Lexus Malaysia introduces updated 2016 Lexus GS, adds turbo 2.0-litre variant to range

When the Lexus GS was unveiled just a few years ago, it was a big step for Lexus as a brand. Prior to this, Lexus had taken very conservative steps in terms of design and styling evolution, and the GS was a rather large move towards sportiness and aggressive design. The models that followed were reflective of this, adopting the "spindle grill" and taking it to even greater heights. 

The updated model has aggressive styling- both inside and out. It's closer in nature to the LF-Gh concept car from the 2011 New York International Auto Show, and more in line with the IS, NX, and RX models. But the primary focus of this update is the introduction of the new engine, and some additional features as well. With the exception of the GS 200t Premium, Lexus is providing:​

• Triple-L LED Headlamps
• Adaptive Variable Suspension
• Customizable drive mode settings
• Genuine double-stitched Leather Steering Wheel Centre Pad
• Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

as standard across the GS model range. Also coming with this update are the  F SPORT meters, specific to the F SPORT variants: these classy LED displays evoke the styling of the LF A and lend a particularly aggressive look to the Lexus GS. Other models with the standard instrument cluster will still have backlighting that changes depending on driving mode. 

One of the limitations of the Lexus lineup were their strict commitment to naturally-aspirated engines, especially when the Germans had quickly and effortlessly transitioned to turbocharged engines. Not only were these naturally-aspirated engines uncompetitive on the performance front, but they were also not nearly as efficient as what the Germans had on offer. But a lot of this changed with the launch of the NX 200t, and soon a number of Lexus models had adopted it's turbocharged 2.0-litre motor.  The GS is the next in line to recieve it, and specifications for the model range are now as follows:

• GS 200t - 241 hp at 5,800 rpm, 350 Nm of torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,400 rpm
• GS 350  - 312 hp at 6,400 rpm, 378 Nm of torque
• GS 300h - 220 hp, 300 Nm of torque

All models recieve the 8-speed automatic transmission, except the GS 300h which gets the E-CVT. 

Finally, we come to pricing. There have been some adjustments to overall pricing as a result of our depreciating currency and such, as well as inflation over the 4 years since the GS was first launched in Malaysia. On the whole, these models are now more expensive- but to be fair, they are packing some extra kit. The new prices are:

• GS 200t PREMIUM - RM 439,200.00
• GS 200t LUXURY - RM 484,100.00
• GS 200t F SPORT - RM 496,100.00
• GS 350 LUXURY - RM 543,400.00
• GS 350 F SPORT - RM 562,610.00
• GS 300h - RM 631,700.00

It will be interesting to see how the updated GS fares against current offerings, and hopefully as our currency recovers we may see the prices become more competitive in the future.