Lexus GS Review | 2016 GS200t – Lexus Gives Its Large Sedan A Turbo Lift
THE FACELIFTED 2016 LEXUS GS GETS OUR TICK OF APPROVAL THANKS TO THE SWEET 2.0-LITRE TURBO SLOTTED IN UNDER THAT LONG, SCULPTURED LEXUS BONNET.
The major styling change to the third generation Lexus GS (that landed locally in 2012) is limited to new front lights. But behind them lies something more important – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to replace the ageing 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6.
For around the same price as the GS250 it replaces, the new entry-level GS200t also scores extra standard safety technology – including blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, pre-collision warning and auto-braking.
Vehicle Style: Large sedan
Price: $75,000 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 180kW/350Nm 2.0 4cyl turbo | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 8.0 l/100km | tested: 8.9 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Lexus admits that large sedans are a tough sell. While sales are up 28.8 percent this year for the Lexus brand (to October 2015), it's the NX medium SUV that can claim all of the credit, adding 2500 units to become the brand's best seller.
Meanwhile GS sales have halved, trickling to 115 units over the same period.
Enter the new GS200t Luxury at $75,000 plus on-road costs, a $2890 rise over the GS250 it replaces. The GS200t F Sport version is $83,000, and the surcharge for the GS300h is $3000 for either grade.