Lexus is clearly aiming to make a big splash with the launch of the fourth generation Lexus GS range, with a ‘more for less’ approach to its pricing strategy.
Set to arrive in Lexus showrooms in April this year, the new mid size GS range will launch with a 20 per cent reduction in the recommended retail prices and substantially more standard kit on board.
Entry level in the Lexus GS model line-up will be the GS250 Luxury, priced at $77,900; stepping up to the GS350 Luxury from $89,900 and topping out at the GS450h from $99,900.
Apert from the new and more aggressive styling, technology is at the forefront of the new generation GS, with a standard equipment inventory that includes a blind spot monitor, tyre pressure monitoring, 8-sensor parking and clearance monitor, reverse camera and Bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive front lighting.
However, as expected with Lexus, standard features are extensive and adds the next generation Lexus remote touch, metallic self-healing paint, drive mode select rain-sensing wipers, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation with live traffic alerts, Bluetooth with audio streaming and four-door smart entry with card key.
The GS250 range includes two new variants the Luxury and F Sport, in addition to the current sport luxury model. All three are powered by a quad-cam V6 developing 154kW of power.
All GS350 variants make do with a class-leading V6 putting out 233kW of power, while the range topping GS450h hybrid develops 254kW and will be available from June 2012.
The entry level price of $99,900 for the new GS450h luxury variant is a full $20,000 less than the model it replaces, but also offers more space, more comfort, more safety and more generous specification levels.
Lexus chief executive Tony Cramb is confident that buyers will find the new GS an attractive proposition in what is a competitive segment when he said, “The all-new Lexus GS goes right to the heart of the of our brand values, delivering a vehicle that improves on the past and sets the benchmark for the future.
“With its bold new look, newfound athleticism, innovative features, expanded range and exceptional pricing, the all-new GS range is sure to impress.
“The fourth generation GS will also cement our position as the industry leader in performance hybrids, offering an efficient yet powerful luxury tourer that leverages Lexus’ 10 years of real world hybrid experience.”
All GS luxury spec cars come equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels; six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters; three driving modes (sport, eco, normal); cruise control; leather accented interior; LED daytime running lights; front fog lamps; dual-zone climate control; heated and cooled front seats with 10-way adjustability and self-dimming and heated side mirrors.
F-Sport models add sports suspension, sports pedals; adaptive variable suspension; an additional sport + driving mode; bespoke interior trim; 16-way adjustable sports driver’s seats; bespoke sports body kit and grille and F-Sport specific 19-inch alloy wheels.
Stepping further up the GS model range to the GS350 and GS450h, which pick up the Lexus dynamic handling system with dynamic rear steering; advanced pre-collision safety system with active cruise control; variable gear ratio steering; larger front brakes with two-piece rotors; VDIM step 5 with DRS and head up display.
The top spec sport luxury models add the 12.3-inch multimedia system; driver fatigue monitor with eye detection; 20-way adjustable front seats; 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio; tri-zone climate control with rear controls and Nanoe technology; automatic high beam; semi-aniline leather accents, genuine wood grain trim and electric rear window sunshades.
Lexus GS pricing
GS 250 Luxury: $77,900, F Sport: $85,900, Sport Luxury: $99,900
GS 350 Luxury: $89,900, F Sport: $99,900, Sport Luxury: $109,900
GS 450h Luxury: $99,900, F Sport: $111,900, Sport Luxury: $121,900