While I was recently at the wheel of Lexus’s middle-of-the-range GS350, I was reminded of My Fair Lady on more than a few occasions. Considering the plot of that movie, I think the GS, especially in GS350 guise, has walked a similar path as the character of Eliza Doolittle, which was portrayed by the lovely Audrey Hepburn in the classic Sixties film.
The previous GS was more of an “old man’s” car than most Mercedes-Benzes, but within the space of one generation, Lexus has really moved the GS package on significantly.
Design and interior
Take a long hard look at the newcomer… If you start at the front end and let your gaze glide towards the saloon’s rear, it becomes apparent that the Japanese manufacturer’s latest luxury saloon is stylish, sleek and very modern. Note the vertical wave at the end section of the rear doors and the chrome-finished exhaust tips.
Open the door, and it seems Lexus has really tried to use as few parts as possible from Toyota’s parts bin. Apart from the window buttons and the cruise control stalk, the rest of the interior seems to be unique to Lexus. This includes the indicator stalk that has a wonderfully soft action and the sound of the turning signals is quite pleasing on the ear. Adding to the comfort, the steering wheel and driver’s seat move towards your driving position the moment you fasten your seat belt, or press the start button.
It is the centre console where Lexus’s Henry Higgins (portrayed by Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady) did a rather good job. Although the lower part of the facia, which features the air conditioning controls, looks rather old fashioned, it is the two silver-coloured audio control knobs that draw attention. They are classy and feel as if they were taken directly from a premium high fidelity sound system. Whenever I had to turn the volume up or down, I used these dials and ignored the steering wheel mounted controls!
The specification level is otherwise impressive, with heated and ventilated (cooled) seats, a huge information display panel that offers navigation and voice command as well as a reverse camera view.
On the road
We recently tested the GS450h (see the September issue of CAR). Although that model admittedly appeals to a different buyer, the added weight of the hybrid drivetrain and CVT made the 450h a less sporty car to drive. That is, if you compare it with the GS350, which offers a more direct driving experience.
Equipped with a naturally aspirated 3,5-litre V6 engine, the Lexus builds momentum from below 4 000 and crescendos at 6 500 r/min. In this rev range the sound from the engine amplifies at the same tempo as the power delivery increases. To be honest, it has been a while since we’ve experienced such an inviting and mechanical engine sound from a car in this market segment, or at this price level.
Select Eco mode and this Lexus offers an impressive and relaxed ride. Turn the knob (situated to the left of the driver’s left leg on the transmission tunnel) to Sport mode and the result is, actually, not very different. To really experience what the car has to offer in terms of dynamics, rather flick the gearlever to the manual mode and use the paddles for a more direct and intimate cog-swapping experience. The GS’s ride feels less floaty than the previous model when you start to push it through corners, which is surprising if you consider how well it rides on the whole.
Summary
Henry Higgins transformed Eliza Doolittle into a more mature and well-spoken lady through his speech lessons and general tutelage. Lexus has done the same with the GS, although it has succeeded on so many more levels. Most members of the CAR test team gave good feedback about the GS, some even admitted that they might consider it above some of its rivals for a few reasons, price being one of them. The Lexus GS350 makes a perfect alternative to the German Three and British One for being something distinctive. It is the considered choice.
Specifications:*
Model: Lexus GS350
Engine: 3,5-litre, six-cylinder petrol
Power: 233 kW at 6 400 r/min
Torque: 378 N.m at 3 500 r/min
Fuel consumption: 9,4 L/100 km
CO2: 223 g/km
Top speed: 235 km/h
Price: R564 900
Maintenance plan: 4 years/100 000 km
*Manufacturer’s figures.
Test results:
0-60 km/h: 3,0 seconds
0-100 km/h: 6,2 seconds
100-120 km/h: 2,2 seconds
120-140 km/h: 2,5 seconds
100-0 km/h: 3,04 seconds (average of 10 braking tests)
CAR fuel index: 11,28 L/100 km
CAR fuel run: 9,6 L/100 km