Description
Lexus introduced the fourth generation of the GS in 2011 and refreshed it in 2012 with a proper facelift that focused mainly on the exterior and the engine bay.
Creating a luxurious mid-size sedan was already something that Lexus knew how to do. After three generations of the GS nameplate, it learned what its customers wanted and complied. But there was one area that it hadn't mastered completely, and that was how to facelift a model that was already good. With the 2016 model year of the GS, the automaker proved that it learned that lesson well, and the new version looked like a completely different vehicle. Even though it relied on the same underpinnings as its non-facelifted brother, the refreshed version of Lexus's mid-size sedan was longer, provided a roomier cabin, and was powered by new engines.
Lexus adopted a new design language for its entire lineup and adjusted the look of the GS accordingly. As a result, the 2016 model year came with a tall spindle grille stretched from the hood to the lowest part of the apron. This was flanked on the upper side by new headlights sporting three LED blocks and on the lower side by a set of scoops that housed the LED fog lamps. The same light-emitting diode technology was used for the arrow-shaped daytime running lights that pointed toward the brand's badge that took center stage on the prominent grille.
From its profile, the clean-looking bodywork featured curved panels for the doors and fenders, with enlarged wheel arches that covered the standard 17-inch alloy wheels. Lexus also offered customers the option to get a 19-inch set, which was standard for the F-Sport package. The increased front and rear overhangs led to a longer overall length of 1.2 inches (30 cm) but featured the same wheelbase. At the back, the angular-shaped taillights extended from the quarter panels to the trunk's lid were also new and, like the headlights, were based on LEDs. Underneath the bumper, the automaker added a new valance flanked by flat, angular-shaped exhausts.
Inside, customers were greeted by an enhanced cabin. They could choose either if they wanted wood or aluminum trims, depending on their tastes. In addition, the automaker offered the option for piano-black decorations that adorned the center console, the dashboard, and the door cards, depending on the market. Regardless of these finishes, the 2016 Lexus GS came fitted with the same 12.3-inch LCD placed atop the center stack, neatly integrated into the dashboard, for the infotainment system. Lexus was the only car manufacturer in the premium segment that offered a mouse-like controller, while most other automakers preferred a rotary dial. This differentiated them, but customers were not very fond of the system. For an excellent sound experience, the GS was available with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The Japanese premium car manufacturer used man-made leather for the GS's interior and installed heated and ventilated front seats and available heated outboard seats.
Under the hood, most engines were carried over from the non-facelifted version of the car, but there was also a fresh turbocharged inline-four gasoline unit. This helped the automaker lower the starting price of the car while still providing enough performance for its mid-size sedan. Besides the hybrid versions, all gasoline-only powered ones sent their power to the rear or in all corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Press Release
The Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance, the premier concours event in the United States, is an appropriate setting for the 2016 Lexus GS models to be introduced. The GS enters 2016 with a bolder design, a new GS 200t rear-wheel drive model and new luxury finishes that match the refinement of Monterey. The Lexus GS continues to feature impressive agility and sporty handling for turns along California Highway 1, as well as comfortable ride quality for extended highway driving. This is no modest mid-size luxury sedan. The engaging performance and amenities make the GS 200t, the GS 350 or GS 450h an excellent choice for delighting enthusiast drivers as well as luxury connoisseurs.
The Lexus GS epitomizes the intersection of style and refinement with a strong rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille for 2016, framed by elegant satin chrome trim and flanked by distinctive new standard Bi-LED headlights. The nighttime glow is unmistakably the look of Lexus.
A new front bumper and rocker panel design further sharpen the coupe-inspired profile, with the makeover extending to revised taillights, revised rear trim and new 18- and 19-inch machine-finish wheel designs. Bold design deserves bold color, and so the 2016 GS offers new Matador Red Mica, Nightfall Mica and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 among other choices. The mica colors use an extraordinarily complex multi-layered, twice-baked process previously used only for concept vehicles or custom cars.
Every year Pebble Beach brings together the best in elegance and technology from decades past. The 2016 Lexus GS presents a modern interpretation-exemplified by new interior trim selections including laser cut wood, Matte Walnut, Linear 3D and for the F SPORT, Naguri aluminum. New interior and leather colors include Chateau and Noble Brown, while the F SPORT adds Rioja Red to available choices. The analog clock located in the center of the dash is housed in a single ingot of aluminum and uses LED indicators. It adds new GPS functionality for adjusting the time zone.
New Power and Efficiency
A new, third model, the rear-wheel drive GS 200t, joins the line with an exceptionally smooth 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine delivers 241 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, giving the GS 200t outstanding all-around performance and efficiency. The GS 200t has a Lexus fuel economy estimate of 33 mpg highway.
In the GS 350, a more muscular 3.5-liter V6 produces 311 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (vs. 306 hp and 277 lb.-ft. in the 2015 model) and is also paired with the eight-speed automatic. The V6's combination of direct fuel injection and additional port fuel injectors ensures ample power and crisp responsiveness.
Leading the GS lineup is a car you'd expect from the luxury hybrid leader, the GS 450h - a high-performing hybrid. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system combines output from an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine and a water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor for 338 total system horsepower, channeled through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. Few might expect 5.6-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration performance from a car that also has EPA estimated 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined fuel economy ratings.
More Grip, More Grins
For added grip, the Lexus GS 350 offers an available all-weather drive system that's more than a foul-weather friend. An electronically controlled center differential provides a normal 30:70 torque split, with the rear-wheel bias favoring handling agility. The system reacts instantaneously to alter the split to as much as 50:50, depending on driving conditions, to help optimize traction.
For added grins when driving, the F SPORT package available for all three GS models combines track-tuned chassis enhancements, including staggered tire sizes (RWD only), with exclusive exterior and interior design features. On the GS 350, F SPORT can be combined with all-weather drive. With rear-wheel drive, the F SPORT package opens the door to higher handling performance with the available Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).
New Lexus Safety System +
The 2016 Lexus GS is a rolling testament to the brand's commitment to cutting-edge safety technology. Its structure and 10 standard airbags form the foundation for occupant protection, while a wide array of driver-assist technologies helps the driver avoid hazards. New and optional for 2016 is Lexus Safety System + which combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control works at a range of speeds. It tracks the speed of the vehicle traveling ahead and can adjust the speed setting accordingly to help maintain a preset distance. It's sophisticated enough to smoothly adjust acceleration and deceleration when a vehicle enters or exits the lane or highway ahead.
Using a combination of millimeter-wave radar and a front-facing camera, PCS can help detect vehicles -- and in some circumstances, pedestrians. The system can warn the driver of a possible collision and can initiate automatic braking with Brake Assist if necessary.
Using a camera to detect visible lane markings, Lane Departure Alert is designed to convey audio-visual alerts and vibrate the steering wheel if the system determines that the driver unintentionally deviated from the lane. Lane Departure Alert, with Steering Assist enabled, can help the vehicle stay in the center of its lane by smoothly increasing steering torque a small amount to assist in maintaining course.
Intelligent High Beam combines technology, safety and driving courtesy. It automatically adjusts high- and low-beam illumination by sensing not only oncoming traffic, but also the taillights of the vehicle traveling in front.
Modern Multimedia
Lexus gave the GS models new multimedia for 2015, and now for 2016, the available 12.3-inch screen gains full-screen map capability when equipped with navigation. Other multimedia changes include enhanced voice recognition and graphics.The screen can split into two sections to show different functions, such as navigation, audio and climate control information. For GS 350 and GS 450h models, navigation is now standard.
New side "enter" buttons on the Remote Touch Interface controller and shortcut menu on the side of the screen make it even easier to operate climate control, audio, phone, navigation and more.
Apple iPhone® users have yet another control option - Siri® Eyes Free Mode. Make calls, select songs from iTunes®, get turn-by-turn navigation through Apple Maps, and much more, all by asking Siri.
Lexus Enform
Catering to its customers' active lifestyles, Lexus Enform continues to expand its services and technologies. For 2016, new Lexus Enform Service Connect gives the GS a voice, in a sense, to relay its maintenance needs. Use the MyLexusandBeyond mobile app (for iOS devices) or LexusDrivers.com website to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues. For example, a required maintenance warning light will alert you and your dealer the specific factory recommended maintenance for a specific maintenance interval.
With Lexus Enform Remote (one-year trial subscription included), the customer can remotely view and control certain aspects of the GS using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Functions include remote door lock/unlock; remote start/stop for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more.
Navigation is accompanied by the Lexus Enform Destination Services and subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite. Its voice-enabled apps let you search the Internet through Destination Search, make restaurant reservations using OpenTable®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com™, listen to Internet radio, (including Pandora®, iHeartRadio and Slacker), search business reviews on Yelp® and check in on Facebook Places™.
Lexus Enform Safety Connect is standard on all 2016 Lexus vehicles, with emergency calling capability and access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365.
