Lexus GS range more compelling than ever
Enhanced styling, an additional EX model, and improved features specification identify the 2010 Lexus GS range that includes the country’s only PERFORMANCEHYBRID executive sedan
29 January 2010
The Lexus GS300 wears a new face for 2010, as shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show late last year. The new front grille freshens the executive sedan’s L-finesse styling, while revised alloy wheel styles complete the subtle styling upgrade. The only PERFORMANCEHYBRID in the class, the GS450h is further distinguished by unique grille treatment and clear lens rear lamps.
“The addition of the GS300 EX to the range complements this minor facelift and fills a widening gap between the S and SE,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The GS300 EX gives customers an additional opportunity when it comes to selecting the level of specification they require – a level that we have found has worked very well with the recently introduced IS250 EX.”
The GS300 EX offers many of the appealing features of the luxuriously appointed GS300 SE within a more value conscious proposition. Visually it shares its appearance with the SE, now running on 18-inch alloy wheels and including an aerodynamic boot lip. Over and above the already comprehensive features specification of the GS300 S, the EX adds Lexus’ Electronic Multi Vision (EMV) display including a seven-inch full colour touch screen that operates upgraded 40GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with voice command and Park Distance Control (PDC) as standard.
The GS range continues to usurp its competition in terms of features at the price. Standard features across the range include automatic High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and fog lights front and rear. Soft close doors have been added, while heated electric seats with memory, electric steering column adjustment, smart entry, a reverse camera, dual climate control, Bluetooth, and cruise control all remain. Lexus’ Premium Sound System includes MP3 capability, a USB port, six-CD changer and 10 speakers to offer brilliant audio quality.
SE models benefit from rain sensing wipers, seat ventilation with semi-analine leather, a moon roof, electric rear sunshade, and acclaimed Mark Levinson 14-speaker digital surround sound that can store up to 2 000 songs on the hard drive for the discerning executive car driver.
Safety remains of the highest order with 10 airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), active headrests for the front seats and Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) that controls all the dynamic safety systems holistically, including ABS, Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).
The two powertrains remain, including the only PERFORMANCEHYBRID available in the segment. The GS450h combines a 218kW 3,5-litre petrol V6 with 147kW of electric power to offer V8 levels of performance with comparable turbodiesel torque and economy along with the obvious emissions advantages – just 180g/km. The 250kW combined system output allows an electronically limited 250km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration of 6,2 seconds, but combined cycle economy of just 7,6 l/100km.
The GS300’s refined 3,0-litre V6 develops 183kW at 6 200 rpm and 310Nm at 3 500 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, the GS300 uses 9,5 l/100km on a combined cycle and tops 240km/h with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7,9 seconds.
“The GS range continues to offer a beautiful blend of luxury and space with dynamic performance, especially in PERFORMANCEHYBRID guise, for the intelligent executive car buyer,” says Flynn. “Its specification is difficult to match at the price, and with the enhancements for 2010 and additional choice provided by the GS300 EX, the GS remains a compelling proposition.”
As with the rest of the Lexus range, the GS300 and GS450h are covered by a four-year/100 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. For more information or to arrange a drive experience, visit www.lexus.co.za or call 08611 LEXUS.