The new 2016 Lexus GS remains the only premium sports saloon to offer customers the choice of two full hybrid powertrains, in the GS 300h and GS 450h.
The UK range has been extended with the new GS 300h Executive Edition feature model, and across the board there are upgrades to the exterior and interior design and equipment specifications.
The Lexus Safety System+ package of active safety and driver assistance features has been introduced as standard on all GS models.
Exterior design
Lexus has taken its L-finesse design principles further in its revision of the GS, introducing more muscular exterior styling with a new frontal appearance that presents a stronger interpretation of Lexus’s trademark spindle grille and a new three-lamp LED headlight cluster.
The front, side and rear styling has been revised and the new grille and bumper design has produced a larger front overhang, increasing the car’s overall length by 30mm.
All versions feature a new, slimmer headlight design. On F Sport and Premier models there is a three-LED lamp arrangement, each element containing both high and low-beam LEDs. The low-beam LEDs are each formed in the distinctive Lexus L-motif. The LED daytime running lights are set into the upper surface of the new projecting front bumper, set in the familiar Lexus arrowhead shape.
To the side, a new character line along the sill moulding is set 20mm lower than before. The line kicks up below the rear door, adding to the dynamic impression and creating a coherent line that links the front and rear bumpers.
The boot lid is underscored by a new chrome trim, and rear LED combination lamps are set in an evolution of the Lexus L-motif. The lower bumper colour has been changed from black to a metallic dark grey.
Interior design
The new GS’s cabin presents improvements in functionality and the quality of trim materials and finish. It is spacious, but provides a driver-focused cockpit that delivers great comfort over long journeys.
The large Optitron meters have been given a more pronounced 3D appearance and greater clarity – the needles are light-emitting along their full length. The rev counter scale is now non-linear, emphasising the GS’s delivery of low rpm torque and high rpm power.
The sweeping horizontal flow of the dashboard has been given extra emphasis with new, full-width metal trim, redesigned air vents and a new analogue clock with automatic GPS time adjustment. Other new trim touches include metal detailing on the shift lever, steering wheel, air vents, door handles and switchgear.
Technology
Changes to the cabin focus on improving functionality and the quality and finish of materials. The driver-focused cockpit presents excellent ergonomics and HMI systems that set a new benchmark for on-board technologies that are clear, quick and intuitive to use.
The central 12.3-inch multimedia display is controlled using an improved Remote Touch Interface and offers a useful new full-screen function. The head-up display is brighter and clearer and presents a wider range of data, including Lexus Safety System+ status information.
The triple-zone S-Flow air conditioning system fitted to GS Premier models now uses a lighter, quieter and more efficient compressor.
GS 300h Executive Edition
The new GS 300h Executive Edition model provides an entry point to the 2016 model range and comes equipped as standard with leather upholstery, heated front seats, Lexus premium Navigation with 12.3-inch display, LED headlamps, smart entry and push-button start, parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, Drive Mode Select, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management and power-folding, heated, auto-dimming door mirrors.
Its Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Crash Safety system with pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist and Automatic High Beam.
Powertrains
The GS is the only model in its class to offer the choice of two full hybrid powertrains.
The GS 450h is the performance flagship of the range, its total system output of 341bhp (254kW) enabling nought to 62mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. It also delivers combined cycle fuel economy of 46.3mpg (45.6 with 19-inch wheels) and 141g/km CO2 emissions (145 with 19-inch wheels).
The GS 300h’s combined system power of 220bhp (164kW) gives official fuel and CO2 figures from 64.2mpg and 104g/km (Executive Edition with 17-inch wheels).
In the course of any journey, Lexus Hybrid Drive will operate in different modes to maximise the vehicle’s overall efficiency. For more information about Lexus GS powertrains, please see Lexus GS review.
Driving dynamics
Measures have been taken to further improve the GS’s dynamics and driver rewards, led by an increase in body rigidity. This has been achieved using structural adhesives and spot, laser and laser screw welding techniques. The suspension, steering and brakes have been tuned to provide sharp, accurate steering, excellent body control, high-speed stability and the ride comfort expected of a Lexus saloon.
On F Sport models there is further tuning of the suspension settings to increase the efficiency of the Adaptive Variable Suspension.
GS 450h F Sport models are fitted with larger, 18-inch ventilated front brake discs and are equipped with Lexus Dynamic Handling, which co-ordinates all aspects of front and rear wheel control to achieve more agile, sharp and confident handling with more direct response to driver inputs.
To learn more about Lexus GS driving dynamics, please see Lexus GS review.
Safety
All versions of the 2016 GS are fitted with Lexus Safety System+, equipping the car with a series of technologically advanced active safety and driver assistance features.
The package includes a Pre-Crash Safety system with pedestrian detection function, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist with Sway Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam system.
Higher grade (F Sport and Premier) models benefit from an Adaptive High Beam system, as well as a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All versions feature a tyre pressure warning system, with an auto-location system to show individual tyre pressures.
For more information about Lexus GS safety features, please see Lexus GS review.
The 2016 Lexus GS is on sale now with first UK deliveries during the second half of January.
Read more: Lexus GS review
Read more: Lexus car safety monitoring systems
Read more: Lexus GS F price and specification
* Images shown not to UK specifications.
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
