What is it?

A surprise arrival from Lexus. Originally this naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre V6 GS wasn’t intended for our shores but with very positive feedback from various internal sources at Lexus the decision was made that it would enter Britain’s large exec market in June next year as a rival for the likes of the BMW 523i and Mercedes E250 CGI.
What’s it like?

Well it seems that the positive feedback was all pretty accurate because this is a really well-judged exec. Perhaps due to the huge reduction in capacity and the exclusion of the weighty hybrid system, as well as the 18-inch alloys that our test car came with, the 250 rides with noticeably less patter at low speeds and yet retains the same decent body control.

Our test car came with the adaptive dampers that automatically shuffle between nine different settings depending on driving style and road conditions, and the driver can select more sporting settings that will keep the car in the firmer ranges of the damper movement. And they do the job very well. The slightly desensitised and light, if nicely granular steering means that this is not as focused-feeling as the BMW but it’s not far off the same sort of serene, flowing sensation that Mercedes specialises in, and the excellent low-speed refinement only goes to emphasise that sensation too.

Without the rear-wheel steer that the new optional dynamic handling package (which you can read more about here [link to GS450h]) brings, it feels a little blunter on turn-in, the six-speed torque converter auto is not as quick as the various double-clutch systems available elsewhere but regardless this is a car that offers a well-balanced compromise for the class it targets.
Should I buy one?

Difficult to say until the official figures are out and with minor finishing touches still to be made before the car goes into production, but there’s no doubt that this is a decent car to drive and a step up on the old GS.
Vicky Parrott

Lexus GS250

Price: £32,000 (est); Top speed: 140mph (est); 0-62mph: 8.3sec (est); Economy: 35mpg (est); Co2: 180g/km (est); Kerb weight: 1700kg (est); Engine type: 2499cc, V6, petrol; Power: 200bhp (est); Torque: 190lb ft (est); Gearbox: 6-spd auto

What is it?

It’s the new Lexus GS; a model that has faded into the background in recent years but is now set to come back armed with new-found levels of driver reward, according to Lexus.

Driven here in prototype form ahead of the car’s showroom debut next June, we’re testing the range-topping GS450h complete with its heavily updated petrol-electric drivetrain, which uses a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 mated to two 35kw electric motors. Power is sent to the rear-wheels, and with the engine remaining a ‘full hybrid’ the GS can be driven on electric-only power at low speeds.
What’s it like?

Whilst the drivetrain is improved it is the new chassis that Lexus maintains is the biggest step forward. Sitting on an all-new platform with multilink suspension at the front and rear, the GS has been set up with active dampers and a new dynamic handling package that allows the driver to select two differing levels of sports mode, as well as normal and eco settings.

The result is a substantial improvement on the current model. Body control is noticeably improved regardless of the chosen setting, so there’s now less dive and lateral body movement; particularly noticeable over bigger bumps at lower speeds.

The 450h gets the dynamic handling pack as standard, and that brings with it rear-wheel steer, which translates to a much sharper turn-in. It can feel a touch nervous initially but with familiarity you become used to just how little steering input is required. Whilst this doesn’t mean there’s any genuine sensation to the steering it does make the GS feel more nimble whilst also improving stability.

Essentially the new GS450h takes what was good about the old model – its refinement and impressive performance – and adds to it a rather more balanced driving style. Not focused or immediate, but certainly more responsive and willing to deliver a happy blend of relaxation and reward.

The biggest criticisms come in the form of too-sharp brake response and slightly fidgety low-speed ride that was delivered through the 19-inch alloys on our test car, but there are still some final tweaks to be made to the GS that may help to sort these niggles.
Should I buy one?

Without official emissions and economy figures, not to mention prices, it’s difficult to judge just how justifiable the GS will be. But even so, on evidence of this early drive it is at the very least a significant step forward, and one that those looking for a bit more enjoyment from a big executive saloon should pay attention to.
Vicky Parrott

Lexus GS450h

Price: £45,000 (est); Top speed: 155mph; 0-62mph: 5.9sec (est); Economy: 45mpg (est); Co2: 160g/km (est); Kerb weight: 1800kg (est); Engine: 3456cc V6 and electric motors; Power: 340bhp (est); Torque: 270lb ft (est); Gearbox: CVT auto