter) could be the Remote Touch Interface. Even though the haptic joystick mechanism appears like a fantastic notion initially, the planar slide-type controller is too difficult to implement whilst driving. A rotary controller for example BMW’s iDrive can be a a lot more fuss-free solution.
Whereas the 5er, E-Class, A6, and much more exotic rivals such as the Jaguar XF may be had with turbo diesel powerplants while in the Previous Continent, the GS is restricted to both high-octane jungle juice or hybrid energy. The array starts using a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque among 1,650 and 4,400 rpm.
It’s not a lousy starting up stage for a automobile which has a curb weight of 3,805 lbs (1,725 kg) in its most no-frills specification, but it’s not stellar either. Larger up the GS lineup, Lexus delivers a 3.5-liter N/A V6 with 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. The GS 350’s powertrain could be even more enhanced by all-wheel-drive, upping the weight to 3,891 lbs (1,764 kg). On the really major of the spectrum, there is the RWD-only Lexus GS 450h. A additional aggressive F Sport model can also be accessible for that GS 450h.
It is the latter two that hold an SULEV II emission rating. Brief for Super Ultra-Low Emission Automobile, the marriage among a V6 and an electrical motor convinced the EPA to rate the GS 450h at 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. If it’s the NEDC you’re more considering, that would be six.seven liters per 100 km and 5.5 liters per 100 km, respectively.
For anyone with efficiency on their minds, neglect the CVT of the hybrid and embrace the go-faster goodies of the GS F. In this form, the mid-sized sedan prides itself on a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft. An 8-speed automated transmission and a torque vectoring rear differential are while in the offing as well. The GS F is no M5 beater, although it sounds fruitier than its German antagonist.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Security may be the only noteworthy safety authority to get examined the fourth-generation Lexus GS. From your 2014 model many years onward, the GS is regarded a Leading Security Choose with “good” ratings during the reasonable overlap front, side, and roof power tests.
In terms of front crash prevention, Lexus Security Sense+ comes with Pre-Collision Method with Pedestrian Detection, but no appropriate autobrake function. While in the near future, nonetheless, Toyota and Lexus will equip their U.S. lineups with automated braking in the get-go.
The foundation for occupant protection during the 2016 Lexus GS is a suite of 10 airbags, all coming as typical. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Help, Intelligent High-Beam, and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Management are optional extras, however. Furthermore to those features, the Lexus GS also boasts blind spot monitoring, rear cross targeted traffic alert, at the same time like a near-infrared evening vision program.
On select designs, Lexus Dynamic Dealing with will immediately adapt the suspension tuning and energetic security systems to suit street conditions. Dynamic Rear Steering also assists with turn-in response and rear grip, assisting keep the motor vehicle on track when cornering.
It’s a broadly known fact that the appeal with the Lexus brand is really a complicated thing to put into phrases or to comprehend. However the Japanese manufacturer understands its purchasers on the fullest degree, which is why Lexus sedans have that uncanny coolness to them as Saab had when it was nonetheless in business enterprise.
Also, the selection to stay away from oil-burning engines also displays how unique Lexus’ way is when compared to its competitors. In all but title, the Lexus GS is usually a comforting cruise which will also put on the show in GS F taste.
Nicely outfitted through the start out and reasonably cost-effective even using the 2.0-liter turbo engine, the GS is far from ideal. The continuously variable transmission, being a situation in level, will be the single most disappointing element with the 450h. The infotainment system is additionally due to be improved which has a greater handle interface. And that is just the tip of what Lexus did not get suitable together with the GS.
But general, this Japanese sedan is really a breed apart. Bundled together, the superior factors as well as mystifying flaws that make up the 2017 LEXUS GS give it lots of character in an amorphous section of lookalikes and copycats.
