THE AUTO PAGE
By
John Heilig
- MODEL: 2018 Lexus GS300
- ENGINE/TRANSMISSION: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4/8-speed automatic
- HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 241 hp/258 lb.-ft. @ 1,650-4,400 rpm
- WHEELBASE: 112.2 in.
- LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 193.5 x 72.6 x 56.7 in.
- TIRES: P235/45R18
- CARGO CAPACITY: 14.0 cu. ft.
- ECONOMY: 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/18.7 mpg test
- FUEL TANK: 17.4 gal.
- CURB WEIGHT: 4,034 lbs.
- TOWING CAPACITY: Not recommended
- COMPETITIVE CLASS: Acura RLX, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima
- STICKER: $51,829 (includes $995 delivery, $4,524 options)
- BOTTOM LINE: The rebadged Lexus GS200t, now known as the GS300, is
classic Lexus, with a quiet ride, very good performance, and familial Lexus
styling and luxury.
We had an opportunity to
visit our grandson at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and our vehicle
for the visit was a 2018 Lexus GS300. This model was formerly labeled the
GS200t to reflect its 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, but it seemed
more reminiscent of the old, original, LS400, with its quiet, smooth ride. It
still sports the 2.0-liter four.
Our journey took us through
city streets in a college town as well as over Interstates and some more
general suburban roads. In addition, we toured a few shopping centers with
traffic that ranged from almost nonexistent to midtown New York rush hour in
volume. The GS300 is equipped with standard blind spot monitor and rear cross
traffic alert to help navigate this foolishness.
The GS300 proved to be a
comfortable driver on all roads. I was impressed with how well it managed
through city traffic plus in tight parking garages where we had to make a quick
U-turn. The car drove exceptionally well on Interstates, where there was no
dearth of power, despite the small engine. The engine is rated at 241
horsepower, and it zipped us along quite well.
Other available engines are
the 3.5-liter V6 in the GS350, a 3.5-liter Atkinson hybrid engine in the
GS450h, and the GS F- Sport, with a slew of performance options.
Adding to the comfortable
ride are great front seats with good side support. The weather in Knoxville was
at times chilly, so we appreciated the heated seats. Rear seat legroom is very
good. My 6-1 grandson hopped in and immediately commented on the room. “Use
that in your review,” he advised.
We were blessed with the
same funky weather we thought we left in Pennsylvania, with occasional rain and
a mix that couldn’t decide among rain, mist, downpour or sun. The rain sensing
wipers took the wiper decision out of my hands.
Navigating through the
infotainment screen requires the use of a Remote Touch Interface Controller on
the center console. This controller has built-in indents to help you stop at
points on the screen. I like it. There is a nice hand rest for the driver (or
passenger) to be comfortable using it. The infotainment screen looks built in,
rather than added on as it is in some cars.
In addition, the GS300 comes
equipped with the Lexus Safety System and with pre-collision system and
pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control and the BSM. Needless to
say, when you’re driving a new car in a different environment, all the safety
equipment the manufacturer can add is well-received.
Generally, I like the Lexus
exterior styling, although I originally wasn’t a big fan of the spindle grille.
My only complaint about the GS300 is that almost every time I entered the car I
hit my head on the door frame, and I’m not that tall.
The GS300 renews my
admiration for Lexus. Let’s face it, most Lexus models are derivatives of
Toyota models, but Lexus does an excellent job of improving the luxury and
overall feel of the vehicles. Then GS300 is an excellent package, typical of
what we have come to expect from Lexus.
(c) 2018 The Auto Page Syndicate
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