Futuristic Lexus GS defies brand snobbery

ROAD TEST: Lexus GS200t EX

By: Denis Droppa

Johannesburg - Only 26 Lexus GS sedans were sold in South Africa in 2015, compared to more than 1300 of the segment-leading Mercedes E-Class, while sales of the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 were also in the hundreds.

This big difference in popularity between Lexus and the German brands shows that the so-called ‘B-segment’ of the executive-car league – populated by Lexus and other lower-volume brands such as Infiniti and Volvo – is still largely ostracised by badge-conscious buyers. In a league that’s all about prestige, non-German cars still don’t have the cachet of their Teutonic rivals and have to work that extra bit harder to attract well-heeled, status-conscious customers.

For Lexus, this work has involved revamping its GS line-up with a facelift and interior revamp. The GS enters 2016 with a bolder design that includes a heavily restyled front bumper, bigger spindle-shaped grille and fresh Bi-LED headlight shape with daytime running lights, making other executive sedans seem almost banal and generic by comparison. With all its dramatic swoops and curves the GS looks like a fugitive from a sci-fi movie set, and while the design won’t suit everybody’s taste it gives this Lexus a very distinctive look.

Lexus GS gets perk-up, new engine

Inside, there are new luxury finishes to take refinement up a notch. The levels of perceived quality are improved by metal finishes for the audio knobs, air vents and other switchgear, while the leather seats are now upholstered with classy-looking quilted back panels. The new dashboard has a full-width metal trim insert and an analogue clock with GPS-based automatic time adjustment. Overall it’s a very plush and premium-feeling interior, and a roomy one too with plenty of stretch-out space for at least four occupants.

The boot’s a decent size but unfortunately it’s not expandable, as the rear seats can’t be folded.

Digital instrument cluster displays have grown to 4.2 inches, and the 12.3 inch central screen with better graphics can now display navigation maps in full-screen mode. For the R723 000 pricetag navigation comes standard, as do driver support systems including tyre-pressure monitor, park-distance control, hill-assist control, and stability control. Knee, side, front and curtain airbags all come standard, as does a four-year or 100 000km service plan.

Lexus continues to shun convention with its Remote Touch Interface all-in-one mouse-like controller for the infotainment system. It gets new side ‘enter’ buttons which makes it simpler to use, but it’s still not especially user-friendly. The controller is a little over-sensitive to hand movements, making you often inadvertantly skip past menus you meant to select.

The premium feel continues when you fire her up and she awakens with a subtle hum. Powering the GS 200t EX on test here is a two-litre turbopetrol four that replaces the previous 3.5 V6 as the entry-level GS model, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission.

GUTSY PULLING POWER

The outputs are fairly meaty at 180kW and 350Nm but pairing a turbocharged engine with an automatic gearbox can be a recipe for turbo lag, especially at power-sucking high altitude, and this Lexus unfortunately succumbs. Initial acceleration is lazy and you have to wait for a couple of seconds before a throttle prod elicits any kind of enthusiasm, but once it gets going that two-litre turbo delivers gutsy pulling power and on the open road the GS 200t gets nicely into its stride.

There are Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes which affect throttle and transmission response but they’re very subtle and I could hardly feel any difference between them.

The factory-claimed 0-100km/h figure is 7.3 seconds at sea level, and a top speed of 230km/h. Our test car averaged 11.3 litres per 100km.

Body strengthening is part of the upgrade to the GS, benefitting both the driveability and refinement, and more sound-absorbing material has been added to enhance cabin quietness. It’s a very soft-spoken car that cruises as silently as any of its German rivals, and there’s minimal wind or engine noise intruding on proceedings.

Suspension has been revised as part of the 2016 tweak and the engineers have done great work as the GS glides along with a cushy ride matched by sure-footed cornering ability. It’s a well-nigh perfect balance of glideability and handling even though the 200t doesn’t get the Adaptive Variable Suspension that’s available in the more expensive Lexus GS F Sport model.

VERDICT

The Lexus GS is a refined and well-specced alternative to the German A-listers, with decent bang for the buck even though the turbo lag can be bothersome. It’s truly worth a test drive for those not totally stuck on badge prestige. - Star Motoring

FACTS

Lexus GS 200t EX

Engine: 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol

Gearbox: 8-speed automatic

Power: 180kW @ 5800rpm

Torque: 350Nm @ 1640 - 4400rpm

0-100km/h (claimed): 7.3 seconds

Top speed (claimed): 230km/h

Consumption (claimed): 8 litres per 100km

Price: R723 000

Warranty: 4-year/100 000km

Service plan: 4-year/100 000km