Grand-touring Sedan - that was how we were brought to understand about the acronym 'GS' - a seemingly befitting one for the latest offering from Lexus. The GS has also taken on an additional element - Sportiness, more prominently displayed than in the previous offerings.
Amidst the anticipation for this review, there have been bountiful promises from both the marque and presses, which point towards that of an exciting departure from the relatively inert experience that has grown synonymous with Lexus cars. Behold the sportiest sedan from Lexus just yet.
Exterior
It is with little surprise that Lexus, like many others, has taken on a family-borne styling, particularly a front fascia that strengthens the kinship among its offerings. In Lexus' language: the spindle grille.
On our test car, multi-spoke F-sport rims fills the sizeable arches adeptly. Viewed from the sides, the upward slopping bonnet adds a distinct character to the silhouette, with thick C-pillars complimenting the athletic charisma of the package.
Amidst the anticipation for this review, there have been bountiful promises from both the marque and presses, which point towards that of an exciting departure from the relatively inert experience that has grown synonymous with Lexus cars. Behold the sportiest sedan from Lexus just yet.
Exterior
It is with little surprise that Lexus, like many others, has taken on a family-borne styling, particularly a front fascia that strengthens the kinship among its offerings. In Lexus' language: the spindle grille.
On our test car, multi-spoke F-sport rims fills the sizeable arches adeptly. Viewed from the sides, the upward slopping bonnet adds a distinct character to the silhouette, with thick C-pillars complimenting the athletic charisma of the package.
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The edgy lines add a sense of dynamism, exuding a sporty raring-to-go stance even at standstill. The rear too receives more angular treatments, which adds to the visually-perceptible dimensions. Completing the sporty package are the bumper-integrated twin tailpipes, a nice distinction from the conventional round-tips.
The new GS exudes essences of sportiness, most distinct when viewed from the front three-quarts  |
Interior
In true fashion of what the marque has set out to pursue, the GS250's interior is expansively wrapped with soft leather and a combination of wood and lacquered trims. In luxury trim, our test car bristles with gadgetry niceties - most notably the Mark Levinson audio unit, and the larger-than-life 12.3-inch centre monitor.
For the audiophiles: Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround system; twin gain-knobs on the head unit are a nice touch
Located conveniently atop the transmission tunnel are controls for the drive-mode selection and Lexus' infotainment system. While the toggle-pad is aptly sized and ergonomically positioned, it takes patience to work around the system, lacking the intuitiveness found in its closest rivals. One may also find the multitude of buttons around the helm's position a tad over-clustering.
In true fashion of what the marque has set out to pursue, the GS250's interior is expansively wrapped with soft leather and a combination of wood and lacquered trims. In luxury trim, our test car bristles with gadgetry niceties - most notably the Mark Levinson audio unit, and the larger-than-life 12.3-inch centre monitor.
For the audiophiles: Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround system; twin gain-knobs on the head unit are a nice touch Located conveniently atop the transmission tunnel are controls for the drive-mode selection and Lexus' infotainment system. While the toggle-pad is aptly sized and ergonomically positioned, it takes patience to work around the system, lacking the intuitiveness found in its closest rivals. One may also find the multitude of buttons around the helm's position a tad over-clustering.
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On the road, the cabin remains hushed, embedding the occupants in a plush and serene environment that has been a trademark of the Japanese marque. It is only during instances where the driver decides to give the powerplant adrenaline doses that the serenity will be broken by the V6 howl.
Drivers will also find ease in acquiring a posture that suits them best with the 18-way adjustable seat. Likewise, rear occupants will find the roomy rear quarters up to any luxurious standards. The only downside being the less-cushioned and slightly raised centre seat, which makes it awkward for a third full-sized adult.
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The Drive
Despite being the base model in the GS lineup, the 250 packs adequate grunt for our city commutes. While it does not pull off the line as enthusiastically as its bigger 350 brother, the powerplant does not in any way feel lethargic.
The GS250 gets up to revs in a surprisingly vocal manner. Extending the throttle further into the range will have the powerplant respond in an intoxicating howl - all these thanks to an intake sound generator and a muffler chamber that has been optimised for exhaust noise. As such, motorists infatuated with engine symphonies will find themselves suitably satisfied with the V6 on board - surprisingly from a Lexus sedan.
At the helm, the steering feels direct and precise, although it is during spirited manoeuvres that the GS250's heft is exposed. That however, is least of a surprise, as after all, one cannot ignore the primary objective of the GS sedan, with comfort still in top priority.
Despite being the base model in the GS lineup, the 250 packs adequate grunt for our city commutes. While it does not pull off the line as enthusiastically as its bigger 350 brother, the powerplant does not in any way feel lethargic.
The GS250 gets up to revs in a surprisingly vocal manner. Extending the throttle further into the range will have the powerplant respond in an intoxicating howl - all these thanks to an intake sound generator and a muffler chamber that has been optimised for exhaust noise. As such, motorists infatuated with engine symphonies will find themselves suitably satisfied with the V6 on board - surprisingly from a Lexus sedan.
At the helm, the steering feels direct and precise, although it is during spirited manoeuvres that the GS250's heft is exposed. That however, is least of a surprise, as after all, one cannot ignore the primary objective of the GS sedan, with comfort still in top priority.
Conclusion
In the new GS250, Lexus has carefully struck a balance between retaining its luxurious underpinnings and adopting new sporting elements.
While the driving experience have taken on a more dynamic approach, the GS is still a thoroughbred luxury offering, obvious through the cabin experience and the array of niceties tuned for comfort.
Brand purists may regard the integration as a departure from what Lexus has set off to accomplish in the first place. But view it from another aspect - the reinventions have put the marque in spotlights, and definitely in the radar of younger car shoppers around the globe.
In the new GS250, Lexus has carefully struck a balance between retaining its luxurious underpinnings and adopting new sporting elements.
While the driving experience have taken on a more dynamic approach, the GS is still a thoroughbred luxury offering, obvious through the cabin experience and the array of niceties tuned for comfort.
Brand purists may regard the integration as a departure from what Lexus has set off to accomplish in the first place. But view it from another aspect - the reinventions have put the marque in spotlights, and definitely in the radar of younger car shoppers around the globe.
