Road Review: Lexus GS 200t (2016) in SA

You can’t accuse Lexus of lacking determination. Several new models in a short space of time and embarking on a new design which is now apparent on all models is controversially bold. Now the introduction of turbo engines to complement the existing hybrid units is very much in tune with global standards.

So what about the new Lexus GS 200t, the first in the GS range to be fitted with the new 2.0-litre turbo engine which currently drives the NX and the IS 200t. This is the first time that Lexus has paired one of its large luxury models with the smaller engine but it’s a combination that other brands have successfully pulled off, so why should this be any different?

If there is a dip in specification or luxury treatment that goes with the step down in engine size we couldn’t find it. That R90 000 that separates the Lexus GS 200t from the GS 350 can only lurk under the bonnet but when measured on performance or smoothness, it’s a disproportionate amount.

From the outside the Lexus GS 200t sits on the same 4880mm long and 1840mm wide platform as its bigger brother and despite the smaller engine it weighs an identical 1650 kilograms. Nothing says entry-level about it and this is quite possibly Lexus’s styling stretched out to its least offensive.

It’s rare that we have a Lexus on test with a mechanical upgrade; the brand is still fairly glued to its hybrid post and advances in normal combustion, (nay turbo) are unusual. The 2.0-litre turbo engine in the Lexus GS 200t pushes 180kW and 350Nm which loses out to the GS 350 by a lot of kilowatts but not much torque.

That’s not a fair reflection because the turbo engine musters this torque at 1650rpm whereas the normally aspirated engine does so at 4800rpm. The turbo engine produces fewer carbon emissions but at a tested 13l/100km this continues to be a thirsty turbo engine.

Against the odds and some of our earlier experiences, the engine thrives in the GS range and that early torque delivery makes it easier to overtake and the general anxiety of driving a big car is now lessened thanks to enough power to react. Big Lexus’s have notoriously been lazy at low rpm but this could be the first Lexus to erase those memories.

With an engine that is less noisy under hard acceleration, you can really start to appreciate the softness of the leather, the careful stitching and the precision with which everything opens and closes. No cars in this segment are this comfortable but you do have to tolerate some sogginess to body control and tyre screeching cornering is not something to be recommended.

Turbo Lexus GS now in South Africa

Lexus has made several revisions to its interface and wrong inputs are certainly less of an occurrence but it’s still a slightly schizophrenic system that’s a little too sensitive and laborious. The graphics have to be simple to guide the arrow’s erratic movements and the colours are picked from blues and purples.

It’s fine for changing media or pairing phones but when you’ve got a ten-letter street address in a newly named superb of cultural renaming, the system can infuriate. At least though you can do these things while on the move which isn’t the safety risk Lexus was so keen to avoid for several years.

There aren’t many comfort items missing on the Lexus GS 200t. Standard is electric seats with heating or cooling functions, a large screen, navigation, USB ports, dual climate, cruise control, keyless entry… but if you’re intrigued by where brands are headed with autonomous driving, you won’t find much evidence of it here. If one of the brand’s flagship models isn’t able to integrate active cruise control, heads up display, TFT screens and lane keeping assist in today’s times, Lexus is only going to fall further behind.

Yes they might be optional on competitors’ models but they keep those brands at the cutting edge, able to respond to new trends and as the technology becomes cheaper, they permeate through the entire range.

I digress, this review should establish whether the new Lexus GS 200t is a better car than the GS 350 and on that simple measure it certainly is. Lexus now needs to make a similar step with its technology as it has with the turbo engine.