Lexus has revealed its expanded and refreshed GS saloon range at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, which introduces a number of design and engineering enhancements for all versions.
See also: Lexus at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
The new 2.0-litre turbocharged Lexus GS 200t is a Lexus newcomer at the Frankfurt show. Although this model will not be sold in the UK, its European debut heralds a new look for the GS saloon that will be adopted across the full range. Internationally the GS will be available in GS 200t, GS 350 and full hybrid GS 300h and GS 450h forms. The UK range, however, will consist of GS 300h and GS 450h models only.
Styling
The revised Lexus GS, with a stronger front-end styling, new bi-LED headlamp units and new rear end detailing, will be introduced at the end of the year. The model will also adopt the new Lexus Safety System+.
The 2016 Lexus GS marks an intersection of style and refinement, indicated by a strong rendition of the signature Lexus spindle grille, framed in an elegant satin chrome trim and flanked by distinctive new Bi-LED headlights.
A new front bumper and rocker panel further sharpen the coupe-inspired profile, while to the rear there are revised lamp units and trim. New 18 and 19-inch machined-finish wheel designs have also been introduced.
In the cabin the analogue clock, housed in a single ingot of aluminium, adds a new GPS function for accurate time zone adjustments.
Powertrains
The GS line-up is led – as you would expect from the leader in luxury hybrids – by the GS 450h, a high performance full hybrid. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system combines an Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6 and a water-cooled, permanent magnet electric motor to give a total system output of 341bhp, channelled through a continuously variable transmission. For a car with 46.3mpg combined cycle fuel economy, nought to 62mph acceleration is a remarkable 5.9 seconds.
The second hybrid model in the UK line-up is the GS 300h, a sport saloon equipped with a fuel-efficient 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with combined cycle fuel economy from 60.1mpg and 109g/km CO2 emissions.
Both GS hybrids are available in all European markets; the GS 200t will be offered in selected European countries (not the UK). The GS 350’s Europe region availability is in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the Caucasus.
F Sport
The Lexus GS 300h and GS 450h will be available in F Sport trim, which combines track-tuned chassis enhancements, including staggered front/rear tyre sizes. The specification also includes Adaptive Variable Suspension and exclusive exterior and interior design features.
Lexus Safety System+
The 2016 GS is a testament to Lexus’s commitment to cutting-edge safety. Excellent occupant protection is founded on its robust structure and the provision of up to 10 airbags on board, while a wide array of driver-assist technologies help the driver avoid hazards.
These elements are now supported by the new Lexus Safety System+, which brings together a Pre-Crash System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive High-beam System and All-speed Active Cruise Control.
Multimedia features
The GS range benefited from improved multimedia features in 2015. For the 2016 model year, the 12.3-inch display screen (available with the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system) will gain a full-screen map function, plus better voice recognition operation and graphics. The screen may still be split into two sections to display different functions at the same time. Ease of operation has been improved with new side-mounted “enter” buttons on the Remote Touch Interface controller and a new shortcut menu on the side of the screen.
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
I love the look of the luxury run around, how much of its technology has been put into the new Rx450?
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your post. Lexus Navigation and Lexus Premium Navigation are the same on GS and RX. Both models contain DAB, multi-media and Bluetooth, however, the base grade on the RX has 9 speakers, whereas the base grade on the GS has 12 speakers. Hope this helps and any other questions please let us know.
What are the emission figures for the gs450h? If the rx450h is at 120g/km the next gs should surely be lower.
Hi there,
Thank you for your post. We do not have the emission figures for the GS 450h at present, but stay tuned to our blog as we will publish the figures as soon as we know them. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions please let us know.
Hello, I really hope that the new GS300 H 2016 entry level model has an auto dimming rear view mirror unlike the current model which is manual?
Hi Lee,
Thank you for your post. The auto dimming rear view mirror is only available from the luxury grade and up. Hope this helps clarify and if you have any other queries please let us know.
Just ordered my new GS 300H Premier. Does anyone know if you can import speedcams into the POI please. Can do it on my current Merc with a work around using sd card.
Hi Ian,
Unfortunately, you cannot import speed cameras into the sat nav. Data is supplied by the national speed camera database and updated through map updates. Many thanks!
Thank you Ella, I obviously don’t have my car yet but do I take it that any maps supplied and updated by my Lexus dealer will actually have speed camera information already on it
Hi Ian,
The sat nav has speed cameras listed on it, these are taken from the national speed camera database. The sat nav will not detect a camera but will display known ones. Hope this helps!
Thank you very much Ella
You’re welcome Ian!