Lexus GS review - the alternative executive car choice - prices, specs and rivals
Japanese executive saloons offer a different take on the Germanic norm, with mixed success
Four trim levels are offered on the GS 300h - SE, Luxury, F Sport and Premier, while the GS 450h does without the entry-level SE specification. Calling that SE the entry point does it a disservice, as it’s fairly comprehensively equipped, coming with dual-zone climate control, ten-way adjustable driver and passenger electric seats, DAB, rear-view camera, Bluetooth, bi-Xenon headlights and LED driving lights. Luxury models additionally feature satnav, leather upholstery and ventilated and heated front seats. F Sport gains more assertive looks inside and out, adaptive suspension and - on the GS 450h - rear-wheel steering. Premier comes fully loaded, though does without the F Sport’s dynamic rear steering and variable ratio steering.
Prices start at £31,495 for the GS 300h SE, rising to £51,495 for the GS 450h Premier. Rivals are as obvious as they are omnipresent, including the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF, though if you’re looking at the Lexus you might also consider Infiniti’s Q70.
The GS F starts at £69,995, which undercuts most of the Teutonic opposition but raises the GS ownership bar higher than you might expect. Unlike the Germans though, the GS F comes with virtually all the equipment you'd ever need, with very few options available - so that price won't change much. Lexus expects to sell only around a hundred GS Fs per year in the UK.
