Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus GS review - the alternative executive car choice - Interior and Tech

Japanese executive saloons offer a different take on the Germanic norm, with mixed success

Evo rating
RRP
from £31,495
  • Handsome; well equipped; GS 300h low on CO2; GS F high on individuality
  • No diesels to truly compete with the class-leaders; hybrids an acquired taste

The GS is perhaps the most conventionally styled cabin in the Lexus range and that’s no bad thing. The driving position is good and with even the cheapest model getting ten-way electric seat adjustment it’s impossible for those in the front not to get comfortable. The 18-way moveable seats on the higher trims seem like overkill, but the vented and heating element of the Luxury model is a welcome addition. The dash and instruments are all rather sensible, Lexus obviously seeing its GS customers as a bit more conservative than those for its other models.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s an undeniable sense of 'expensive Toyota' about it, which does slightly detract from the premium positioning, but it’s all beautifully finished. The satnav and entertainment can be a touch fiddly to operate thanks to the curious moving pad input/controller, but everything else is familiar, the only hint to its hybrid powertrain being the EV button on the centre console and the Charge, Eco, Power dial in place of a rev counter.

Space is good for passengers front and rear, though boot space does suffer thanks to the battery placement for the hybrid system.

That's not a problem in the GS F, whose boot is unaffected by batteries. The GS F's cabin is a step above the regular range too - similar in design, but blessed with a pair of wonderfully-styled and superlatively supportive front seats. The dials are addictively high-tech too, changing their displays according to whether the driver has selected Eco, Normal, Sport S or Sport S+ driving modes.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS
Morgan Supersport front
Reviews

Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS

Morgan’s new flagship is its most versatile car yet. Does modernising mean losing the magic?
14 Apr 2025