All-New Lexus GS Launched in Malaysia
Petaling Jaya – March 28, 2012 – Lexus Malaysia today officially introduced its highly anticipated, the all new Lexus GS, a mid-sized luxury sedan designed to provide class-leading luxury and performance from Japan. The Lexus GS is not only a car that looks good with class-leading comfort and luxury, but is also a car that is able to provide the driver with the emotional value of great handling, a high level of safety, and great fuel economy.
The fourth-generation Lexus GS marks a huge step over its predecessor in terms of design, technological capabilities and most importantly comfort and drivability for both driver and passenger. It has impressed the world’s media since its global introduction in November of 2011 in Los Angeles, USA.
En. Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor said, “The new Lexus GS has successfully set new standards for a mid-level luxury car. Positive reviews from local and international media have proven that the Lexus GS lives up to and even exceeds all expectations, and we are certain that you will feel this for yourself when you drive this car.”
“The Lexus GS is a representation of the Lexus’ continuous “Pursuit of Perfection” which will certainly raise the benchmark in terms of refinement in quality, detailing and styling in the luxury market. Although subtle, the changes are meaningful and obvious, taking the Lexus GS experience to the next level”, he added.
The new Lexus GS marks the second model that boasts the Japanese luxury brand new design philosophy called the L-finesse. The edgier and bolder design is topped off with the new spindle grille at the front which will soon be featured on all other Lexus models symbolizing the identity of establishment and the future of Lexus.
The redesigned interior features the world’s first largest Electro Multi Vision screen in the automotive business. The 12.3-inch screen display is large enough to support simultaneous viewing of a map and audio, climate control or other vehicle information screens that the driver chooses.
Speaking about the interior of the new Lexus GS, En. Ismet Suki said, “Several highly innovative technologies make a first appearance in the new Lexus GS model range. This includes the new Lexus’ award-winning, computer mouse style Remote Touch Controller, which allows the driver to operate the various systems without having to reach forward to switches or buttons”.
For the Luxury and F-sport variants, there is a choice of audio systems offering incomparable power and clarity. The optional Mark Levinson audio system features 17 speakers to offer sound quality equivalent to a live concert hall performance.
While the interior serenades the passengers in class-leading luxury, a choice of two different powerful engines ensure that the driver is never left wanting. The GS250 is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine that produces 207hp and 253Nm of torque, while the top of the range GS350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides an impressive 306hp and 378Nm of torque.
The new Lexus GS will be available in Malaysia in five different variants starting from the GS250 which is price at RM366, 200 and goes up to RM400, 600 for the Luxury and F-Sport variant. The GS350 starts from RM456, 800 up till RM464, 800 for the Luxury and F-Sport models as well.
“The new GS appeals to executives and professionals who would like to own a grand touring sedan that is able to hold its own against the rest of the field” added En. Ismet Suki.
Order taking of the new Lexus GS started on the 1st February of 2012 and Lexus Malaysia expects to sell around 150 units of the new GS by the end of this year.
The launch event was also attended by Mr. Takashi Hibi, Deputy Chairman, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. and Mr. Koji Sato, Deputy Chief Engineer, Lexus Division, Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan.
Editor’s Note:
A day before the launch, some of the media were invited to a preview/test drive of the GS 250 and the GS 350. Although we got only about 16 kilometres in each car, and rode as passengers as two other media drove the same car around the test circuit, it was enough to know that this car is made to pander to those who want a luxurious car. The performance of the GS350, by simple virtue of its larger engine capacity, is obviously much better than the GS250, but both cars have similar features otherwise. For those who want good performance, the GS350 would be a great car, but for those who are happy with enough power to get one to places in style, the GS250 would be fine.
Having said that, the power of the GS 250 is fine if you look at it in isolation – the engine features the latest in technologies, and at 207 horsepower, it is marginally more powerful than the Mercedes E 250 (which runs a 1.8 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine.
One good thing is that Lexus maintains the front engine rear wheel drive configuration – this puts it up among the German marques, and makes it an alternative buy for our motoring public to consider.
One thing is for sure – when you step into a Lexus showroom or service facility, the hospitality and attention is just awesome.
We should be getting the cars sooner or later for a more extensive test drive – we shall keep our readers updated when that happens.
