- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
180kW, 350Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
4 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Lexus GS200t quick spin
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Vitals: $75,000 (plus on-road and dealer costs); 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 180kW/350Nm; 8-speed auto; 8.0L/100km; rear-wheel drive
Why we're driving it
The new 2.0-litre turbo engine – denoted by the 200t badging - is working its way through many Lexus models, and the GS is the latest one to pick it up.
What is it?
The most affordable GS on sale, undercutting the hybrid model by $3000.
What does it say about me?
You want a good value luxury sedan with plenty of tech but you don't need the grunt of a six-cylinder.
What colours does it come in?
Think conservative; this is a luxury sedan, after all. There's every shade of white and silver you could ever pine for, as well as two black options (one of which is the only "standard" colour; others cost extra). There are also a couple of blues (one vibrant, one deeper) and a nice metallic maroon, while the Deep Metallic Bronze (it's like a shimmering brown) is sure to polarise opinions.
Inside you can choose between five leather colours, including red, black, cream and tan. This Luxury model comes with a dark wood trim, although Sports Luxury and F Sport models can be had with different wood finishes or a patterned aluminium look.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. Tries hard, is reliable and strangely likable, but doesn't always hit the mark.
Why would I buy it?
For the impressive spread of features. Lexus throws plenty of gear at the base model we've tested here. Included is leather, smart key entry, digital radio, radar cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, auto LED lights, and powered front seats with heating and cooling functions. There's also auto emergency braking as part of the Pre-Collision Safety System, as well as lane keeping assist (with mild steering assistance) and auto high beams (they're quicker than most in switching to high beam but can still temporarily blind oncoming drivers).
Best bits?
The attention to detail and craftsmanship inside are fantastic, from the leather on the seats to the elegant lighting and controls. And everything meshes together perfectly. There's not a hint of a squeak or rattle, either, and you get the impression the GS will give many trouble-free years.
Worst bits?
The Lexus Remote Touch controller that is your single point of contact to navigate the cursor around the 8.0-inch colour screen. It's nowhere near as easy as other luxury cars, often over-shooting where you want it to land and requiring delicate inputs to ensure you don't push the wrong button.
The circular Drive Mode selector is also very cheap-feeling and plasticky and jars with the upmarket metallic surfaces (particularly the knobs on the sound system).
Will it let me down?
Only in that you may get bored with it, because it's not the most enticing car to drive. Otherwise there's almost no chance you'll run into trouble. Lexus regularly tops reliability surveys – and with good reason. History suggests it will give many, many years of untroubled motoring.
Does it cost too much?
Not really, although it's no bargain. It undercuts similarly sized luxury rivals by about $5000 or more, and it comes loaded with plenty of fruit for the base price.
Will I get a deal?
Give it a crack, but your best bet is likely to be on a demonstrator with very low kays.
Will it get me noticed?
No chance, especially if you choose one of the understated colours. The GS is more about being comfortable inside without poking your head above the mainstream crowd.
Does it go?
It's OK, mainly thanks to the decent dollop of torque; there's 350Nm to play with from just 1650rpm, so it pulls quite strongly in the middle engine revs. At low revs, though, there's an odd woofiness to the exhaust that is the only hint of character from what is otherwise a very refined, smooth engine.
The 180kW power peak is respectable and it zips along well enough. And the eight-speed automatic shifts cleanly and smoothly, although with the Drive Mode Select in Normal mode it's a little too eager to change into taller gears, something that can mean extra gear changes when you reapply the throttle; for twisting, undulating roads you're better off selecting Sport.
Does it like corners?
It's well behaved through the bends but not particularly rewarding. Ours was the Luxury model, which is more focused on comfort, so rides on 17-inch tyres. There's a slight vagueness to the steering feel, which makes for dull initial responses when you twirl the wheel. But it tracks faithfully and is predictable.
What about bumps?
Those taller profile tyres mean the GS200t Luxury is pretty adept at disposing of bumps. The suspension is fairly compliant and even sharp-edged imperfections are well contained. The body is also nicely controlled, so if you're pushing on and come across a big dip it'll settle quickly.
How's the sound system?
Surprisingly good, and helped by the fact it comes with a digital radio tuner (if only it was easy to program those digital channels…). The 12-speaker system has good punch and power and impressive clarity. The biggest disappointment is that the brilliant 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is only available on more expensive F Sport models.
What about service stations?
Fuel use is claimed at 8.0 litres per 100km, but we didn't get anywhere near that. It was more like 11 or 12L/100km in suburban driving. That's good, but not fantastic. Then again, if you want to save more fuel you can splash out for the hybrid model, which uses about one-third less fuel (possibly more if you're doing a lot of stop-start driving).
Would you buy one?
The latest GS isn't a bad car, especially once you factor in the high level of equipment, and the fact it will probably soldier on longer than many luxury rivals before major issues kick in. But I'd opt for the F Sport, which is more enticing to drive and looks snazzier.
What else should I consider?
A BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 or the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The new Jaguar XF is also worth a look. But expect to pay more for each, and even then you're likely to miss out on some of the gear standard in the Lexus.
The spin
"Designed for the eye, engineered for the heart."
The translation
It's more about what's beneath the skin.