You only have to look at the popularity of the Audi S line or BMW M Sport
models to see that sporty premium cars are big business. Lexus has obviously
been paying attention, too, as a new F Sport trim level has been introduced on
the latest GS.
The changes from the standard car start with the way the GS F Sport looks:
the familiar narrow headlights and sharp lines remain, but the F Sport rides on
19-inch alloys rather than 18s and gets an even more aggressive grille and more
pronounced bumpers.
Inside, there’s a selection of familiar Lexus features, such as leather on
the doors and seats, with a perforated F-Sport leather steering wheel and
gearstick.
These are backed up by high-quality fit, finish and feel. There have been
improvements to the mouse controller, which loses its side buttons in favour of
a smarter ‘push to select’ set-up, while both front and rear occupants get more
room compared to the old car.
Similarly, repositioning the hybrid’s batteries has increased boot space by
an impressive 55 per cent, taking the total to 465 litres.
The much-improved interior also features the world’s largest in-car display
as its centrepiece. This optional 12.3-inch display is an evolution of the
existing Lexus set-up, but is clearer and easier to read. The GS has a head-up
display, too, showing speed, revs and gear, but it looks dated.
Push the start button and the silence of the updated hybrid drivetrain is all
that greets you, but pull away into traffic, press the accelerator harder and
the 3.5-litre V6 fires in to life.
The power sources produce a combined 338bhp, which means a 0-62mph time of
5.9 seconds and seriously impressive in-gear performance. There is one let-down
though, and that’s the transmission. It’s a CVT box, with steering wheel shift
paddles, but whether you leave it in Drive or change gears yourself, it takes
the edge off refinement, causing the revs to rise noisily.
The good news is that the hybrid powertrain is genuinely clean, with CO2
emissions cut from 179g/km to 141g/km and fuel economy improved by 23 per cent
to 45.6mpg.
The most significant F Sport upgrade over the regular GS concerns its
suspension. The standard car is already better to drive than its predecessor, as
it’s lighter and stiffer, but the F gets an additional Sports Plus mode on top
of the Eco, Normal and Sports settings offered across the line-up. This adds a
quicker and more responsive setting for the electric set-up, but we felt the
steering could do with more feel in all modes.
The F-Sport model also gets rear-wheel steering. This aids both high-speed
stability and parking in tight spaces around town. Add in adaptive dampers and
you have all the makings of a genuine sports saloon. Yet this is still a luxury
car with a comfortable ride.
An Audi A6 or a BMW 5 Series – the latter with some optional chassis gadgets
– will offer a better driving experience, but this new GS is appealing in its
ability to play a number of roles.
