overview: Colin Sharp | images courtesy: Lexus SA | pricing: GS 200t EX: R688 600 / GS 350 FSPORT: R777 700

Lexus’ GS enters 2016 with a bolder look and the new GS 200t EX rear-wheel drive model with added luxury finishes take refinement up a notch. Yet this Lexus model continues to feature impressive agility and sporty handling on the open road. The comfortable ride quality makes extended highway driving a pleasure. A restyled front end with bolder Lexus spindle grille and Bi-LED headlights, plus revised tail lamps and rear bumper treatments, characterise the new GS.

This is no modest mid-size luxury sedan. Engaging performance and driver-orientated amenities make the GS 200t EX and the GS 350 F Sport apt choices for enthusiast drivers and those who enjoy more than a touch of luxury. And the new GS 200t EX model’s 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission creates seamless performance.

Inside the overall roominess of the interior is apparent. The clean horizontal sweep of the dashboard has been emphasised by the adoption of a more dynamic shape to new, full-width metal ornamentation. This anchors redesigned air vents and a new analogue clock featuring GPS automatic time adjustment. Below, the centre console instrumentation features a new, high-end audio panel with milled aluminium knobs, whilst the climate control section adopts a new, high-contrast, Electro Luminescent Display (ELD) for improved visibility of temperature settings to the GS’s three-zone air-conditioning system.

Further trim enhancements include new high-prestige metal ornamentation to the gear shift lever, steering wheel, air vents, door handles and switchgear; and seat upholstery is revamped to incorporate a horizontally quilted back panel and side stitching pattern. The new GS 200t EX’s finely crafted, premium-quality contemporary interior is available in ivory and black, while the GS 350’s features F Sport black or F Sport red.

For the full article see Habitat #252 March / April 2016