Lexus GS 350 road test
by Stephen Walker
23rd December, 2012
Home >
Road Tests >
Lexus
Related stories:
Lexus GS released
13th April, 2012
Lexus GS prices
announced
29th February, 2012
Lexus has been busy this year with new and updated models arriving
regularly. The brand's new font-end appearance is a distinctive element of the styling and it is spreading right across
the range, including the GS which we have been sampling.
Test Car particulars
Lexus offers several versions of the GS 350. The test car was the GS 350 Sport Luxury, which is the top-of-the-line
amongst the 350s.
Prices*
The generously equipped Lexus GS 350 Sport Luxury is priced from $110,150*. The starting point for the GS 350 line-up
is the GS 350 Luxury priced from $90,150*. There are other versions of the 350 between these two price points. Also
available is the GS 250 which, likewise, comes in numerous versions. And there's a Hybrid version, the GS 450h, which is
also on the local market.
Model background
The new GS is the fourth-generation of this popular prestige car. The first-generation model wasn't sold in Australia.
The new model debuted in USA at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2011. The new model was released
here in Australia during April 2012.
Driving the Lexus GS 350 sedan
We couldn't help but notice that the acceleration of the GS350 was pretty good, to say the least. But we were
surprised to learn that Lexus indicate that this model is capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6 seconds. We were
impressed by this figure, just quietly, and it should satisfy those who prefer performance over fuel economy.
But the most noticeable quality of the Lexus GS 350 was the smooth and quiet ride. The comfort was superb which we
discovered during every outing in the GS. Everything worked well. Our driving time with the GS was all suburban streets
and urbanised highways in light, medium and heavy traffic conditions for 295 kilometres.
Living with the Lexus GS350
Nothing is forgotten in the Lexus GS 350 Sport Luxury, even the rear quarter windows have sunshades! Comfort is
absolute.
Specifications
The rear-wheel drive Lexus GS 350 is powered by a front-mounted 3.5 litre (3,456 cc), six-cylinder, petrol-fuelled
engine, the test car came complete with 233 kW (at 6,400 rpm) of maximum power and 378 Nm (at 4,800 rpm) of maximum
torque.
Standard transmission with the GS350 is a six-speed automatic featuring sequential shift.
Lexus GS has an all-new chassis, featuring new suspension, steering and brakes, and state-of-the-art chassis
electronics.
Safety
Ten airbags are standard! The driver and front passenger have advanced variable-stage SRS front airbags available if
circumstances dictate their use. There is also driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear seat side airbags,
and full-length curtain shield airbags. Sensors determine the severity of an impact and the speed with which the airbags
are deployed. The driver and front passenger knee airbags work with the front airbags and seatbelts to achieve a better
distribution of the loads imposed on the body during a collision.
Another great safety feature is coming into vogue is the Pre-Collision safety System (PCS), including Pre-Collision
Braking (PCB) and Active Cruise Control (ACC). This system works to reduce the severity of a forward
collision in certain
circumstances. Whilst the driver is always in control (of course) the system will active if the driver's reaction time to
braking is slow. The system will not and cannot prevent the car from being in a collision. The Cruise control component
will maintain a safe distance between moving traffic that may have varying speeds due to traffic loads. The system is
excellent in light traffic conditions but lane changing manoeuvres by other drivers will affect the car's speed. The
frequency of interruptions is greater when the traffic is heavier. Often in these circumstances the cruise control is
rendered useless anyway.
A 'blind spot' monitor is installed into the external exterior rear view mirrors, which is an excellent feature and it
is finally becoming available on more and more models. It is an outstanding aid to improve safety when making lane
changing manoeuvres. Another great safety feature is camera assistance for reversing. Safety is a key aspect of the Lexus
GS.
Another excellent feature on the new GS 250 and 350 Sports Luxury models is the Driver Fatigue Monitor (DFM) with face
and eye detection. The system can monitor both inattentiveness (driver's eyes not on the road) and drowsiness. It is
linked to the latest-generation Lexus Pre-Collision safety System (PCS). DFM uses dual infrared pulsed-LEDs and a camera
fitted to the upper steering column casing which is focused on the driver's face. The LED lights of the monitor are
nearly invisible to the naked eye. The monitor has facial and eyelid recognition capability. Importantly, this is an aid
to safe driving not a substitute for a parent saying "it's time for bed".
No ANCAP or EuroNCAP ratings have been published as yet. Although Next Car predicts this new model will achieve
the maximum achievable five stars when testing is undertaken.
In America, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rates the new Lexus GS as "Good" (its highest rating).
The only area that was not "Good" being head protection for rear seat passengers during a side impact crash test where
the rating for this category was "Marginal" (ratings are Poor, Marginal, Acceptable and Good). Testing by the IIHS was
for the GS which is known as a 2013 model in the USA. The "Good" rating, on this occasion, earned the GS a "TOP SAFETY
PICK" award from the IIHS, which was announced on 3rd April 2012.
Fuel and emissions
On the combined cycle, fuel consumption of the GS350 is rated at 9.7 litres per 100 kms which is an excellent fuel
economy figure for a car this size.
Urban cycle rating is 13.7, whilst the highway rating is 7.4 litres/100 kms.
The fuel tank capacity is 66 litres. Premium unleaded petrol is the required fuel for the GS 350 (minimum 95RON).
CO2 emission rating from this car is 225 grammes/kilometre on the combined cycle.
Equipment (GS 350)
The nicely presently leather interior is a highlight. A newly available 12.3-inch LCD multimedia screen, believed to
be the biggest in a production car, is well located for easy viewing. Each front seat, on the GS 350, features three
memory settings. Front seat heaters and ventilation are fitted, as is rear seat heating for the rear outboard positions.
There is, also, a feature packed navigation system included as standard.
As indicated earlier, nothing is forgotten in the GS 350 Sport Luxury in my opinion.
Dimensions - Lexus GS sedan (approximate)
Length: 4,850 mm
Width: 1,840 mm
Height: 1,455 mm
Wheelbase: 2,850 mm
Weight: 1,740 kg
Boot capacity: 530 litres
Towing
Just 1,600 kg for a braked trailer, subject to the car having appropriate towing equipment fitted, is the limit for the
Lexus GS. An unbraked trailer needs to be restricted to no more than 750 kg (gross).
After Sales
The warranty operates, with conditions, on a 100,000 kilometre/4 year basis. A complimentary service loan car is
available (conditions apply).
Conclusion
There's comfort aplenty, performance aplenty whilst quality abounds.
Motoring in a luxury car, in this price range, doesn't get better than this!
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
More Lexus News .....
here
Top of page
| 
