Frankfurt Press Information: The Revised Lexus GS Range

Note to editors: the new GS 200t and the GS 350 profiled in this press information will not be sold in the UK. The GS range (300h and 450h) with revised front-end styling will be introduced in the UK from the end of this year.

• GS range expanded with addition of new GS 200t, featuring 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine
• GS gains new-look front end with Bi-LED headlights
• New Lexus Safety System+
• Upgraded multimedia systems

Lexus is expanding and refreshing its GS saloon range with the introduction of a new GS 200t model and a number of design enhancements for all versions. Internationally the GS will be available in GS 200t, GS 350 and full hybrid GS 300h and GS 450h forms.

The Lexus GS marks an intersection of style and refinement, indicated by a strong rendition of the signature Lexus spindle grille, framed in an elegant satin chrome trim and flanked by distinctive new Bi-LED headlights.

A new front bumper and rocker panel further sharpen the coupe-inspired profile, while to the rear there are revised lamp units and trim. New 18 and 19-inch machined-finish wheel designs have also been introduced.

In the cabin the analogue clock, housed in a single ingot of aluminium, adds a new GPS function for accurate time zone adjustments.

New powertrain
The rear-wheel drive GS 200t becomes the fourth model in the GS range, powered by an exceptionally smooth 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 242bhp and 350Nm or torque, giving both strong performance and efficiency; average fuel economy is estimated at 35.8mpg.

The 3.5-litre V6 in the GS 350 benefits from a power increase to 313bhp with 380Nm of torque. It is paired with the same eight-speed transmission. The engine’s combination of direct fuel injection and additional port fuel injectors ensures ample power and crisp response.

The GS line-up is led – as you would expect from the leader in luxury hybrids – by the GS 450h, a high performance full hybrid. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system combines an Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6 and a water-cooled, permanent magnet electric motor to give a total system output of 341bhp, channelled through a continuously variable transmission. For a car with 46.3mpg combined cycle fuel economy, nought to 62mph acceleration is a remarkable 5.9 seconds.

The second hybrid model in the line-up is the GS 300h, a sport saloon equipped with a fuel-efficient 2.5-litre four-cylinder in-line engine with combined cycle fuel economy from 60.1mpg and 109g/km CO₂ emissions.

Both GS hybrids are available in all European markets; the GS 200t will be offered in selected European countries (not the UK). The GS 350’s Europe region availability is in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the Caucasus.

GS 350 with all-wheel drive
The GS 350 is available with an all-wheel drive system that provides more than just extra traction when the weather is bad. An electronically controlled centre differential provides a regular 30:70 torque split, the rear-wheel bias favouring handling agility. The system reacts instantaneously to adjust the ration to as much as 50:50, to give the best possible traction to suit driving conditions.

F Sport
All versions of the Lexus GS are available in F Sport trim, which combines track-tuned chassis enhancements, including (on rear-wheel drive models) staggered front/rear tyre sizes. The specification also includes Adaptive Variable Suspension and exclusive exterior and interior design features.

Lexus Safety System+
The 2016 GS is a testament to Lexus’s commitment to cutting-edge safety. Excellent occupant protection is founded on its robust structure and the provision of up to 10 airbags on board, while a wide array of driver-assist technologies help the driver avoid hazards.

These elements are now supported by the new Lexus Safety System+, which brings together a Pre-Crash System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive High-beam System and All-speed Active Cruise Control.

Multimedia features
The GS range benefited from improved multimedia features in 2015. For the 2016 model year, the 12.3-inch display screen (available with the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system) will gain a full-screen map function, plus better voice recognition operation and graphics. The screen may still be split into two sections to display different functions concurrently. Ease of operation has been improved with new side-mounted “enter” buttons on the Remote Touch Interface controller and a new shortcut menu on the side of the screen.