LEXUS claims the first all-new GS sedan since the original circa-1997 model released here represents the most significant Lexus passenger car development in 15 years. Cut through the marketing hype, however, and it's clear the Toyota luxury subsidiary, like Audi, is more serious than ever about getting a solid foothold in the Australian luxury car market dominated by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Importantly, the new V6-powered GS300 retains its rear-drive layout for Australia and is available from $95,000 - $5000 less than before. Meantime, the V8-powered GS430, at under $140,000, represents a sensible alternative to family-sized luxury sedans like BMW's 545i, the E500 Merc and Audi's A6 4.2 quattro.
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Lexus GS300
Released: November 97
Ended: February 05
Family Tree: GSThe GS300 sedan was among the first Lexus models to arrive in Australia and impressed with its silky-smooth inline six/rear-drive layout. Launched here in November 1997 for $89,500, it joined the original LS400 sedan flaghsip as a serious luxury sedan contender. A revised GS300 offered standard satellite-navigation from October 2001, while a mesh-grilled L-Tuned limited-edition GS was released in April 2003. The new GS introduces V6 and V8 power for the first time here.
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