Lexus GS 300: New Name, Subtle Changes
Lexus’ new naming strategy is a bit confusing, but we’re here to clear things up!
We’d forgive you for not noticing, but shopping for a turbocharged, four-cylinder Lexus GS has suddenly gotten slightly more complicated. Because, you see, the luxury brand has decided to try and confuse us by changing its model naming strategy. The latest victim of this trend is the Lexus GS 200t, which for 2018, is now known as the Lexus GS 300.
Confusing? Maybe. It used to be easy to distinguish forced induction Lexus models from regular ones, but no more. And anyone not aware of the change might think that the GS 300 enjoys a bump in displacement for 2018. But they’d be wrong. In fact, both cars are powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
We’ve seen this before, as the IS 200t is also now known as the IS 300. Which is incredibly confusing, because the 2017 IS 300 is an all-wheel drive, V6-powered sedan. Good luck with that, used car shoppers! But we digress. The important thing to note here is that there are actually a couple of differences between the GS 200t and GS 300. Besides the name change.
For starters, the Lexus GS 300 now comes with all-new, 19-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels. And shoppers who held out until now to buy a turbo four GS also receive Lexus Enform Safety and Service Connect free for the first ten years of ownership.
Previously, the service was only complimentary for the first year. And it’s a pretty cool piece of tech, allowing you to control various functions on the car via mobile app. That includes things like remote door lock/unlock, remote start/stop for the engine and climate control, vehicle finder, and guest driver monitor.
And that’s it. So if you’re in the market for a new or used Lexus GS now or in the future, make sure you know the differences! Or hey, you could just pop the hood.
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