Lexus GS 200t 2015 Review

Lexus GS 200t F Sport
Australian Launch Review
Canberra, ACT

A mid-life facelift for the Lexus GS sedan introduces new entry-level variants powered by the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that's already doing duty in the IS, NX and RX models, as well as the new RC 200t. For the GS, it means the end of the 2.5-litre V6, and a much needed lift in power and torque at entry level. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous six-speed unit too.

Everything about the GS 200t looks good, on paper. It slashes 1.3 seconds off the 0-100km/h time of the GS 250 it replaces (7.3 seconds versus 8.6) and it's more economical, to the tune of 8L/100km (from 9.3L/100km for the GS 250).

But how does it shape up in the real world?

Pretty good, as it turns out. The current generation of GS was one that got off on the right foot when it arrived here back in 2012, but even at the time the smaller V6 was the weak link.

Now, with markedly improved power and torque, the GS 200t has come out swinging. It's a bit slow off the mark – a trait it shares with the RC 200t – but once above 2000rpm it's on the boil. And it produces results with a charismatic note more like a European prestige sedan's than that of a Lexus!

In short, the GS 200t is driveable, enjoyable, but comfortable and refined for those occasions when the driver's feeling a bit lazy. The GS seems a more appropriate application for this engine than the RC 200t tested on the same day. For all its extra bulk, the GS weighs little more than the RC, and the older car – now half-way through its model life cycle – feels livelier and lighter in corners than the coupe.

NVH hasn't been savagely suppressed in the GS 200t as it has been in the RC, and the end result is a package that leaves the driver feeling more connected with the car.

The steering is lighter than the RC's but seemingly more direct. Steering response was adroit and the handling was throttle-sensitive. Lift off and the GS would nose in a bit tighter, but the car's overall grip was commendable even with power applied.

Ride comfort wasn't in the same ballpark as the extremely compliant RC, but the overall ride/handling balance was still up to scratch in the GS.

To my eyes, the whole dash design is more cohesive and better integrated than that of the RC (and the IS sedan), and there's no material faux pas. The infotainment screen is huge and the haptic single-point controller is very easy to use. While the seats are not in quite the same league as the RC's, they are comfortable and well shaped. On the whole the driving position is a good effort, although the handbrake toggle in the dash is set out of sight to the lower left of the steering column.

Rear-seat accommodation is naturally fine for adults and boot space is about average for the segment. There's a space-saver spare below the floor.

As an all-round package, the only issue with the GS 200t that may trouble some buyers is the facelifted front end. It's almost a caricature of the spindle grille design theme and is not really consonant with the older styling from the A pillars back.

But if you can live with the sharp, angular visage, the GS 200t has really moved on from its V6 predecessor.

2015 Lexus GS 200t F Sport pricing and specifications:
Price: $83,000 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 180kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC

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