2012 Lexus GS 450h eCVT RWD (345 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The fourth generation of the GS mid-size sedan premium was unveiled at a special event during 2011’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, surprising everyone with its bold new look.

Toyota’s premium brand, Lexus, worked hard to convince premium buyers that the GS was worthy. It succeeded because all generations of this nameplate boasted some of the highest rankings in the automotive industry. Furthermore, the luxurious cabins and comfortable rides were also part of the package, which finally made buyers think twice before spending their money on European or American luxury brands. But there was only one problem with these cars; they weren’t exciting. Even though on paper they looked sporty, especially for some versions, they were just quick in a straight line but didn’t provide any sort of thrill on a winding road. But everything changed with the fourth generation of the GS. Furthermore, it was also available in an F-Sport trim, which enhanced the car’s look, making it more aggressive. As for the drivetrains, it had something for every taste.

While its predecessors tried to attract the public’s attention with their unique four-headlight styling, the fourth generation of the Lexus GS rolled back the styling time. It went straight to the first generation of this moniker penned by Giugiaro, offering a pair of horizontal ones. They also sported a pearl-like line of L-shaped LEDs for the daytime running lights. As a result, it looked more traditional, albeit with a prominent front fascia that sported the spindle-grille design language. The lower side of the bumper featured an apron that had a rectangular center air intake flanked by the scoops that housed the available fog lamps.

With a profile that looked more like a regular sedan than a hatchback, like its predecessor, the 2013 Lexus GS had a sporty appearance. The ascending waistline started from the front wheel arches and went to the taillights. In addition, even base models featured aerodynamically profiled side sills. In standard trim, the GS came fitted with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, while the options list included other sets two inches wider in diameter. In 2012, most premium automakers offered turn signals integrated into the door mirror caps, and so did the GS. Another significant design change was for the C-post, which sported a more angular shape in its mid-section, not curved like on the previous generations of the car. At the back, depending on the grade and engine version, the automaker installed broad taillights that emerged from the quarter panels onto the trunk lid. As an option, the car could be fitted with a lip spoiler on the trunk.

Inside, there were acres of leather on the door cards, seats, dashboard, and armrests. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster that featured two large dials for the speedometer and the tachometer that flanked a small-size TFT monochrome display. Above the center stack, Lexus installed a 12.3-inch screen for the infotainment system. Drivers could control it via a mouse-like controller housed by the center console. The front seats provided mild side bolstering, while in the back was enough room for three adults, although the tall transmission tunnel made the car more suitable for two occupants.

Under the hood, the 2013 Lexus GS offered a choice of gasoline or hybrid drivetrains, all paired with a six-speed automatic or eCVT transmission. The top-spec version was the 460, which provided plenty of power and grunt to keep up with the best in business.