2017 Lexus GS

New for 2017

For 2017, the GS gets the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver-assistance features as standard, along with a handful of other equipment changes.

Quality with a soul

Lexus is known for building high-quality, reliable luxury cars. But lately, the brand has focused more on fun, performance, and style, and the 2017 Lexus GS is a testament to that. It’s as solid as any previous Lexus sedan but has a more soulful driving experience and a more dramatic design than its predecessors.

Performance

The GS stays true to the luxury mission of Lexus, but also offers a sporty character to entice enthusiastic driving. Not surprisingly, given that it is the luxury arm of Toyota, Lexus also offers a hybrid powertrain option in the GS, something that can’t be said of many of its competitors.

Lexus also follows the trend among luxury brands of offering a small turbocharged engine for increased fuel efficiency. The GS 200t model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GS 200t is offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Lexus says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 143 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway).*

For more power, the GS 350 features a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. This model is available with either an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, or a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive version does 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, reaches a top speed of 143 mph, and gets an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*

The all-wheel drive version of the GS 350 reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, tops out at 130 mph, and is rated at 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*

A third option is the GS 450h hybrid. Its powertrain pairs an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 with the Lexus Hybrid Drive system for a total system output of 338 hp. The hybrid does 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 137 mph, according to Lexus. It also gets an EPA-rated 31 mpg combined (29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway).*

For added sportiness, Lexus offers an F Sport package with special styling elements, sportier chassis tuning, and a limited-slip differential on rear-wheel drive models. The F Sport package is available on the GS 200t, GS 350, and GS 450h, but it does come with a fuel-economy penalty on the non-hybrid models. The EPA rates the GS 200t F Sport at 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway),* and the GS 350 F Sport at 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway).*

Features

The 2017 Lexus GS is a five-door, five-seat midsize luxury sedan. Pricing starts at $46,310.**

Lexus offers a fairly generous array of standard equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, electronic parking brake, heated auto-dimming power exterior mirrors, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen, analog clock, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Siri® Eyes Free voice control for iPhone users, and a 12-speaker audio system.

Optional features include a head-up display, heated steering wheel, Mark Levinson® premium audio system, upgraded infotainment system with navigation and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Lexus Enform apps and telematics services. Some notable option packages include the F Sport package and Premium package (heated/ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, rain-sensing wipers).

Lexus also offers a Luxury package for the GS 350 model that includes features like 18-way power front seats, adaptive suspension, a driver and front passenger seat memory system, rear climate and audio controls, semi-aniline leather seating, and a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Design

The 2017 Lexus GS has one of the most dramatic exterior designs of any luxury car currently on sale. It features the bold Lexus “spindle grille” which is accentuated by the sculpting of the front bumper that surrounds it. LED daytime running lights shaped like little lightning bolts give the GS a distinctive look, even at night.

The interior features a modern design to match the exterior. Traditional luxury elements like wood and leather trim are available, but the overall shape of the dashboard, steering wheel, and center console departs from the norm. The GS is also spacious, with 42.3 inches of front legroom and 36.8 inches of rear legroom, as well as 18.4 cubic feet of trunk space.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Lexus GS includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+. This suite of driver aids includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, and lane departure alert with steering assist. Lane keep assist and lane departure warning are available options.

Verdict

The 2017 Lexus GS expands on the brand's reputation for quality and reliability by adding sportiness and style to the menu.

For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Lexus GS, contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.

Image Credit: Lexus