To help the handling, the tracks have been widened front and rear, and there’s an all-new multi-link rear suspension unit. The body is stiffer too, thanks to an increased number of spot welds, and much use has been made of aluminium for the chassis components to reduce unsprung weight.
It’s the interior that most potential buyers are going be interested in, though. The driver-focussed dashboard is reminiscent of the one in the BMW 5 Series, and it houses the controls for the novel S-Flow climate control system, which it’s claimed saves energy and directs the airflow to where occupants are actually sitting. An analogue clock incongruously takes centre stage amid all the technology.
On the outside, the car’s styling is neat and unobtrusive, but still rather anonymous. However, Lexus knows its market, and anything too radical would probably have just put off a lot of usual GS customers.
The most distinctive design feature is the pinched-in grille, which unfortunately at first glance looks like a truck has reversed into the GS. As a signature device it doesn’t work particularly well, but Lexus intends to use it on future models, too.
Just two versions - the GS 450h hybrid and GS 250 petrol - will be available in the UK when sales begin early next year. Critically for Europe, there’s no diesel variant on offer for now, and that will undoubtedly hamper sales.
Prices for the 2012 Lexus GS will be confirmed nearer to its launch date.
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