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Lexus GS 200t Makes for a Great Luxury and Performance Sedan Choice
It amazes me just how far we have come with engine technology. One of major trends we see today in 2017 is the shift towards small displacement four-cylinder engines that put out gobs of power. The weeks test car has only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 but churns out 241 horsepower along with 258 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus GS is rear drive platform mid size luxury sedan packing lots of goodies which means lots of weight. Despite the engines small size is moves the Lexus with great authority and becomes an interesting add to the portfolio of GS models
As is expected of a Lexus sedan, the new 2017 GS is loaded with luxury and technology features, as well as superior long-term reliability and resale figures. My test vehicle spices it up with a F-Sport performance package.. When pitted up against the all new BMW 5 series, Cadillac CTS or Mercedes all new E class. The new GS proves a worthy competitor, offering similar levels of performance and technology.
For 2017, the Lexus Safety System+ package, introduced last year as an option, is now standard on the new GS 200t, as well as the GS 350 and GS 450h. The state-of-the-art system includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
After considerable time behind the wheel of GS 200t I found it to be a likable and competent performance sedan with impressive acceleration, cornering and braking response. It’s fun to drive and absolutely luxurious. The GS’s stiff structure, lightweight aluminum suspension and wide track all contribute to its level cornering and compliant ride. The 3-setting Drive Mode permits a choice among Eco, Normal and Sport, with each setting varying the degree of response from the steering and throttle. Adding the F-Sport package brings more aggressive ride and handling as well as opens the door to more upgrades, such as the Lexus Dynamic Handling system with Variable Gear Ratio Steering.
Although edgy on the outside, Lexus’ 2017 GS luxury sedan is all about comfort on the inside. Both front occupants enjoy 10-way-power seats, and LED ambient lighting is integrated into the door ornamentation and the console. Soft leather is everywhere and nice touches and details abound, from “Lexus”-stamped scuff plates on all doorsills to contrast stitching on the upper instrument panel, door panels and shift boot. The attractively shaped instrument panel includes analog Optitron gauges with a color Multi-Information Display and an 8- or 12.3-inch color high-resolution central-control screen that operates with the 2nd-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) control function.
Not designed for the shy, the new Lexus GS luxury performance sedan is a boldly styled piece of road-going art. It leads with an aggressive front-end treatment with an oversized grille, deep chin spoiler and intense expression. Distinctive headlights and LED tail lights fit its sporting image, as do its muscular lines, highly defined shapes and low stance. The while the F Sport Package and GS F add 19-inch wheels.
All 2017 Lexus GS models include leather upholstery (NuLuxe simulated leather on the GS 200t), wood/metallic accent trim, power moonroof, multifunction steering wheel and energy-saving S-flow automatic climate control. The standard Lexus Premium Audio System has 12 speakers, AM/FM/DVD with HD Radio and WMA/MP3 capability, Bluetooth streaming, 5.1 Surround Sound and numerous other features.
The F Sport Package, which makes any Lexus more fun to drive. It adds a 16-way driver’s sport seat, custom-tuned AVS, bigger wheels, tires and brakes along with Variable Gear Ratio Steering.
The 2017 Lexus GS 200t sedan is powered by a twin-scroll 2.0-liter turbocharged engine sending power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the F Sport package. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Lexus GS 200t starts just a shade over $47,000. my loaded test model came to $57,735. The four-cylinder turbo makes the heavy GS feel lighter on its feet and is great fun to drive. One of my favorite rear wheel drive sedans just got better with the addition of the new turbo variant.
Autoworld Radio, Bob Long, Lexus, Performance sedans, RWD, The Long Drive, WheeledPlanet.com, 2017 Lexus GS Review, Test Drive
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