LEXUS GS 1997-2000 Photos, engines & full specs

The second generation of the GS aimed directly at the BMW 5-Series, and it had its pluses and minuses.

Lexus tried to make the GS premium sedan with a clear target: the BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. While the Germans offered a wider choice of engines, including performance versions, Lexus was preoccupied with providing a luxurious, quiet interior.

Giorgetto Giugiaro imagined the exterior look baseline, and, strangely, it used mostly curved lines for it. Lexus kept the proportions and the overall style from the first generation and translated it into its younger sibling. An interesting theme with four headlights design was noticed at the front. A big, chromed grille with the Lexus badge in the middle had the mission to attract eyes like honey to bees. The short trunk made the car look more dynamic, but it was smaller than most other vehicles in its segment.

Inside, Lexus nailed it with an exclusive design trend. There were three dials buried deep in the instrument cluster. They could be seen only by the driver. For the other occupants, the carmaker installed an infotainment system with a big screen (offered as an option) on the center stack. Due to its long wheelbase, the GS provided enough room for the rear passengers.

Under the hood, Lexus installed a choice of two engines. The base version featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine, while a 4.0-liter V8 unit powered the full version. Both were paired to a 5-speed automatic gearbox.