AutoTrader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
The mid-size luxury sports sedan range continues with three hybrid models; the GS 300h Limited, the GS 450h Limited and F Sport, and two V6 petrol engine GS 350’s available in Limited and F Sport grades complete with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, Lexus continues to expand its performance portfolio with the GS range debuting a GS F model with a 5.0-litre V8 engine for those seeking even more performance.
“The 2016 GS gets the more comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ package that is being progressively added to the whole Lexus range,” said Spencer Morris, the general manager of product for Lexus New Zealand.
The interior now has a 17 speaker Mark Levinson premium DVD audio package with a Clari-Fi audio enhancement and Satellite Navigation installed, and a 12.3” display with full-screen map capabilities, while the colour multi-information display increases to 4.2”.
There is now a colour head-up display to assist the driving experience through projecting critical information such as speed, navigation, cruise control and safety warnings onto the windshield without drawing your attention from the road.
The Lexus Safety System+ now featured across the entire GS range adds automatic high beam, lane departure alert with sway warning and lane keep assist to the already comprehensive list of safety components including the pre-crash safety system and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control.
Other intelligent features such as hill-start assist control, rain sensing front wipers with washer function, self-restoring exterior paint and a powered rear shade make for a more simple day-to-day GS experience and allow more attention to be spent on assertive performance.
The CUSTOMIZE drive mode available on the GS 350 and GS 450h F Sport models enables the powertrain, chassis and air conditioning to be adjusted to your driving preference, or alternatively choose from the fixed settings available in the NORMAL, ECO, SPORT S and SPORT S+ drive modes.
The GS 350 models are powered by an improved 3.5-litre V6 engine which now uses both Otto and Atkinson cycles in addition to revised intake and exhaust valves to produce 232kW and 380Nm with a combined fuel economy of 9.3L/100km and 216g/km of CO2 emissions.
There is no going back for Lexus with the now signature spindle grille. On the 2016 GS it is bolder and more aggressive than ever sharpened by the new LED headlights and separate LED daytime running lights which are housed by the protruding front bumper.
The lower body panel moulding line has been lowered 20mm to emphasise a lower centre of gravity. There is a revised rear bumper with new LED combination lights and new wheel designs across the range with five-spoke 18” alloys for Limited models and 10-spoke 19” alloys for F Sport.
Six new exterior colours bring the palette offering up to 10 including Graphite Black available across the range while Sonic Quartz, Deep Metallic Bronze and Deep Blue are available for Limited models and Burgundy and Cobalt exclusive to F Sport models.
The GS 300h Limited has a combined cycle output from its 2.5-litre four cylinder engine and electric generator of 164kWs, while the 450h produces 254kWs from the generator and 3.5-litre V6 engine.
The GS 300h has a combined fuel economy of just 5.2L/100kms and 121 g/km of CO2 emissions. The GS 450h is rated at 6.3L/100kms and 147 g/km of CO2.
Revised coil springs are fitted to all models and under body aerodynamics have been improved by positioning the bottom edge of the front bumper 10mm further forward.
The GS body has been strengthened and stiffened with 188 more spot welds, 22.5 more metres of body adhesive and the door surrounds have an extra 132 laser screw welding points compared to the current model.
The cabin also includes new door trim switches; a new leather covered multi-function steering wheel, new instrumentation, background lighting and revised ornamentation.
Heated exterior mirrors, smart entry and start with key card, LED front fog lights, reversing camera with backing monitor and sensors, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, leather upholstery and leather covered steering wheel and gear lever are also standard.
The GS 350 Limited and GS 350 F Sport have a front suspension performance rod across the bottom of the engine bay to improve handling and steering response. The GS 350 F Sport, GS 450h Limited and GS 450h F Sport have Adaptive Variable Suspension.
The F Sport models gain an adaptive front lighting system which automatically swivels the headlamp beam right and left to cover the curves in the road. The system has been advanced from previous
systems to swivel both headlamps, not just one, to prevent glare from oncoming vehicles to ensure visibility when cornering. F Sport models now include the unique 8” colour TFT combination meter as seen in models like the IS F Sport.
The F Sport models also add a five mode drive select, Naguri-style aluminium ornamentation, 16 way power adjustment of the driver’s F Sport seat, manual rear doors, F Sport pedals, steering wheel and unique alloy wheels, automatic high beam LED headlights and a distinctly F Sport mesh spindle grille for ample sports appeal.
