Lexus GS 300 Super Luxury 3.0 Review

Years ago, when Mariah Carey was still a decent singer, Elton John was still mum 
about his sexual preference, and driving a German car meant you were “well-off”, I 
was never much of a Lexus fan. It’s a whole different story now though, as Lexus 
has come a significant way. This updated Lexus GS300 bears testament…

My first encounter with a Lexus was the IS200. I was impressed initially, but seeing the fact that it’s ultimately a Japanese and I was a closet Continental car fan, I looked out more on its flaws instead.

Then came the second encounter – the first generation RX300.

Technically speaking, the RX300 was impressive as a whole, but there’s just something about the whole exterior that I can’t seem to agree with. Alas came the second generation model, which clearly put forth that this Japanese, after all, is on par with the Germans on this side of the competition.

The current GS300 was introduced into our market two years ago. It’s a car built to give its European counterparts, across the board, a good run for their money. Simply look at its clean and low-slung body, high level of fit and finish, luxurious packaging and premium interior, and you’ll see why it’s not hard to find a reason to not love it.

Updates

Lexus was rather hush-hush about what other changes comes with this updated version of the GS300. Instead, what they’re proud of marketing is the improved heart the GS300 has gotten for itself.

Power from the 3.0 liter V6 engine has been upped, from 228bhp previously, to a more potent 245bhp. This engine, codenamed the 3GR-FSE, uses stoichiometric direct fuel injection and comes with dual variable valve timing intelligent (VVT-i) technology.

It definitely helps improve the torque too, which also saw a significant change – from 300Nm, to 310Nm.  The century sprint, which stood at 7.5 seconds previously, now stands at 7.2 seconds.

Even the top speed has been increased, from 235km/h, to 240km/h! By looking at these figures, it’s obvious that Lexus is keeping up with its direct competitors.

What was promised along the way is the fuel economy that remains unchanged – it will still give the same combined cycle of 9.8 liters per 100 kilometer, similar to the previous engine.

Text and Photos by Azfar Hashim