01-01-0001:
UK winter road salt attacks and oxidises the alloys quite badly.
14-03-2011:
One report of hybrid inverter failure of a 2005 car at 113k miles (out of drivetrain warranty). Cost of repair £3,700.
11-05-2011:
DO NOT JUMP START a GS450h. Hybrids should be trickled charged, not jump started (bulletin from Toyota how to do it correctly). If a recovery agent connects jump leads directly to either hybrid battery and than to his battery the sudden charge can damage circuits with in the hybrid system (not necessarily the ECU). It seems that not all recovery companies are familiar with the correct jump start process . Damage can be caused which will not be apparent at the time.
26-02-2014:
Creaky dash reported on 20k mile 2009 GS450h. Attempts by Lexus to cure this using felt have failed. Apparently a common problem (has been complained of by readers before). No known solution.
29-08-2018:
Report of 2010 Lexus GS450h with 116,000 miles breaking down. Owner heard a sound, car lost balance and experienced braking. Pulled over to check. There is noise like an old tractor from under the car. Still drives, but alot of clattering noise.Lexus quoted £20,000 for a new engine. Reads like failure of the VVTI valve gear of the 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine.
April 2005
Third generation Lexus GS launched in the UK
It is available with two engines. GS300 models are powered by an all-new 3.0-litre V6, a chain-drive DOHC unit that produces 245bhp at 6200rpm and 310Nm of torque at 3500rpm. That permits 0-62 acceleration in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 148mph.The flagship GS430 model is equipped with a 4.3-litre V8, delivering 279bhp and a maximum 417Nm of torque.
Acceleration from rest to 62mph can be despatched in 6.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 155mph. Performance is aided by VVT-i with an ETCS-i drive-by-wire electronic throttle control. Both engines are matched to a close ratio, electronically-controlled six-speed automatic gearbox with a sequential shift mode allowing the driver to make manual gear selection when desired.The all-new platform on which the GS is constructed offers greater rigidity and has a longer wheelbase and wider rear track than the previous generation model, factors which contribute much to the car's excellent poise and handling.
4,825mm (15' 10") long x 1,820mm (6') wide
Type A, models come on 17" wheels with 225/50R17 94w tyres;
Type B models come on 18" wheels with 245/40 R18 HP tyres.
The GS also adopts new speed-sensitive electric power steering, which on the GS430 model further benefits from a Variable Gear Ratio Steering system that provides assistance to suit the driving conditions, ensuring excellent feedback to the driver at high speed, while making slow speed manoeuvring effortless. On the GS430, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) allows the driver to fine tune the damping system with settings for 'normal' or 'sport' performance. Selecting 'sport' also automatically adjusts the VGRS to provide quicker steering responses.
All models get a Smart Key system for simple door locking and engine start-up and makes use of an advanced new glass screen system to ensure the Optitron instrumentation read-out remains perfectly clear in all light conditions. A 10-speaker sound system with six-disc in-dash CD player is fitted as standard, but drivers of higher grade versions can enjoy the superior sound experience offered by a Mark Levinson designed hi-fi, unique to Lexus.
The Lexus DVD-based satellite navigation system is offered with a simple touch-screen operating system that also lets you operate the audio and air conditioning functions and, where compatible, Bluetooth control of your mobile telephone. For even greater ease of use, voice control functions are also available, capable of recognising a multitude of commands. The new GS is also available with the Lexus Parking Assist system, which uses a rear-view camera linked to the central display screen to provide ideal guidance for reverse manoeuvres. There is also less risk of unwelcome scrapes thanks to front and rear parking sensors that operate in line with the car's steering angle - another 'first' in Europe for Lexus.
All versions are equipped with ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Passive safety systems include 10 airbags, including knee airbags for driver and front seat passenger and front and rear curtain shield airbags. All models except the entry level GS300 also feature rear passenger side airbags. Both front and outer rear passenger seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters and there are ISOFIX attachments for the secure location of compatible child seats.
The GS430 model is the first in Europe to deploy Lexus's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which co-ordinates the functions of the ABS, EBD, TRC and VSC together with the Electric Power Steering and Variable Gear Ratio Steering to ensure they operate as smoothly and effectively as possible, as the car reaches the limit of its performance.
Adaptive Cruise Control (standard on the GS430, optional on the GS300 SE-L) uses radar technology to ensure you keep a safe distance from the car in front and is linked to Lexus's Pre-Crash Safety system. This uses the same network of sensors to determine when a collision becomes inevitable and prepares the seatbelts and the emergency braking system to deliver the optimum performance at the split second they are needed.
The GS is offered in four grades: GS300, GS300 SE, GS300 SE-L and GS430.The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has awarded the new GS300 and GS300SE insurance group 16E, the SE-L version is in group 17E and the GS430 is in group 18E. The Lexus GS requires servicing every 10,000 miles (Health & Safety Check) with major servicing required at 20,000 mile intervals. In line with all other Lexus models, the new GS will be sold with 3 years'/60,000 miles warranty with 3 year paint and 12 year anti-perforation warranties.
It was awarded a then best-in-class five star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests for adult occupant protection with 35 points. The GS received the (then) maximum score for side impact, and a top-in-class result for the frontal impact test with 15 out of 16 points. It also achieved a best-in-class result for pedestrian protection with a total of 18 points (two stars) and a rating of 41 points (four stars) for child protection.
May 2006
The hybrid GS 450h was launched
The first hybrid powered premium executive saloon market, designed to deliver exceptional performance to rival its conventional V8 competition, together with good fuel economy and low emissions. The GS 450h has a completely new, front engine, rear-wheel drive, series/parallel hybrid powertrain. It uses a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a new D-4S twin injector system with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing ' intelligent), developing 292bhp and 368Nm of torque, mated to a compact, high-output, permanent magnet electric motor that generates 197bhp and 275Nm of torque right from standstill.
Another world-first is the GS 450h's Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission ' E-CVT ' with sequential shift mode. Each of the six sequential 'steps' gives sharper engine braking force, in the manner of a conventional automatic gearbox in sequential mode. The GS 450h can accelerate from nought to 62mph in 5.9 seconds and from 50 to 75mph in 4.9 seconds, maintaining linear acceleration all the way on to a top speed of 155mph, with none of the typical 'jumps' between gears experienced in a conventional drivetrain.
At the same time, the GS 450h returns 35.8mpg in combined cycle driving, fuel consumption that is on a par with C-segment petrol cars. Carbon dioxide emissions are 186g/km, which matches the performance of four-cylinder economy diesels in the premium segment, and combined emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) are lower than for any other vehicle powered by a combustion engine at 0.01g/km.
The GS 450h can be identified as the high performance flagship of the GS range by its 'Hybrid' badging to the rear of the sills and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels. SE and SE-L models are equipped with a discreet bootlid spoiler. Inside the cabin, the GS 450h benefits from the same attention to detail applied to the other models in the GS range, with the design and operation of controls and features with optimum ease and refinement.
The latest generation Lexus Navigation System delivers faster route calculation and clearer graphics, using enhanced display technology via a seven-inch Electro Multi Vision (EMV) touch-screen. Voice commands can be used to control navigation, audio, air conditioning and hands-free telephone functions.
July 2006
A special GS Limited Edition (LE) model was launched with just 250 available. Taking the current GS 300 SE as its starting point, it features a series of additional, distinctive exterior and interior style enhancements. On the outside, the LE is distinguished by body styling elements that emphasise the car's strong dynamic look. They include 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, an aerodynamic boot lip spoiler, extended side skirts and a front spoiler.
Luxury is the keynote for the interior, with soft grey perforated leather upholstery, dark wood inserts for the doors and centre console and custom-designed floor mats, exclusive to the LE grade. The GS 300 LE is available exclusively in Aleutian Grey metallic for the exterior, with the interior finished in toning light Grampian Grey.
January 2008
The Lexus GS range was revised for 2008, with the introduction of a 4.6-litre V8 engine in the new GS 460. Delivering a maximum 342bhp and matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it gives the GS stronger performance and more driving character than ever before.
The transmission is a version of the world's first eight-speed automatic, which made its debut on the LS 460 limousine. It is lighter and more compact than the six-speed transmission previously used on the GS 430, and is quieter and more fuel-efficient, too. Thanks to the new powertrain, the GS 460 becomes the performance flagship of the GS range, cutting the nought to 62mph acceleration benchmark to 5.8 seconds; top speed is limited to 155mph. The efficiency of the engine and transmission enables the GS 460 to return an official fuel consumption figure of 25.7mpg in combined cycle driving.
On the outside the new elements include a chrome surround for the front grille, new door mirrors with integrated indicators and new-look door handles. The front and rear bumpers have also been gently restyled, with new-shape air intakes.
The GS 450h adopts a number of styling cues shared with other Lexus Hybrid Drive models. These include blue shading to the headlamp covers and the Lexus badging front and rear, a blue Hybrid logo in the side moulding, blue illumination of the scuff plates and a blue logo on the engine cover. Inside the GS the audio and telephone control buttons on the steering wheel have been revised and the boot and fuel filler release have been relocated outside the drop-down switch module. The gearshift gate has also been adjusted , increasing the area of wood trim around the shift lever.
There are further premium quality touches with the adoption of superior semi-aniline leather upholstery for the GS 460 and SE-L grade models. A paler grey leather with light wood trim combination is newly available. Leather upholstery is now standard on all versions of the GS 450h. For 2008, Lexus extends the availability of technically advanced ride and handling systems across the GS range. Both Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) are provided as standard on all models. The GS 460 and 450h models retain Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).
May 2010
Revised exterior design, bringing further emphasis to full hybrid GS 450h. Enhanced safety features. New audio and navigation systems and revised colour range. The 2010 GS model range features enhanced safety features, new exterior and interior colours while the GS 450h’s status as the model range flagship has now been further reinforced through several bespoke styling cues. GS450h remains the world’s only full hybrid model in the premium mid-size segment. The 2010 GS range also benefits from upgraded audio and navigation systems.