I was having a drink with one of my buddies just a couple of months ago and while I cannot really remember our conversation that night that lasted some four hours, I vividly remember him telling me this: If the person cannot appreciate your presence no matter how hard you try, make that person appreciate your absence.
And in some ways, this statement resembles the handsome-looking Lexus GS Turbo that you see here. The luxury Japanese carmaker has been resisting the push and pressure towards turbocharging until the NX200t saw daylight last year, six months after the launch of the NX Hybrid in October 2014. That was a significant moment for Lexus, with the compact SUV being the first to sport a turbocharged powerplant underneath its bonnet.
Soon after, the Lexus IS200t followed, and now the GS… In a way, while we can say that Lexus has finally caught up with the rest of the pack in its segment, we do miss the naturally aspirated models of Lexus' past. The cars were always there, but buyers of this segment were always comparing how the GS was inferior to the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Well, we disagree. Not because we prefer the Japanese to the Germans or the English but simply because the emotional appeal of driving a Lexus has always been different from its peers. My buddy's dad recently told me he was looking to replace his E-Class and he was complaining how he wished the GS was still using a naturally aspirated engine. Lucky thing for him then because there really isn't much to complain about with the new turbocharged Lexus GS…
And in some ways, this statement resembles the handsome-looking Lexus GS Turbo that you see here. The luxury Japanese carmaker has been resisting the push and pressure towards turbocharging until the NX200t saw daylight last year, six months after the launch of the NX Hybrid in October 2014. That was a significant moment for Lexus, with the compact SUV being the first to sport a turbocharged powerplant underneath its bonnet.
Soon after, the Lexus IS200t followed, and now the GS… In a way, while we can say that Lexus has finally caught up with the rest of the pack in its segment, we do miss the naturally aspirated models of Lexus' past. The cars were always there, but buyers of this segment were always comparing how the GS was inferior to the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Well, we disagree. Not because we prefer the Japanese to the Germans or the English but simply because the emotional appeal of driving a Lexus has always been different from its peers. My buddy's dad recently told me he was looking to replace his E-Class and he was complaining how he wished the GS was still using a naturally aspirated engine. Lucky thing for him then because there really isn't much to complain about with the new turbocharged Lexus GS…
Up close and Personal
The face of the GS is now sharper and sleeker than before, thanks to the spindle grille that's tighter, more detailed headlamps that exude depth and L-shaped LED daytime running lights that are now separated from the headlamps. Tweaks to the taillights have also been made to emphasise the GS' identity that's not only refreshing in its segment but also for the brand itself.
The lineup from Lexus has always boasted well-crafted cabins with top-notch materials to match and the GS Turbo is no exception. Supple leather and wood trimmings that adorn the dash add up to give the Lexus levels of ambience and quality that are higher and greater than its German and English peers. Throw in the very fact that the electric seats have such a wide variety of adjustment makes this car an even more comfortable preposition compared to the aforementioned rivals.
In the space department, rear occupants will enjoy ample head and legroom. The only qualm, which is really nitpicking here, is the bulky transmission tunnel that eats into the leg space of the centre passenger. As you would come to expect, boot space is on par with class-leading rivals like the BMW 5 Series. At 520 litres, it only loses out a tad to the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 530 litres and 540 litres respectively.
The Drive
Replacing the 2.5-litre V6 engine is the same 2.0-litre four-pot turbocharged powerplant that was first seen in the NX200t, which means power and torque now read 240bhp and 350Nm - a significant increase from 210bhp and 253Nm of its predecessor's.
You do feel the difference in terms of power delivery, especially when you're eager to beat the E-Class next to you at the lights. What you do not feel, however, is the difference the way the power is delivered. While the car is now equipped with a turbocharger, you do not get a bulk of force pushing you to your seat once the turbo catches up. Instead, linearity is the name of the game here.
Admittedly, the mid-range is the GS' most endearing period. It is around 3,500rpm where you're clearly into the heart of the torque curve and it's also during this time when you start realising how easy it is to execute overtaking manoeuvres.
It doesn't disappoint when it comes to enthusiastic driving, either. Sure-footed and willing, the GS200t is very well-mannered when it's pushed to its limits. You don't have to deal with any form of reluctance like how some of its competitors do when it comes to the twisty bits. Turn-in is quick and accurate, with a well-controlled roll that maintains your high confidence level as you attack each corner with predictability and poise.
The only complain we have is the lack of feedback from the steering. That said, the GS compensates that flaw with a chassis that's taut and balanced. Turn the knob to activate Sport S+ mode and the suspension stiffens a bit, gearshifts sharpens a tad and throttle response becomes more sensitive - all spruced up to make the keener driver enjoy himself on the road.
Replacing the 2.5-litre V6 engine is the same 2.0-litre four-pot turbocharged powerplant that was first seen in the NX200t, which means power and torque now read 240bhp and 350Nm - a significant increase from 210bhp and 253Nm of its predecessor's.
You do feel the difference in terms of power delivery, especially when you're eager to beat the E-Class next to you at the lights. What you do not feel, however, is the difference the way the power is delivered. While the car is now equipped with a turbocharger, you do not get a bulk of force pushing you to your seat once the turbo catches up. Instead, linearity is the name of the game here.
Admittedly, the mid-range is the GS' most endearing period. It is around 3,500rpm where you're clearly into the heart of the torque curve and it's also during this time when you start realising how easy it is to execute overtaking manoeuvres.
It doesn't disappoint when it comes to enthusiastic driving, either. Sure-footed and willing, the GS200t is very well-mannered when it's pushed to its limits. You don't have to deal with any form of reluctance like how some of its competitors do when it comes to the twisty bits. Turn-in is quick and accurate, with a well-controlled roll that maintains your high confidence level as you attack each corner with predictability and poise.
The only complain we have is the lack of feedback from the steering. That said, the GS compensates that flaw with a chassis that's taut and balanced. Turn the knob to activate Sport S+ mode and the suspension stiffens a bit, gearshifts sharpens a tad and throttle response becomes more sensitive - all spruced up to make the keener driver enjoy himself on the road.
Once you're back on the main roads, where hooliganism is not encouraged, the ride quality remains luxuriously comfortable as you'd come to expect from Lexus. Going about like a gentleman around town, the GS is remarkably refined, with external noises of sorts kept well at bay.
Conclusion
There's really nothing to complain about with the new batch of turbocharged Lexus cars. As before, the GS strikes a sweet balance between comfort and performance on the road without compromising on a classy and luxurious cabin. The real difference here isn't about the minor change in looks but the major change in its engine.
In a way, when the naturally aspirated Lexus cars were constantly around, we never really appreciated them enough. Now that they are a thing of the past, there is a sense of novelty in holding on to them and, as such, missing them dearly is almost inevitable.
If we had it our way and had some $265,000 (as of 21st April 2016) sitting in our bank account, you can bet your last dime we won't be making the same mistake again. After all, why appreciate the absence when presence is so much better?
Conclusion
There's really nothing to complain about with the new batch of turbocharged Lexus cars. As before, the GS strikes a sweet balance between comfort and performance on the road without compromising on a classy and luxurious cabin. The real difference here isn't about the minor change in looks but the major change in its engine.
In a way, when the naturally aspirated Lexus cars were constantly around, we never really appreciated them enough. Now that they are a thing of the past, there is a sense of novelty in holding on to them and, as such, missing them dearly is almost inevitable.
If we had it our way and had some $265,000 (as of 21st April 2016) sitting in our bank account, you can bet your last dime we won't be making the same mistake again. After all, why appreciate the absence when presence is so much better?
