Lexus is known for their comfort and high end, high quality, cars. We know that their reliability is solid on account of them being a more refined brand of Toyota – regardless of past recalls. The Lexus GS is no different from the rest of the Lexus brand in the way that it is presented. It beams with class and it is good competition for the extremely popular 5 Series from BMW and the Mercedes-Benz E Class. The GS was first produced in 1991 and we’re now looking at the fourth generation. In terms of style it’s very similar, but bigger than the IS.
Once again Lexus has steered clear of offering a diesel version in Ireland. Instead what we have are two hybrid petrol engines that are as economical as most diesel engines in its segment. The engines on offer are the 300h and the 450h. The 300h uses a 2.5 litre engine as well as a high-output electric motor. We’re told that this model can reach a maximum speed of 190km and it offers 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. The 450h is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 engine and on-paper it offers 0-100 km/h in a very nifty 5.9 seconds. Lexus claims a maximum speed of 250 km/h with this model.
The Lexus is a long car and unfortunately you’ll know it as it goes around corners. With that said though it is clear that one of the main focuses of this vehicle is on driver and passenger comfort. The suspension is tuned in such a way that it soaks up bumps well. At cruising speeds the GS is a joyous ride. However, this hybrid vehicle uses the same CVT automatic gearbox that is in the NX and the IS, and unfortunately it likes to hold onto gears for too long – so putting the foot down can be frustrating. Drive this vehicle smoothly and there will be no problems with the gearbox.
This is a brilliantly padded machine and it drives silently while cruising and while driving around town. The vehicle is pretty much silent when in EV mode. There are no road noise or wind noise issues. The only time when noise becomes unruly is when pressure is being put on the vehicle, this noise is from the CVT gearbox trying to switch gear.
Like most Lexus vehicles the interior of the GS is made using excellent, high quality, materials. The dash board houses no cheap plastic and the seats are extremely comfortable. Inside you will find the Lexus Connected Services as part of the infotainment system – unfortunately this can be difficult to navigate. In terms of sounds, the Mark Levinson system is excellent. This is a hard interior to beat and it’s certainly more exciting than the interior of the very refined 5 Series interior.
There are ten airbags surrounding the interior of the vehicle, this includes knee airbags. To the rear you will find ISOFIX points for child seats. The vehicle is available with adaptive cruise control. We were unable to find a Euro NCAP rating for this vehicle.
The space in the interior is excellent to the front. There are no leg room issues within the vehicle. We imagine that there might be headroom issues to the rear for passengers over maybe 6-foot on account of the sloped roof. The boot wouldn’t be as spacious as the 5 Series.
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