WASHINGTON — If you’re looking for a luxury sedan, prices can be daunting, but lately more manufacturers are introducing new versions of popular midsize sedans with smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines. This lowers the entry price and improves fuel mileage, and Lexus is the latest luxury carmaker to offer this.
I have driven several Lexus GS models before, but each of them had a V6 or V8, so I was skeptical of the turbo four-cylinder engine. With just 241 hp, you don’t expect a speed demon, and this isn’t, but it doesn’t seem underpowered, either. For many drivers this will be plenty of power, though it feels a little strained with all seats filled when trying to merge in to traffic. But the 8-speed automatic does a really good job of keeping the car in the sweet spot of power most of the time and does it very smoothly, too.
I was expecting better gas mileage than I got — 23.2 mpg over 187 miles, below the stickered 26 mpg of mixed driving. I did do a fair amount of city driving.
The handling of the GS200t is a pleasant surprise. With less weight up front, it really woke up this rear-drive car. While it’s not the sportiest midsize luxury sedan, it does take turns rather well in some spirited driving. But it doesn’t compromise that quiet and compliant Lexus ride you desire most of the time.
With a starting price around $46,000, this Lexus GS200t is more than $4,000 less than the V6, but the interior is still top-rate. The leather seats are comfortable and ready for all-day driving. The tester car was also fitted with the premium package, which adds heated and ventilated front seats. The power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and shifter are also covered in leather.
There is good space — comfortable for the driver and passengers both in front and back seats. The fit and finish is very Lexus-like, with soft touch materials and a very high-quality look. My car also had the optional NAV system, with a large 12.3-inch screen that can split into two screens if you want.
The voice controls work well for the most part, accurately responding to what I said the first time. At first, the touch controller is very sensitive and hard to get where you want it. But after a few days, you learn the soft touch it takes to make it do want you want.
The GS200t looks like any other GS sedan, even though you’re paying less for this Lexus. It has that large, trademark grill up front with LED headlights. The running lights look good; they’re in the shape of the logo. The test car was fitted with the larger 18-inch wheels — a worthy $905 option to help give this Lexus sedan a sportier look when compared to the stock wheels.
I tend to like the color blue on cars, and this Nightfall Mica looks sharp on the GS; it really pops in the sunlight. The rear end has dual exhaust pipes to spice it up a bit, but it’s not as interesting as the rest of the car.
The Lexus GS 200t is the new entry-level version of its midsize sedan, now coming at a very competitive price that doesn’t make you give up luxury. Its trademark Lexus fit and finish make it a really tranquil environment to spend your commute. If you don’t fancy big speed and want to enjoy the ride without breaking the bank, the Lexus GS 200t could be the midsize luxury sedan you’re looking for.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
