New Lexus GS 300 Review
The Lexus GS range was launched for the European market in 1993 two years after it was first launched in Japan. Aimed to take market share from BMW, Mercedes and Audi, the new Lexus appealed to those who did not want to be stereotyped.
2005 saw the latest generation of the Lexus GS range, the GS 300 and the GS 430. Gone are the days when the Lexus looked like a Toyota Avensis on steroids, the new GS looks like a serious competitor for its German rivals.
As with the rest of the Lexus range you can expect superb build quality, the most up to date technology and that touch of luxury needed to compete in this executive class. Combine this with a five out of five star Euro ncap rating and it is plain to see that Lexus and its parent company, Toyota, have designed a car that not only looks the part, it has the credibility to really challenge in an extremely competitive market.
Constructed on an all-new platform, the new GS has a longer wheelbase and wider rear track than the model it replaces, this has improved the handling and general road poise of the car.
Aerodynamic improvements have also been made along with changes to the insulation, further reducing road and wind noise.
Two models are offered, the GS 300 and the GS 430. A 245 bhp, 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, powers the GS 300, 0 Â? 62 mph is reached in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph can be achieved. A 4.3 litre V8 replaces the V6 in the GS 430, with a power output of 279 bhp the GS 430 accelerates from 0 Â? 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds, keep your foot to the floor and the GS 430 will eventually top out at a limited 155 mph. Both the GS 300 and the GS430 transmit their power through a six speed automatic gearbox with a sequential shift mode, this allows the driver to make manual gear selections when they need to.
Equipment levels on the GS range are very good with all models having a 10-speaker 6-CD player audio system, 8-way power front seats, anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, brake assist system, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control system, curtain shield airbag front and rear, driver and front passenger 2-stage airbag, driver and front passenger thorax abdomen pelvis airbag, driver and front passenger knee airbag, intelligent adaptive front-lighting system, immobilser and double door lock anti-theft system, automatic climate control air conditioning system with clean air filter, bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, cruise control, speed-sensitive electronic power steering, electrically multi-adjustable power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, hight intensity discharge headlamps with pop-up cleaners, one-touch power windows front and rear, separate driver & passenger temperature controls, smart entry and start system, steering wheel operation for audio system and phone, tyre pressure warning system, touch-screen 7" electro multi-vision display and whiplash injury lessening front seats all fitted as standard.
With Lexus coming top in terms of customer satisfaction in the J D Power survey for the fifth consecutive year as well as winning the Whatcar? Security Supertest again for five years in a row, it is little wonder that their German rivals are glancing nervously over their shoulders.
Like the looks of the Lexus GS 300 why not check out the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes E class or the Audi A6.
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