Photo: Stefan Baldauf
Those of you with a better memory might remember that Lexus GS was the first truly all-new model from the Japanese automaker. Launched in late 2011, its trademark spindle grille soon found its way onto every model in the lineup. A few years later, the GS has received a facelift that we got to check out at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015.
Right before our eyes, the GS 450h revealed its sexy new headlights and updated grille design. Its sinister looks, courtesy of a dark paintjob, hid the green powertrain underneath. Further enhancing the sharpness of the big sedan, a new set of rocker panels and sporty alloy wheels have been added. The funny thing is that the 450h now sits alongside more versions of the GS than ever.
Together with the facelift, the GS 200t model also made its European debut. It uses the same 2-liter turbo engine as the NX crossover, good for 245 horsepower and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It will be interesting to see how the new model compares to the established German models.
The European version of the GS 350 also gets a new engine. It's still a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, but fuel consumption has gone down while power is increased to 317 PS and 380 Nm of torque (270 lb-ft).
This power is sent to the rear wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, Lexus officials at the event told us this variant will only head to Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Caucasus.
A second hybrid model has also been added. It's called the GS 300h and uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine running the Atkinson cycle working together with an electric motor. If that doesn't impress you, then how about a combined fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg US)?
Lexus is already the biggest luxury carmaker in America by volume. Could the updated GS help them do the same in Europe, traditionally a diesel market?
Together with the facelift, the GS 200t model also made its European debut. It uses the same 2-liter turbo engine as the NX crossover, good for 245 horsepower and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It will be interesting to see how the new model compares to the established German models.
The European version of the GS 350 also gets a new engine. It's still a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, but fuel consumption has gone down while power is increased to 317 PS and 380 Nm of torque (270 lb-ft).
This power is sent to the rear wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, Lexus officials at the event told us this variant will only head to Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Caucasus.
A second hybrid model has also been added. It's called the GS 300h and uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine running the Atkinson cycle working together with an electric motor. If that doesn't impress you, then how about a combined fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg US)?
Lexus is already the biggest luxury carmaker in America by volume. Could the updated GS help them do the same in Europe, traditionally a diesel market?
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