Lexus GS
Lexus GS 300
Lexus GS 300

2016 Lexus GS 200t

Pros: Strong, refined drivetrains in both regular and hybrid form; surprisingly nimble handling, particularly with the F Sport package

Cons: Back seat is more cramped than exterior size would suggest; some drivers dislike interface of Lexus Remote Touch system; steep price premium for hybrid model

 

CG Says: The Lexus GS line expands for 2016 with the addition of GS 200t and GS F. The GS 200t is a new base model powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GS F is a high-performance version of the GS sedan designed to compete with BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz AMG E63, and Cadillac CTS-V. GS F packs a 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. All of the GS line gets revised front-end styling that now includes bi-LED headlights. The GS 350’s V6 gets a modest horsepower increase from 306 to 311. A safety package includes new features such pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert and mitigation, and self-dimming headlights. The Lexus GS 350 is comfortable, reasonably sporty, and tastefully finished. Its powertrain is smooth and strong, and the brand’s traditionally top-notch customer care appeals as well. Prices are steep, particularly as options are added, but overall the GS 350 holds its own well in the premium-midsize class. It strikes a decent balance between the sporty character of the BMW 5-Series and coddling of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but the fact that it doesn’t really stand out in any one area might put the GS at a disadvantage among discerning luxury-car buyers. The GS 450h is smooth, quiet, surprisingly fun to drive, and returns excellent fuel economy (more than 30 mpg in our testing). The notion of being luxuriously green comes at a cost: more than $10,000 over the conventional Lexus GS 350, and it’s a chasm that grows wider as you add costly stand-alone and packaged options.

The Facts
Class Premium Midsize Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Lexus
Nation of Manufacture Japan
Base Prices GS 200t: $45,615
GS 200t F Sport: $53,285
GS 350: $50,000
AWD GS 350: $50,470
GS 350 F Sport: $54,115
AWD GS 350 F Sport: $55,860
GS 450h: $63,080
GS 450h F Sport: $68,125
GS F: $84,440

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
241
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
21-22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
30-33

Optional Engine
3.5-liter V6
Horsepower
311
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic (RWD)
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic (AWD)
EPA City Range (mpg)
19-20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
26-29

Optional Engine
3.5-liter V6/electric
Horsepower
338
Std. Transmission
CVT
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
29
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
34

Lexus GS 350
2016 Lexus GS 350
2016 Lexus GS 450
2016 Lexus GS 450h F Sport
Lexus GS F
2016 Lexus GS F
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