Used Lexus GS Review (2013-2020) MK4
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Super reliable
- Build quality
- Comfort
- Not the most dynamic to drive
- On the pricier side
- Rivals offer more kerb appeal
What's the Lexus GS like?
One of the first companies to roll out hybrid versions of all its cars was Lexus - the luxury arm of Toyota.
And the mid-range GS – a competitor for the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6 - comes much better equipped than either of them straight out of the box.
The company prides itself on the build quality of its cars, and the Lexus GS is highly rated in the area of reliability too. Almost everything comes as standard - of which more later - unlike the Audi or BMW, which both have extras lists as long as your arm.
So while the Lexus GS may not be quite as good to drive, it’s better value than the competition used, and still a stonking good car. It also stands out from the car park crowd like few others.
Engines
There are no diesel engines in the range because the company has concentrated on the hybrid petrol/electric route. So all the choices offer good performance, but only the hybrids will save some money.
All have a continuously variable automatic gearbox as standard (CVT) and the only pure petrol model after 2014 was a 2.5-litre with 206bhp. These sold in small numbers and are rare on the used market.
The petrol/electric hybrids start with the 300h, which has a 2.5-litre engine plus a battery pack and electric motor, producing a total of 223bhp.
It's capable of covering the 0 to 60mph sprint in 8.9 seconds, but its main claims to fame are 60mpg economy and very low 109g/km CO2 emissions.
Top models also have a hybrid powertrain, this time with a 3.5-litre V6 at its heart, helped by an electric motor.
Total power is 340bhp, and it covers the 60mph sprint in a very quick 5.7 seconds, while also managing 46mpg and emissions of 141g/km.
Driving Experience
Both hybrid models can be driven gently on electric power alone up to about 20mph, so as long as there’s power in the battery, which is ideal when driving in stop/start traffic.
Above that speed, the car combines petrol and electric power, and they work together completely seamlessly.
There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
But rather inert steering doesn’t instil cornering confidence, despite the car’s very good road holding, and few owners are likely to hustle them along a back road.
The ride is comfortable most of the time and the cosseting comfort of the interior, plus the reading room hush, make them very easy to live with.
Peter Hayward
Equipment
The list of equipment is amazing, and the Premier model comes with a fantastic sound system, keyless entry and starting, sumptuous electric heated leather seats with memories, alarm, and audio remote controls.
It also has parking sensors, traction control, a DVD player and very good sat nav.
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Find your Lexus GS your way with CarStore
The Lexus GS is an executive car that's ideal for the daily commute and business trips thanks to its comfortable interior, refined ride, and top build quality. Some German rivals may be more popular, but very few can match the GS when it comes to reliability, making it a top choice on the used market.
