Lexus GS300 & GS430 sedan

June 2005
Report No. 740, by NRMA Motoring Information Services

LIKES DISLIKES
Build quality Steering feel (GS430)
Performance (V6 & V8) Minor switch location
Refinement Parking brake pedal
Smart key central locking

Making its first local appearance in 1997, the styling. The rear seats are fixed, so longer
original Lexus GS300 filled a crucial gap items will need to poke through the lockable
between the “Camryesque” ES300 and top of ski hatch. Mounted under the boot floor is a
the line LS400. Aiming to attract sales from full size spare tyre on an alloy rim. If you need
the established Europeans – in particular to change a tyre there’s no need to get dirty, a
BMW’s 5 series, the Japanese contender valet pack with gloves, soap and embroidered TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
certainly created a few ripples. Now an all new handtowel is standard. Another nice thought is GS300
model takes up the challenge. Unlike its a tin of touch up paint – remember those! ENGINE
predecessor, buyers will have two engine COMFORT Type...................................Alloy V6 DOHC
choices - a direct injection 3.0 litre V6 or 4.3 At this end of the market you expect to be Capacity in litres...................................2.995
litre V8. The newcomer’s style should cosseted, and the Lexus’ climate controlled Induction.....Direct Electronic Fuel Injection
certainly turn a few heads – part of Lexus’ power seats do a good job. More sports style Fuel recommendation ..........................PULP
plan to appeal to a younger demographic. than limousine like, they are comfortable with Claimed max. power......183kW @ 6200rpm
Looking more coupe than sedan, the GS series good lateral support. A total of six settings Claimed max. torque.... 310Nm @ 3500rpm
is best described as aggressively elegant. Its provide heating or cooling - the latter very TRANSMISSION
low, sweeping roofline and long wheelbase effective over a long trip. The steering wheel Type..................................6 speed automatic
creating a powerful first impression. is power adjustable for rake and reach, moving Driving wheels ....................................... Rear
away from the driver when the ignition is off. WHEELS ...............................Alloy 17 x 7.5
VALUE FOR MONEY Passengers in the rear aren’t neglected; the Tyres ........... Dunlop Sport 225/50 R17 94W
seat is well shaped and supportive, but only Spare ............................Full size on alloy rim
meant for two. STEERING
PRICING
ERGONOMICS Type...Electric power assisted rack & pinion
Keeping variations to a minimum the range
Instrumentation is housed in a deep binnacle Turns lock to lock.....................................3.2
consists of the GS300 Sport - $95,000, GS300
ahead of the driver. Featuring a dark metallic - Turning circle..........................................10.7
Sport Luxury - $112,100 and the range topping
machined finish, the gauges are permanently DIMENSIONS
GS430 Sport Luxury at $137,000.
lit. Not only are they easy to read, but nice to Mass...................................................1620kg
look at. Dominating the centre dash is a multi- Length..............................................4825mm
STANDARD FEATURES
function touch screen displaying sat-nav, audio Width (incl. mirrors 2005mm).........1820mm
Of course there is an extensive range of
and climate control information. The Height ..............................................1430mm
standard equipment on the Sport Luxury
surrounding switches move you between Ground clearance (measured) ............149mm
models tested, including: dual zone air-
menus. If you find the screen distracting you Seating capacity...........................................5
conditioning, intelligent cruise control, “Smart
can turn it off, but you’re left with a black void Fuel tank capacity............................ 71 litres
key” central locking, leather upholstery, power
covered in fingerprints. Climate control TOWING
front seats with climate control, power
switches sit at the base of the centre console, Max. towed mass (trailer plus load)....2000kg
windows, alloy wheels, six disc CD player, 14
within easy reach. Multi-function controls on
speaker sound system, power glass sunroof, NRMA THEFT RATING
the steering wheel handle the main audio Points on 0-120 scale (high score best).........59
rain sensing wipers and satellite navigation.
functions, but the radar cruise control switch is
While there are no extras for the Sport Luxury WARRANTY................ 4 year / 100,000km
awkwardly placed. In an unusual move the
variants; “entry level” GS300 buyers can MANUFACTURED IN ...................... Japan
mirror, odometer, boot release and fuel flap
option a $2,500 power sunroof. TEST RESULTS
switches are housed in a drop down pod on the
driver’s side dash. Hidden from view by the ACCELERATION
DESIGN & FUNCTION steering wheel it makes simple functions 50 - 80 km/h (in Drive) ....................... 3.9sec
difficult. Another nuisance is the parking 60 -100 km/h (in Drive) ...................... 5.1sec
SPACE & PRACTICALITY brake pedal which intrudes into the driver’s 0 - 80 km/h.......................................... 5.9sec
With its low roofline and high waisted look footspace. 0 - 100 km/h........................................ 8.1sec
you might expect the GS’ interior space to be Vision to the front and sides is good despite 0 - 400 metres ................................... 15.9sec
compromised, but this isn’t the case. Room up the broad roof pillars. The shallow rear screen FUEL CONSUMPTION (litres/100 km)
front is generous, even though the high, deep would normally make reversing a challenge, Average (ADR 81/01)...............................9.8
dashboard and wide centre console wrap but the bootlid mounted camera provides a BRAKING
around you. In the rear most passengers should good field of vision, and combined with front Distance to stop from 80 km/h.... 25.1metres
be happy with the available head and shoulder and rear sensors helps calm nervous parkers. NOISE
space, but legroom might be compromised SAFETY Interior at constant 80 km/h......... 61.8dB(A)
behind a tall driver. Storing items shouldn’t be A five star Euro NCAP safety rating is just
an issue, with most knick knacks finding a the start for the new GS series. There are ten Test vehicle supplied by
home in the centre console box and door airbags in total, including two knee bags for Lexus Australia
pockets. Although luggage space is excellent, front occupants. Primary safety includes the www.lexus.com.au
access to it is through a shallow “letter box” usual ABS, EBFD and BA, but GS430 buyers
style opening - a compromise of the fastback receive Lexus’ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics

Call Technical Advice on 1300 655 443 for additional information on this vehicle, and for other automotive advice.
or visit
www.mynrma.com.au
.
Integrated Management) system. Thirteen to manage ride quality and vehicle attitude,
sensors throughout the car monitor its driver’s have a choice of two suspension
progress. Linked to active steering, electronic settings. Switch to sport mode and the only
braking and intelligent throttle control, the appreciable difference is some increased TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
system’s powerful software looks at firmness over rougher surfaces. GS430
identifying problem scenarios hopefully before HANDLING & STEERING ENGINE
they become critical. Radar cruise control There has been a lot of development put into Type ...................................Alloy V8 DOHC
plays an important part overseeing speed and the GS’ front wishbone, multi-link rear Capacity in litres .................................. 4.293
vehicle proximity on the highway. The system suspension. Generating enormous amounts of Induction ................Electronic Fuel Injection
takes active safety to a new level. Adaptive grip both cars are easy to handle, displaying Fuel recommendation.......................... PULP
headlights which “look” through corners are mild understeer at higher speeds. Where the Claimed max. power ... 208kW @ 5600 rpm
another impressive feature. two differ markedly is in the character of their Claimed max. torque ... 417Nm @ 3500 rpm
BUILD QUALITY & FINISH steering. While the GS300 has a linear, TRANSMISSION
Lexus has built its image on above average slightly subdued feel, the GS430’s active Type ................................. 6 speed automatic
quality, and the new GS carries on the system, coupled with wider tyres wasn’t as Driving wheels .......................................Rear
tradition. Superbly assembled, it is hard to friendly. Easily affected by irregular surfaces, WHEELS.................................. Alloy 18 x 8
fault. Flawless paint, tight shut lines and using the GS430 tram lined and twitched across Tyres.......Yokohama Advan 245/40R18 93Y
quality materials, the car feels expensive. The poorer roads. The steering’s notchy feel didn’t Spare............................ Full size on alloy rim
only jarring note is the plastic looking, high help matters. Even under medium braking the STEERING
gloss “woodgrain” trim. car preferred to follow the ruts in the road, Type ............... Power assisted rack & pinion
SECURITY requiring some correction at the wheel. As a Turns lock to lock .................................... 2.7
Scoring 59/120 the Lexus fares poorly package the GS300’s simpler system is easier Turning circle ......................................... 10.7
against other luxury opposition. Audi’s A6 to live with. DIMENSIONS
sets the standard with a chart topping 117 BRAKING Mass ...................................................1695kg
/120. Scoring big points on practicality is the Up to the job under most conditions, the new Length............................................. 4825mm
“smart key” locking system. Even with the model’s larger brakes can start to feel the Width (incl. mirrors 2005mm) ........ 1820mm
remote control in your pocket the car unlocks pressure when pushing on. Under easier Height .............................................. 1430mm
as you touch the door handle. Walking towards circumstances the V8 model displayed Ground clearance (measured) ........... 123mm
the car at night illuminates the door handles different characteristics to its V6 brother. Seating capacity.......................................... 5
and interior, a single LED spot lighting the While the GS300 needed a little more force to Fuel tank capacity........................... 71 litres
Lexus symbol on the steering wheel. Very slow things, the GS430, equipped with an TOWING
clever. Get behind the wheel, press the start electronic system tended to feel grabby when Max. towed mass (trailer plus load)....2000kg
button on the dash and you’re away. Keys are slowing to a halt or moving off from a NRMA THEFT RATING
being consigned to history. standstill. Points on 0-120 scale (high score best)........ 59
SMOOTHNESS & QUIETNESS
WARRANTY............... 4 year / 100,000km
ON THE ROAD This is where Lexus established its
reputation. There are times when you wonder MANUFACTURED IN.......................Japan
FUEL if there is an engine up front. Whether V6 or TEST RESULTS
Requiring a diet of PULP fuel the direct V8, there is not a murmur or vibration ACCELERATION
injection V6 compares favourably with anywhere in the car. On the move it’s similar. 50 - 80 km/h (in Drive) ...................... 3.2sec
similarly equipped European competition, Mechanically seamless, smooth and fuss free 60 -100 km/h (in Drive) ..................... 4.5sec
while the V8 moves towards the higher end of the GS just gets on with the job. Tyre noise is 0 - 80 km/h ......................................... 5.2sec
the only intruder into an otherwise silent cabin. 0 - 100 km/h ....................................... 7.3sec
the category.
PERFORMANCE 0 - 400 metres................................... 15.3sec
Both powerplants give impressive SUMMARY: FUEL CONSUMPTION (litres/100 km)
performance. The V6 provides an extra 17kW For anyone after a supremely well built, Average (ADR 81/01)............................ 11.4
over the previous model’s straight six, and it comfortable and more importantly, quiet form BRAKING
shows in strong acceleration figures. Already a of transport, this is the car for you. If you are Distance to stop from 80 km/h.... 24.7metres
proven performer in other Lexus models, the looking for an involving high performance NOISE
4.3 litre V8 stormed through our tests. While sedan then the new GS series may have missed Interior at constant 80 km/h.........62.9dB(A)
its 208kW may not look much for a modern the mark. Both versions are quick, and the V8
V8, variable valve timing and a mountain of is deceptively fast. But if you want to be part
low down torque have it surging ahead. of the process, the Lexus’ talks to you in
Common to both engines is their smoothness, hushed tones, sometimes leaving you out of
flexibility and stress free character. While the loop.
steeper gradients might require more throttle in
the V6, the fact that it almost goes head to
head with the V8 is notable. All that’s missing
is the V8’s distant burble.
Both engines are mated to a six speed
automatic transmission. Gearchanges are
virtually imperceptible, without any harshness
when using the kickdown function. In manual
mode the situation is the same. Slick, smooth
changes up or down the box are achieved with
a flick of the wrist.
RIDE
While a host of changes have occurred under
the car’s skin, it’s what you feel at the seat that
counts. Neither car exhibits any harshness, no
matter what the road conditions. Both
suspensions iron out the bumps, whether it’s
patchy suburban roads or give and take
country byways. Standard on the GS430 is
AVS (Active Variable Suspension). Designed