The Lexus GS is a mid-size luxury sedan that was produced from 1993 to 2020. It was designed to compete directly with European luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
First Generation (GS300, 1993-1997)
The first-generation Lexus GS was introduced in 1993 and was available in two trim levels: GS300 and GS300 Touring. It featured a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine producing 220 horsepower, with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The GS300 was praised for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and excellent handling.
Second Generation (GS300/330, 1998-2002)
The second-generation Lexus GS was introduced in 1998 and featured a revised design with a more aggressive front fascia and updated interior. The engine options were expanded to include a 3.0-liter V6 in the GS300 and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the GS300 Touring, producing 280 horsepower.
Third Generation (GS430/350, 2003-2005)
The third-generation Lexus GS was introduced in 2003 and featured a more angular design with a distinctive spindle grille. The engine options were upgraded to include a 4.3-liter V8 in the GS430, producing 300 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter V6 in the GS350.
Fourth Generation (GS350/450h, 2006-2011)
The fourth-generation Lexus GS was introduced in 2006 and featured a revised design with a more aggressive front fascia and updated interior. The engine options were expanded to include a 3.5-liter V6 in the GS350 and a hybrid powertrain in the GS450h, producing 342 horsepower.
Fifth Generation (GS350/450h, 2012-2020)
The fifth-generation Lexus GS was introduced in 2012 and featured a more aggressive design with a distinctive spindle grille. The engine options were upgraded to include a 3.5-liter V6 in the GS350 and a hybrid powertrain in the GS450h, producing 338 horsepower.
Features and Options
Throughout its production run, the Lexus GS was available with a range of features and options, including:
- A 7-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen display
- A premium sound system with up to 15 speakers
- Heated and ventilated seats
- A moonroof or panoramic roof
- Adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning
Safety Features
The Lexus GS featured a range of advanced safety features, including:
- A five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- A Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- A suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
Awards and Recognition
The Lexus GS received a range of awards and recognition throughout its production run, including:
- 2006: Motor Trend's Car of the Year
- 2013: Edmunds' Most Wanted Sedans
Overall, the Lexus GS was praised for its smooth ride, excellent handling, and advanced safety features. While it may not have been as popular as some other luxury sedans, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed mid-size sedan.