Lexus GS to start below $80K

The entry-level Lexus GS 250 will start just $1600 higher than the price of the flagship IS 250 when the new model range reaches local showrooms in April.

It's a sign that the prestige brand is serious about taking conquest sales from German brands and Volvo. Repositioning the GS will inevitably attract new buyers to the brand, although Lexus has set itself no easy task to draw customers away from the Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz camps.

It's likely too that Lexus plans to acquire as much market share with the all-new GS range ahead of the local launch for rival Infiniti, during the third quarter of this year. Quoted in a press release issued today, Lexus chief executive, Tony Cramb said that the new GS would bolster the company's brand image moving into the future.

"The all-new Lexus GS goes right to the heart of our brand values, delivering a vehicle that improves on the past and sets the benchmark for the future," he said.

"With its bold new look, newfound athleticism, innovative features, expanded range and exceptional pricing, the all-new GS range is sure to impress.

"The fourth generation GS will also cement our position as the industry leader in performance hybrids, offering an efficient yet powerful luxury tourer that leverages Lexus' 10 years of real world hybrid experience."

Kicking off with the 154kW V6-powered GS 250 Luxury at $77,900, the range offers standard features including: Digital Radio, satellite navigation, Blind Spot Monitor, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, acoustic parking guidance, reversing camera, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, Bluetooth with audio streaming.

For the base variant, the equipment list runs to 17-inch alloy wheels; six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift; cruise control; leather upholstery; front fog lights; LED Daytime Running Lights; dual-zone climate control; ventilated and heated front seats; 10-way electric seats with three-position driver's seat memory and heated electrochromatic exterior mirrors.

In addition to the Luxury grade, the GS 250 is also available in an F Sport variant, priced at $85,900 and featuring sports suspension; sports pedals; Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS); unique interior trim with 16-way driver's sport bucket seats; unique sport body kit and grille and unique 19-inch alloy wheels.

The GS 250 can also be ordered in Sport Luxury grade for $99,900, with the following features standard: 12.3 inch multimedia system; Driver Fatigue Monitor with eye detection; Advanced Pre-Collision safety System with Active Cruise Control; 20-way adjustable front seats; Head Up Display; 17 speaker Mark Levinson audio; Tri-zone climate control with rear controls and Nanoe technology; Automatic High Beam; semi-aniline leather trim; wood grain trim and side and electric rear window sunshades.

The trim levels of the GS 250 are also carried across for the GS 350 and GS 450h (Hybrid) variants. Lexus is delaying the launch of the hybrid GS until June. Prices for the 233kW GS 350 are $89,900 for the Luxury grade, $99,900 for the F Sport variant and $109,900 for the Sport Luxury model.

F Sport variants of the GS 350 and GS 450h also come with Lexus Dynamic Handling System with Dynamic Rear Steering; Advanced Pre-Collision safety System with Active Cruise Control; Variable Gear Ratio Steering; larger front two-piece rotor brake package; VDIM Step 5 incorporating DRS and Head Up Display.

According to the press information from Lexus, the new hybrid model, which develops 254kW from its combined engine/motor drive system and uses 6.3L/100km of fuel, will start off at $99,900 for the Luxury trim level — $20,000 less than the least expensive GS hybrid in the current model range. For the money the buyer gains roomier interior, added comfort and improved specifications, Lexus claims. $12,000 more ($111,900) puts the buyer in the seat of the GS 450h F Sport and another $10,000 ($121,900) will land the hybrid model trimmed to Sport Luxury level.

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