The revised Lexus GS range brings new pricing to the hybrid model but not a lot more, writes Paddy Comyn
LEXUS HAS revised its GS range, though most of the changes will only be appreciated by the most studious of motoring anoraks. What is more significant, however is the rather wise "realignment" - this is a word you will become increasingly familiar with this year - of the specification of the upgraded G450h hybrid model as a way of preparing for the inevitable price rise for the model from July.
Visually, there is a new front grille with a new chrome surround, revised front and rear bumpers, door mirrors with integrated indicators, re-designed door-handles, new alloy wheels and new exterior colours.
Inside, a rear parking camera is standard, there is a plug for an MP3 player, a new steering wheel and gearshift gate design and other visual tweaks. Technically, vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM) - which basically is a system that integrates things like ABS brakes, traction control and stability control - is joined by adaptive variable suspension (AVS) - which varies the damping force of the shock absorbers, relating to the type of driving and the road surface.
There are two models, Normal and Sport. A new Dynamic Pack is optional on the GS450h and standard on the GS460 and this will further enhance the driving dynamics for those who really want to fling a car this size through bends.
The GS300 accounts for about half of the GS sales in Ireland, and is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that puts out 249bhp. It marks the entry-point into the GS range, with prices kicking off at €67,950.
This is one car which will be hit hard by the new VRT and road tax system, with its VRT going up to 36 per cent because it puts out 226g/km of CO2, and its road tax rising to €2,000 per year. So if you want one, now would be the time to buy.
The really big news surrounds the GS450h hybrid. This is a great car to drive, combining a super-smooth 3.5-litre V6 petrol and high-output electric motor to give the car an awesome 345bhp. Because the electric motor works in tandem with the petrol engine, the acceleration and torque is ferocious - 0-100km/h takes just 5.9 seconds. It will return a reasonable 7.9 l/100km and has C02 emission figures of just 185g/km.
Currently there is still a 50 per cent VRT rebate on this car until July 1st, and that means it is still discounted. Lexus Ireland has altered the range of the GS450h and there are now two versions, the Executive costing €74,610, and a Sport model costing €79,055.
This is significantly less than the €85,000 the previous version used to cost. Lexus has managed this by removing some of the equipment which used to be fitted as standard, such as the wooden steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and ventilated seats. It means that, even when the VRT change comes about from July 1st, the GS450h will still be cheaper than before.
As the GS450h puts out 'just' 185g/km of CO2, it will have 28 per cent VRT after July 1st and command just €600 per year road tax. So while there is still a big saving on buying the GS450h now, it will remain a competitive offering even after the VRT changes.
At the very top of the range, a 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine is also offered to those careless with the cash. This model has all the bells and whistles, but the petrol V8 puts out just slightly more power than the hybrid, has worse fuel economy and CO2 figures than the hybrid, and will cost you €103,940. And it will depreciate harder as well.
Factfile
LEXUS GS300
Engine:2,995cc V6, 249bhp, 310Nm of torque, 6-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Performance:0-100km/h 7.2 secs; max speed: 240km/h
Fuel economy:9.6 l/100km
CO2 emissions:226g/km (Band G from July 1st)
LEXUS GS460
Engine:4,608cc V8, 347bhp, 460Nm of torque, 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Performance:0-100km/h 5.8 secs; max speed: 250km/h
Fuel economy:11.1 l/100km
CO2 emissions:258g/km (Band G from July 1st)
LEXUS GS450H
Engine:3,456cc V6/Electric Motor, 345bhp, 368Nm/(275Nm electric motor) of torque, CVT transmission, rear-wheel drive
Performance:0-100km/h 5.9 secs; max speed: 250km/h
Fuel economy:7.9 l/100km CO2 emissions: 185g/km (Band D from July 1st)
PRICES:
GS300:€67,950
GS300 Executive:€72,890
GS 300 Sport:€78,700
GS 450h Executive:€74,610
(*includes 50 per cent VRT rebate of €11,944 on the Executive, and €12,656 on the Sport)
GS 460:€103,940