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FROM THE OUTSIDE, this mid-sized sedan from Lexus looks exactly like a textbook luxury car. Since its introduction in 2005, sales have been strong and for good reason.
When you step inside, the feeling of upmarket luxury isn't diminished. The perfectly fitted panels, flawless leather stitching on the seats and solidly closing doors cocoon you in a sombre yet hi-tech cockpit that actually feels more expensive than it looks.
At night or in subdued light, the elegant design of the car's interior lighting becomes readily apparent. With the remote in your pocket, the doors unlock automatically as you approach. Small white lights turn on inside the car, putting out just enough light to illuminate areas like the seats and footwells. There are 28 individual interior light sources, all very well hidden, and they make starting up the car quite an experience in itself.
Press the engine start button and the GS 300 springs to life. The steering wheel automatically lowers into position, the dials light up, and the engine settles into a barely perceptible idle. Breathing under the hood is a new 3.0-litre V6 direct injection engine that puts out 245bhp. The GS 300 was originally sold here with a 228bhp 3.0-litre V6.
The six-speed gearbox with manual override facility, polished dials and a steering wheel that's sized just right all hint at the GS 300's sporting aspirations.
Floor the throttle, the scenery will go by pretty quickly with 100km/h coming up in 7.2 seconds from a standing start. Shifting through the gears manually is a smooth and quick affair, but when left to its own devices, the gearbox goes about its business almost imperceptibly.
The electrically assisted power steering is weighted just right, but feels strangely disconnected with almost no feedback.
Push the car hard into corners and some body roll is immediately apparent, but it will settle into a neutral stance that is perfect for going round long, sweeping bends.
In the usual Lexus tradition, interior finishing hints at Continental styling, but with a touch of Japanese influence. Think pasta with sashimi and you?ll have a pretty good idea of the fusion of tastes. But it is very comfortable for cruising around in all day.
Front passengers get air-conditioned seats, and the well insulated cabin lets the Mark Levinson audio system work its magic. Legroom is more than adequate, but tall passengers might complain about the lack of rear headroom.
Lexus is somewhat of a dark horse when it comes to challenging BMW and Mercedes-Benz but recent offerings from the Japanese manufacturer have upped the ante with a sportier edge and cabins that are comfortable, classy and intuitive. Little niggles aside, the GS 300 is part sports sedan, part long-distance luxury tourer, and totally relaxing to drive.
Read the full-length version of this review at www.CarBuyer.com.sg
When you step inside, the feeling of upmarket luxury isn't diminished. The perfectly fitted panels, flawless leather stitching on the seats and solidly closing doors cocoon you in a sombre yet hi-tech cockpit that actually feels more expensive than it looks.
At night or in subdued light, the elegant design of the car's interior lighting becomes readily apparent. With the remote in your pocket, the doors unlock automatically as you approach. Small white lights turn on inside the car, putting out just enough light to illuminate areas like the seats and footwells. There are 28 individual interior light sources, all very well hidden, and they make starting up the car quite an experience in itself.
Press the engine start button and the GS 300 springs to life. The steering wheel automatically lowers into position, the dials light up, and the engine settles into a barely perceptible idle. Breathing under the hood is a new 3.0-litre V6 direct injection engine that puts out 245bhp. The GS 300 was originally sold here with a 228bhp 3.0-litre V6.
The six-speed gearbox with manual override facility, polished dials and a steering wheel that's sized just right all hint at the GS 300's sporting aspirations.
Floor the throttle, the scenery will go by pretty quickly with 100km/h coming up in 7.2 seconds from a standing start. Shifting through the gears manually is a smooth and quick affair, but when left to its own devices, the gearbox goes about its business almost imperceptibly.
The electrically assisted power steering is weighted just right, but feels strangely disconnected with almost no feedback.
Push the car hard into corners and some body roll is immediately apparent, but it will settle into a neutral stance that is perfect for going round long, sweeping bends.
In the usual Lexus tradition, interior finishing hints at Continental styling, but with a touch of Japanese influence. Think pasta with sashimi and you?ll have a pretty good idea of the fusion of tastes. But it is very comfortable for cruising around in all day.
Front passengers get air-conditioned seats, and the well insulated cabin lets the Mark Levinson audio system work its magic. Legroom is more than adequate, but tall passengers might complain about the lack of rear headroom.
Lexus is somewhat of a dark horse when it comes to challenging BMW and Mercedes-Benz but recent offerings from the Japanese manufacturer have upped the ante with a sportier edge and cabins that are comfortable, classy and intuitive. Little niggles aside, the GS 300 is part sports sedan, part long-distance luxury tourer, and totally relaxing to drive.
Read the full-length version of this review at www.CarBuyer.com.sg
LEXUS GS 300 SUPER LUXURY (A)
ENGINE TYPE 2,995cc VVT-i V6
MAX POWER 245bhp at 6,200rpm
MAX TORQUE 310Nm at 3,500rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
TOP SPEED 240km/h
0-100 KM/H 7.2 seconds
PRICE $195,888 with COE
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
CONTACT Borneo Motors
TELEPHONE 6479 v3288
PLUSES Top notch build quality, spacious yet cosy cabin, versatile engine
MINUSES Lack of headroom in both front and rear seats
VERDICT With cutting edge features and an almost flawless track record for reliability, the GS 300 is more than a match for the usual suspects in the mid-sized luxury car segment.
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