4th Generation GS Reviews Thread
#93
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
AsiaOne
LEXUS isn't exaggerating when it says the new GS range is a critical milestone for the Japanese luxury brand. With its revolutionary styling and handling, it is clear that the new mid-size premium sedan will set the tone for a new line-up of Lexus models.
With its clean sheet design, the fourth-generation model seems like a breath of fresh air for a marque that is just over 2 decades old. It reflects a further development of Lexus' L-finesse design philosophy, with a distinctive nose that sports a so-called "spindle" grille and arrowhead lamps.
The profile has a more well-defined 3-box shape than its predecessor, with a rear that looks a bit like an enlarged IS sedan.
The front overhang is 10 mm shorter but, interestingly, the brand-new GS platform retains the same 4,850 mm overall length and 2,850 mm wheelbase as the outgoing model. Its track is wider, though, by 40 mm in front and 50 mm behind.
The new GS body is more aerodynamic and more rigid. For example, air flow over the underbody and tail lights have been optimised, while hot-pressed ultra-strength steel has improved torsional rigidity by 14 per cent.
Key differences
The new chassis features double wishbone front suspension and a rear multi-link set-up. Some key differences include the front suspension's more liberal use of aluminium to reduce unsprung weight, while the rear coil springs have been moved to increase damper effectiveness as well as trunk space. More importantly, they allow for a supple ride with an unusually high level of comfort for the rear passenger.
Under the hood, there are 2 conventional engine options to drive the rear wheels, with the GS300 giving way to the new GS250 and GS350.
The former has the same 2.5-litre V6 unit of the current IS250, while the latter has the 3.5-litre V6 power plant that has been available in the US.
Both are also mated to the familiar 6-speed automatic transmission.
The GS350 with its 306 hp and 378 Newton-metres of torque is surprisingly fun to drive. While the old GS300 was a competent car, it was hardly entertaining.
The new GS350, however, is completely different, as experienced at the El Toro airbase in Southern California where the global media launch of the new Lexus GS range was held last month.
Its new steering is accurate and responsive, and paired with the good torque, the GS350 is agile and quick in a high-speed lane change manoeuvre and through a slalom section.
This agility is no doubt improved with a wider track but it is further enhanced by the new LDH Lexus Dynamic Handling system.
This option integrates dynamic rear steering, variable gear ratio steering and electric power steering to make the GS350 even more responsive to driver input. Turn-in is sharper and there is more control. Together with reduced understeer, even more aggressive cornering is encouraged.
Rear-wheel steering is not a new concept for carmakers but what makes the Lexus system superior is the electronic management and its ability to control body movement.
Eye-opener
With LDH, all variable factors that impact handling - not just vehicle speed - is monitored, such as steering angle, yaw rate and lateral g-force. LDH will even tune the active safety systems and optional adaptive suspension while taking into account driving style.
But while the GS350 is surprisingly sharp, it is the GS250 which is the real eye-opener. With a kerb weight of 1,640 kg (about the same as the old GS300), the GS250 displays high onroad confidence and driveability despite having less power and torque than the old GS300. Its lower kerb weight compared with the new GS350 also means the GS250's steering is sweeter and feels more natural.
It may have taken 18 years since the first GS was launched but this mid-sized rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan is finally worthy of taking on the German competition.
Lexus GS250
Engine: 2,500 cc V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Max Power: 207 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Max Torque: 253 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
0-100kmh: 8.6 secs
Top speed: 230 kmh
Distributor: Borneo Motors
Website: www.borneomotors.com.sg
Engine: 2,500 cc V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Max Power: 207 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Max Torque: 253 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
0-100kmh: 8.6 secs
Top speed: 230 kmh
Distributor: Borneo Motors
Website: www.borneomotors.com.sg
#94
Lexus Champion
#96
#97
Lexus Fanatic
I am shocked they stuck the 2.5 in the new GS. I wonder why they didn't put a detuned or non direct inject 3.5 in the new GS.
Anyways, it seems like all the reviewers are mentioning that it is different from the outgoing model.
I can't wait to see it in person.
Anyways, it seems like all the reviewers are mentioning that it is different from the outgoing model.
I can't wait to see it in person.
#98
Pole Position
Engine displacement tax.
#99
Lexus Champion
#101
Lexus Champion
#103
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by GS69
Lexus GS250 for Singapore
But I doubt something like a GS250 would work for the Philippines (via Lexus Manila).
Well
not that I'm referring to power output (lol 200 horses is a lot for uber-*** slow Philippine traffic).
It's just that well:
2500cc engine displacement cannot apply for tariff discounts under our taxation scheme (bilateral agreement between Philippines and Japan). It has to be 3000 cc and above..........unless you want to wait for year 2015 (when the law will apply the import tax reductions to sub-3000cc engines).
Hence, in this case, something like a GS350 (or anything 3000cc or above in engine displacement) would be more appropriate for us. The comparison between taxes for the GS250 and GS350 are not spaced enough hence it creates diminishing returns.
Anyways
When it comes to the 4GS, it's ONLY either this:
or you can forget about it anything less than that.
#105
i think they look great, batter doesnt look as boring as normal hybrid wheels though, just many spokes and some spidery feel to the tips.