Its location often means that the Frankfurt auto show is a Euro-centric affair, but that won’t stop Toyota-owned Lexus from rolling out a handful of changes for its venerable GS sedan.
Key changes for the GS line are new color schemes—two for the exterior and one for the interior. The car also receives Lexus Safety Connect, an OnStar-like assistance system, and active front headrests. The car’s aging sound system reaches the 21st century: Lexus finally ditches the standard cassette player in favor of iPod, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. An updated navigation system includes voice recognition as well as traffic, stock, news, and weather info.
As for the hybrid GS450h, Lexus is again asserting its flagship status for the nameplate. To that end, 2010 brings several cosmetic changes to help it stand apart from the rest of the GS line: new 18-inch wheels, clear taillights, an optional power sunshade, and a revised front fascia that is curvier and now sports a grille with horizontal chrome slats.
Frankly, we’re surprised to see so few updates; the GS is essentially unchanged since the latest generation debuted in 2005. When it was introduced, a regular GS finished third in an eight-car comparo; the hybrid was fourth of four in a 2006 test. There’s nothing wrong with the GS as a luxury machine per se, but it’s less exciting than German (and other Asian) competitors.
Pricing for the 2009 model ranges from $45,875 for the GS350 to $57,425 for the hybrid model, and we expect 2010 models will get a slight price bump.
Thanks to: Car and Driver