LEXUS GS · photos, packages and modifications

The Lexus GS was released as part of a new beginning for Toyota's luxury-car line-up, which was sportier. Lexus wanted to ensure that they were able to produce a car that lived up to the GS reputation for excellent refinement along with loads of equipment and the dealer service, as well as being good looking and able to provide a fun drive. If you take our opinion, we would say that the competitor for this car, which is the BMW 5 series, is still a better car when it comes to the driving experience, but the GS series merits more consideration because it has an all-rounder experience, along with the fact that it is highly efficient.

If you choose the cars in the F Sport Trim which have the features of the BMW's M Sport Spec, then you will get large alloy wheels along with a stylish body-kit, along with a smart look. If you consider the interior, Lexus has really outdone itself because of the central display which is enormous measuring 12.3 inches, along with the Maserati-style clock on the dashboard, as well as the bamboo trim. You have the option of choosing between two engines which includes the entry-level engine for the GS 250 that is 2.5 liter V6 engine producing 206 bhp, as well as the hybrid version 3.5-liter engine V6 for the GS 450h producing a 338 bhp. You may also choose a hybrid version which has low power.

However, our recommendation to you is to get the GS 450h engine because it is extremely gusty. This engine is able to produce 0-62 mph within 5.9 seconds, according to Lexus and trust us that when you drive this car, you will feel the best. You can use the electronic-only mode when you are driving around the town, but you can switch to the other mode when you are on the motorway because this car will be able to drive you around faster. However, the CVT gearbox is a bit of a downslide for the car, because it creates engine noise when accelerating. You feel that the cornering is extremely stable and the steering also has more weight than you would have imagined. Because of the adaptive dampers, you will find the ride to be comfortable, as well. If you choose the flagship F Sport model, then you will get Adaptive Variable Steering, which has a rear-wheel-steering system that produces extra speed in the car. However, you will still not find the GS series to be as engaging as the BMW 5 series.

The GS series has always had a reputation for being a safe and well-made car and if you look at the version, then there is collision mitigation that is able to alert the driver if there are any approaching objects near the car that may lead to a crash, along with the lane-keep assist. Other features in this car also include a 835-Watt and 17-speaker Mark Levinson Stereo, three-zone climate control, a parking camera with a wide-angel along with Bluetooth capability.

The new version also has better packaging, which leads to better front and rear seat space. The 450h also has a storage space of 482-liter, which means that there is 60% more storage space than the previous model. This is made possible because of the fact that the hybrid batteries have been repositioned along with a rear suspension set-up that is more compact. Two tall passengers will find it easy to sit in the rear, but if you are trying to fit in three tall passengers, it will be difficult due to the transmission tunnel. Towards the front side, there are comfort features which include a taller roofline and all-round adjustable seats. However, the rear headroom for the rear seats is a bit of a squeeze compared to the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.

Thanks to better packaging, there is much more front and rear seat space. The GS 450h has a 482-litre boot, which is a 60 per cent improvement over the old car, thanks to a more compact rear suspension set-up and some repositioning of the hybrid batteries. In the rear, there's lots of room for two tall passengers, although getting three in would be a squeeze because of the transmission tunnel. Up front, seats that adjust every which way and a taller roofline mean almost any size driver will be comfortable. However rear headroom is tighter than it is in the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series.