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2012 Lexus GS: new-generation sedan launches in Australia

The fourth-generation Lexus GS has launched in Australia with the Lexus GS250 and GS350 arriving in the company's 24 dealerships nationwide.


From a starting price of $77,900, the Lexus GS250 luxury starts the assault on its German rivals - the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class - with an array of standard features that include blind spot and tyre monitor systems, parking sensors and clearance sonar, reversing camera, bi-xenon headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10-way electric front seats, as well as an 8-inch screen with satellite navigation and live traffic updates.

The starting price is nearly $20,000 cheaper than the previous entry point into the model range, the now discontinued Lexus GS300. Lexus says the new GS250 also offers 20 per cent better value for money than the GS300.

Based on an all-new platform, the new Lexus GS offers improved interior space with increased legroom and  headroom for the driver and front passenger. As for the rear seats, knee and head room have improved by 20mm and 25mm respectively.

The Lexus GS250 makes use of the same engine and six-speed transmission found in the IS250 range but with different gear ratios. That means 154kW of power and 253Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.6 seconds.

The GS250 is available in three trim levels: Luxury ($77,900), F Sport ($85,900) and Sport Luxury ($99,900).

The GS250 F Sport variant gains sports suspension, sports pedals, adaptive suspension, additional SPORT+ drive mode, updated interior trim with 16-way driver's sport seat, sport body kit with aluminium trim and grille as well as 19-inch alloy wheels.

An additional $14,000 for the Sport Luxury will get you a more luxurious interior and add the world's biggest multimedia screen in a product car (12.3 inches), a driver fatigue monitor system that can tell if you're about to fall asleep or when you get distracted, using eye detection technology mounted on the steering wheel and active cruise control which will happily follow the car in front to a set speed.

Lexus' advanced pre-collision warning system also helps prevent or minimise the impact of accidents by detecting an accident situation ahead of time. Additionally, 20-way adjustable seats, a useful head-up display, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, tri-zone climate control with rear controls and an air conditioning system that puts moisture back in the air to prevent dry skin and hair, are all part of the package.

As with the GS250's similarities in its powertrain to the IS250, the GS350 makes do with the same 3.5-litre V6 coupled to a six-speed auto found in the IS350. The Lexus GS350 has 233kW of power and 378Nm of torque and dashes from 0-100km/h in a very respectable six seconds.

The Lexus GS350 will also have three variants starting from $89,900 for the luxury model. Standard features are similar to the GS250 range, except for the F Sport model that gains Lexus Dynamic Handling System (LDHS) and better brakes up front (two-piece front rotor and four piston callipers).

A series of optional packages will also be offered on Luxury and F Sport models. This will make nine variants in total when the GS450h joins the line-up in May. Lexus Australia says the new GS range is directed straight at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW's 5-Series but offers better value for money.

Check back tomorrow for a review of the Lexus GS250 and GS350.

Lexus GS250
Luxury $77,900
Luxury + Enhancement pack  $81,900
F Sport $85,900
F Sport + Enhancement pack 1 $88,900
F Sport + Enhancement pack 2 $91,900
Sports Luxury $99,900

Lexus GS350
Luxury $89,900
Luxury + Enhancement pack  $95,900
F Sport $99,900
F Sport + Enhancement pack  $102,900
Sports Luxury $109,900

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