Luxury and safety boost for Lexus GS and LS

LEXUS has upgraded its GS and LS sedans with both ranges benefiting from new safety systems, more in-car technology and improved chassis rigidity with only a small increase in price.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is now standard on the entire GS and LS line-up. Using the Blind Spot Monitoring system’s radar, RCTA is able to detect and warn the driver visually and audibly of objects passing behind the vehicle.

The Japanese car-maker’s ENFORM connectivity system which uses smartphone apps is also now standard on all variants and so too is SD card-based navigation that alerts drivers to speed and red-light cameras, and school zones. Dual USB ports have been fitted across both line-ups as well.

Lexus’ premium Mark Levinson sound system is now standard on the GS350 Sport, while it can be optioned on the GS250 and 300h F Sport.

The update has also seen the chassis stiffened in both models thanks to high rigidity glass and a change in adhesives used. The GS benefits further from a re-engineered A-pillar, increasing body stiffness.

The revision to the GS range brings a new colour to the optional self-healing paint with Titanium Silver replacing Elysium Blue.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the revisions enhance luxury and safety while bringing only a slight increase in price.

“These new features and added levels of safety will make the LS and GS sedans even more of a pleasure to own and drive,” he said.

“We are proud to offer these upgraded features without a significant price premium.” The GS range now starts from $77,000 plus on road costs (up just $470 on the out going variant) and heads north to the GS450h at $123,900, (an increase of $400).

Lexus revised flagship LS saloon line-up starts with the LS460 F Sport at $189,430 (up $400) while the range-topping LS600hL comes in at $249,630 (also a $400 increase).

Lexus GS pricing*

250 Luxury (a)	$77,000 (+$470)
250 F Sport (a)	$85,000 (+$470)
300h Luxury (a)	$79,400 (+$400)
300h F Sport (a)	$87,400 (+$400)
300h Sports Luxury (a)	$102,400 (+$400)
350 F Sport (a)	$99,900 (+$470)
350 Sports Luxury (a)	$111,600 (+$470)
450h F Sport (a)	$112,500 (+$400)
450h Sports Luxury (a)	$123,900 (+$400)

Lexus LS pricing*

460 F Sport (a)	$189,430 (+$400)
460 Sports Luxury (a)	$194,630 (+$400)
600h F Sport (a)	$217,630 (+$400)
600hL 4 seats (a)	$259,630 (+$400)
600hL 5 seats (a)	$249,630 (+$400)

*Excludes on-road costs.