Highlight: The GS is available in a 4-cylinder, a 6-cylinder, an 8-cylinder and a hybrid.
Vehicle’s MSRP: $ 51,829 (Base model: $47,535)
Seating Capacity: Five
Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; a blind spot monitor with a rear traffic cross alert system; Daytime running lights; a radar activated cruise control system; automatic high beam headlamps; an electronic brake distribution system; a backup camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; a vehicle stability control system; a departure lane warning system; and Lexus Enform Safety Connect system
Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheel and tires; an 8-speed automatic transmission; leather seats; electric parking brakes; automatic headlights; a push-button ignition starter system; Lexus memory setting to control driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel; 12.3-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a power sunroof; and a dual zone automatic control system
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheel with summer tires; 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system DVD/CD/MP3; a navigation system; a one touch power trunk; a rain-sensing wiper system, heated and ventilated front seats; power rear sunshade; key gloves; and paint protection film
Other Trim Level: GS 200t; GS 350; GS 450h and GS F
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/241-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/32-hwy
What’s New: The GS is a carryover.
Why:
The midsize GS is available in a variety of powertrains, trims and price points.
In the fourth-generation GS, Lexus offers everything from a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder
turbo to a hybrid to a power-packing, high-performance 8-cylinder.
The
GS, which can be configured as a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive, offers
a variety of driving modes. Each driving mode slightly adjusts the engine
throttle setting, the suspension and the steering. This all-weather vehicle
allows for both a personalized and a more engaging driving experience.
Added
to that, for those seeking to enhance the look and feel of the GS, they can opt
for the F-Sport package. In
2017, we reviewed a GS outfitted with the F-Sport package, which included a
massive matted spindle grille, larger spoke wheels, sportier seats and an enhanced
steering suspension.
This
time around we got our hands on the brand’s 4-cylinder GS. While there was a
noticeable difference in the engine’s sound, it was not as obvious in terms of
the performance. In fact, the vehicle was still outfitted with two rear exhaust
pipes and we found the 4-cylinder to be quite suitable. Moreover, with gas
prices rising, drivers will appreciate the additional gas mileage and extended
driving range, before its time to refuel again, when compared to the 6-cylinder
and 8-cylinder models.
So,
besides the appearance, our vehicle was outfitted with Lexus’ all-new standard
safety system. This system included a pre-collision braking system, a lane
departure warning system, a radar-activated cruise control system and high-beam
automatic headlights. All of these features combine compliment the rear cross
traffic alert system and a blind spot electronic lane changing system, pushing
the GS to be closer toward an autonomous vehicle.
Furthermore,
the GS can be outfitted with a humongous 12.3-infotainment screen, which house
a navigation system, an audio system, the climate control system and Apps. All
of these functions can be controlled through an interactive mouse pad.
But:
Despite the GS being offered with a variety of powertrains from a 4 cylinder to
a 6-cylinder to an 8-cylinder to a hybrid, sales continue to decline. The aging
design, the confined interior cabin, the cramped rear seats
and the brand’s controversial signature wide-mouth spindle grille is making
this vehicle a difficult sell in a market, where crossovers are the dominant
vehicle choice.
Verdict:
The well-built GS
offers all of the amenities one has come to expect in a Lexus. There are a
variety of powertrains and price points to cover almost every budget in the
luxury segment. However, being that sales are down significantly with the GS,
buyers in the market for a reliable midsize luxury sedan should be in a perfect
position to negotiate an unbelievable deal. And, with the arrival of a new ES
in the pipeline, which is expected to taking on a sportier profile, the future
of the GS seems quite bleak.
No comments:
Post a Comment