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Inline Lexus
GS 300 speaks to the heart with a European accent
By Bob English
Thursday, August 28, 2003
There is a hard-to-define "something" about straight 6-cylinder-engined cars I've always found appealing.
They might lack the all-out horsepower and performance of their bigger engined brethren, but inline sixes are often a more balanced package overall - turbine-smooth (not surprising, as all the inline sixes sold in cars here are in luxury models) and emitting a very refined kind of sound. They also usually make all the power you really need and are priced appreciably lower than the hotter versions, which makes them a more sensible buy.
One of the most pleasant of these inline 6-powered cars is the Lexus GS 300, a 'European' styled sedan that successfully goes head-to-head with real, made-in-Europe 'European' cars such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series.
The first GS 300 I saw was at the Detroit auto show in 1993, where it was introduced as the fourth model in the then new Lexus brand lineup. I liked its looks right away. It had an eye-pleasing rounded wedge shape that was originally penned by Italy's Giorgetti Giugiaro and later refined in Japan. And it had an interior that was softer, friendlier and less formal than the German cars of the time.
When I got a chance to drive it shortly afterwards, I mentioned a little more power might be nice, but was mainly laudatory about handling, ride and interior comfort. There was a feeling it lacked - a little of the "toughness" in performance terms of the Euros - but it was a very pleasant car for North American roads and driving styles.
The car was redesigned for 1998 (and a V8 powered GS 430 model added) and while the look didn't change dramatically, it became even more eye-catching with more smoothly curved sheetmetal.
It looked like it was draped over some serious muscle. Call it toned up a bit.
The GS 300 I drove recently hasn't changed in any appreciable way since that last redesign, but despite the passage of time it isn't showing its age, visually or in comfort or driving terms. It's still a roomy, 4-passenger (five if required) luxury sedan, with a good sized (420 litre) trunk, a good turn of speed and sporty handling. It's a pleasure to drive or ride in.
The test car was a special edition that came with the SportDesign package that adds gunmetal-coloured alloy wheels, a special grille and rear spoiler on the outside, and black perforated leather seats, brushed metallic trim pieces, a wood and leather steering wheel and SportDesign logos on the scuff plates inside. It also comes with a suspension tuned to European specs. All this pumps the base price from $61,700 to $63,300, which isn't a bad deal.
The GS 300's 6-cylinder engine is a 3.0-litre, double overhead camshaft unit with variable valve timing, which allows it to produce 220 hp at 5,800 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 revs, and deliver an adequate amount of both over a broad range. This works with a very refined, 5-speed automatic transmission that sends the motor's output to the rear wheels. As I alluded to earlier, these modern luxury sixes are very smooth and refined motors and the GS 300 is as good as any in this regard. The car, which weighs in at 1670 kg, isn't a great drag racer, leaving a standing start with a degree of urgency rather than a flurry of wheel spinning enthusiasm. It took me 8.6 seconds to get to 100 km/h. Once things are moving along, the transmission responds promptly to downshift demands and gives you an 80 to 120 km/h passing or merging run in a quick enough 6.7 seconds. You can also shift this transmission yourself via 'Formula 1 style' buttons on the steering wheel. I suppose some might find this fun, maybe even a little useful at times, but I'd also guess most never use them once the novelty wears off. To allay any concerns about rear-wheel drive, the tranny also has a snow mode to make getting underway easier and the car is equipped with traction control that employs both engine management and the rear brakes to prevent wheelspin. There's also a Vehicle Skid Control system to further enhance stability in slippery conditions.
Fuel economy is a not unreasonable but it does require premium fuel.
The very rigid structure provides a solid mounting to a 4-wheel independent suspension based on the classic double-wishbone design. The braking system uses discs all around and is equipped with anti-lock. Wheels are 16-inchers shod with P225/55VR16 high performance all-season radials. The GS 300's speed-sensitive, rack and pinion steering is positive with the right amount of resistance dialled in. Ride is well controlled - firm but not to the point where you notice every minor undulation in the highway. Handling is "sporty" rather than deadly serious, a good compromise of control and comfort. Overall, it's a very pleasant and rewarding car to drive.
The sedan is nice on the inside too, where you'll find leather covered seats that hold you comfortably in place (with driver's side memory for seat, mirrors and the tilt-telescoping wheel). There's also a power moonroof, multi-function keyless entry, a theft deterrent system, dual automatic climate control with independent settings for driver and passenger and a pollen filter, plus a premium 7-speaker sound system with 6-disc CD changer. Real California walnut trim adds a classy touch to this very attractive interior.
The safety package includes the built-in structural features to protect you in a crash, the driving control electronics already mentioned, a set of potent High Intensity Discharge headlamps and front, side and side curtain airbags, as well as front belts with pre-tensioners and force-limiters.
Overall, a very civilized and sophisticated car.
Immediate competition:
Audi A6, BMW 5 Series,
Mercedes-Benz E-Class,
Saab 95, Volvo S80
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