The Lexus GS sedan has been updated. It now offers a bolder look as well as a new turbocharged engine.

Lexus has introduced a range of updates for its mid-size GS sedan, including more refined exterior styling and a GS200t EX model powered by a new 2.0-litre turbo engine.

Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing for Lexus South Africa says: “The GS features a range of noteworthy updates and the addition of the GS 200t EX model will deliver new levels of performance and efficiency in Lexus’s mid-size sedan segment.”

Styling updates

The Lexus GS now features a bolder frontal design, featuring a more pronounced spindle grille framed in satin chrome trim. Furthermore, the grille is flanked by new Bi-LED headlights while at the rear, the tail-light clusters and rear bumper have been restyled.

Several updates have occurred on the inside, too. Lexus hasadopted full-width metal ornamentation across the faciathat anchors the redesigned air vents and the new analogue clock with automatic (by GPS) time adjustment. There’s also a revised audio panel with milled aluminium knobs and the climate control console has a high-contrast electro luminescent display (ELD) for improved visibility of the temperature settings.

The gear selector, steering wheel, air vents, door handles and switchgear are adorned with metal ornamentation; the seats sport a horizontal quilted back panel with a unique stitching.

Interior lighting has improved too, and the GS now gets a centrally-mounted rear LED lamp and the hue has changedfrom "silky white" to "warm white", Lexus says.

Buyers can choose between two interior colours (ivory or black) and the GS 350 F-Sportis available in F-Sport black or F-Sport Red specifications.

Lexus has also added a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, which offers full-screen map capability, while the voice recognition function and graphics have been enhanced. The display can split in two to cater for various functions such as navigation, audio and climate control. The Remote Touch Interface controller now has new side "enter" buttons for improved usability.

New engine

The Lexus GS 200t EX is fitted with a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100 kph time for the model is 7.3 seconds before topping out at 230 kph.

The GS 350 F-Sport, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that delivers 233 kW and 378 Nm through the same 8-speed automatic transmission. This derivative is a reportedly a bit more brisk: a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6 seconds is claimed and the model is said to go on to a top speed of 235kph.

The double wishbone front- and multi-link rear configuration ofthe GS now features a new coil-spring calibration. What's more, the dampers and front stabiliser bar have been tweaked for improved ride response. Aerodynamics have improved too –the front edge of the bumper now sits 10mm further forward.

The GS’s body has been refined with an additional 188 spot welding points on the frame. Sound-absorbing material has also been added to the upper cowl for improved NVH levels.

Features

The Lexus GS is fitted with a range of features including a tyre pressure monitor, park distance control, hill assist control and vehicle dynamic integrated management, which manages the vehicle stability control system, ABS and electric power steering. Three-point safety belts, Daytime Running Lights, anti-theft system and 10 airbags are fitted as standard.

The GS 350 F-Sport is fitted with signature elements such as an F-Sport steering wheel, F-sport seat material, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, rear spoiler, F-Sport badging and four-wheel active steer.

Lexus GS pricing in South Africa

Lexus GS 200t EX – R688600

Lexus GS 350 F-Sport – R777 700