Review: Lexus GS300

As is sometimes the case with arranging test cars, this one arrived “just in time” for one of the daily-driver fleet to be sent in for a check-up. In this case, it was Christo’s Renault Twingo, which had a bent wheel. He will forever be cursing the potholed roads around Johannesburg.

Obviously, going from a hard-sprung hatch, with low-profile tyres, to a soft, floaty Lexus is going to be a stark difference. Thankfully, we have some experience with the other cars in the same market segment as the GS, namely BMW’s 5-series and the Mercedes E-class. We’d be remiss in failing to mention Audi’s A6 – which we have driven – but that was a long while ago, and the model is on the verge of replacement.

The Lexus, then. It’s soft, quiet, comfortable and well-equipped. In fact, at a lick over R600 000, this EX-spec model is a touch cheaper than its competitors from Stuttgart and Munich when they’ve had all the extras added to them. The Lexus approach is to offer cars with kit in them, rather than confusing buyers with option lists that drive the car’s price up. There’s an entry-level S spec, an EX version and then the fully loaded SE model. The latter ships with every single option, including satnav, rear blinds, Mark Levinson audio and a wallop of other things – but the EX version has everything you need for R40 000 less.

Being an executive saloon, you expect these cars to be refined and comfortable. Lexus goes about this the right way, and if it were at all possible, those boxes would be ticked twice in the case of the GS300 – it’s that good. The ride is fantastically supple, ironing out all but the harshest broken surfaces. Those who’re familiar with the roads around Gauteng will know the hazards and identify with these tyre-killing bits of tar, and believe us when we say the GS makes everything feel like marshmallow. It’s possibly even better on the S-spec car, which runs on 17-inch wheels with a taller profile tyre compared to the 18s on the two upper-spec models.

Ride quality is one part of the refinement equation. Without an isolated cabin, which seals you off from the noise levels of the engine, construction trucks, hooting taxis and raging road-users, you’re not going to feel relaxed at all. Here, again, the GS excels. It easily beats out the 5-er and E-class when it comes to making you feel like you’re in a cocoon. All the better to appreciate the lovely stereo system, even though the EX lacks the class-leading Mark Levinson setup.

The important thing to remember is that this is all from a petrol-engined car. Yes, the hybrid GS450h is even quieter and smoother, but it also costs a lot more. So it’s quite a feat for the 3.0-litre petrol engine in the GS300 to be as quiet as it is. It’s no firecracker, preferring to coax the 6 ratios in the automatic box at the bottom end of the rev range, but when cruising on the highway it’s eager to keep its speed or stray a bit further than the legal limit.

Isn’t that what these cars are supposed to be, though? BMW boasts about the dynamic performance of the 5, and while it has a very good ride, the car’s overall demeanour is a bit more “push me harder” than the GS. In the Lexus you just waft along in serenity. It’s a happy place to be, despite the ageing switchgear and buttons. Everything works well, but its competitors definitely feel far more modern.

Exterior styling remains fresh, though – especially with the nice chrome touches introduced in the 2010 face lift. It’s neat and uncontroversial, but still handsome when seen amongst its peers. It remains competitive on price, and for those who want something different, this should be at the top of the list.

Lexus GS300

Power: 183kW at 6200RPM
Torque: 310Nm at 3500RPM
Safety: All electronic aids, front airbags, front and rear side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, front knee airbags
Tech and toys: 7-inch colour touch screen with satellite navigation, voice commands, Bluetooth, hard drive and iPod connectivity. 10-speaker audio system. Reverse parking camera. Keyless entry and start. Adaptive variable suspension. Cruise control. Heated seats. Automatic xenon headlamps.

Website: http://www.lexus.co.za/model/GS300/
Price: R602 900

ZA Car rating: Two thumbs up