Review: Lexus S190 GS (2005-11)

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• For GS 300 and GS 430, refined petrol engines
• For GS 450h, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain
• Quiet, well-insulated cabin
• High standard of interior fit and finish
• Generally accomplished ride/handling balance…

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• … but suspension for GS 450h lacks compliance
• Light, overly-assisted steering lacks feel
• Lack of rear seat headroom

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Review: Lexus S190.I GS 300, GS 430 and GS 450h (2005-08)

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Overview

Released in March 2005, the Lexus S190 Series I (S190.I) GS was a mid-size, rear-wheel drive range of sedans. Manufactured in Tahara, Japan, the Lexus S190 GS range initially consisted of the GS 300 and GS 430, powered by 3.0-litre V6 and 4.3-litre V8 engines respectively.

GS 300 and GS 430: 3GR-FSE and 3UZ-FE engines

Of the engines,

• The 3.0-litre 3GR-FSE V6 petrol engine had a die-cast aluminium block, direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable inlet and exhaust valve timing (‘Dual VVT-i’) and a compression ratio of 11.5:1; and,
• Compared the 3GR-FSE engine, the 4.3-litre 3UZ-FE V8 omitted direct injection, had variable intake valve timing only (‘VVT-i’) and operated at a lower compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Lexus GS 450h: 2GR-FSE engine and electric motor

In May 2006, the range was expanded with the hybrid GS 450h, which was powered by a direct-injection, 3.5-litre 2GR-FSE V6 petrol engine and a 650 volt permanent magnet electric motor which could operate independently and in tandem. Via planetary reduction gears, the power transmission unit would combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements. Through two-stage motor speed reduction gearing, the continuously variable transmission could also provide maximum low-gear torque for acceleration and extended high-gear performance for fuel-efficient cruising. Furthermore, the driver could select from three drive settings: Normal, Power, Snow and Sport.

Dimensions and suspension

Relative to the Lexus S160 GS , the S190 GS was 20 mm longer (4825 mm), 20 mm wider (1820 mm), 15 mm lower (1430 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2850 mm). Furthermore, the S190 GS was fitted with double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars). [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the S190 GS included dual front airbags, side airbags for front and rear occupants, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, knee airbags for driver and passenger, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The GS 300 Sport Luxury, GS 430 and GS 450h were also equipped with a pre-collision system. In the event that a collision was anticipated – which included the radar sensors in the active cruise control system – the pre-collision system would pretension the seatbelts and, if necessary, prepare the brake assist system.

The GS 430 Sports Luxury and GS 450h were also fitted with a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system which enabled intuitive counter-steering – without driver input – to prevent the driver from losing control.

Brakes

The S190 GS had 334 mm by 30 mm spiral-fin ventilated front brake discs with four-piston opposed aluminium monobloc calipiers and 310 mm by 18 mm ventilated rear discs with single-piston calipers.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the GS 300 received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.81 out of 37. In the frontal offset test, there was a slight risk of chest and lower leg injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: GS Sports and Sports Luxury

Standard features for the GS 300 Sports included 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lamps, adaptive front headlights, a rear vision camera, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, remote central locking and proximity key, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, front seat memory settings, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the GS 300 Sports Luxury added a fourteen speaker Mark Levinson sound system with MP3/WMA compatibility, a satellite navigation system, radar-controlled active cruise control (i.e. with autonomous braking), front and rear parking sensors, rear fog lamps and a power moonroof.

The GS 430 Sports Luxury was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Variable Suspension (Lexus’ AVS) and variable gear ratio steering; the GS 450h was further distinguished by its DVD player, perforated leather seats and a park assist display.

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus S190.I GS (February 2005)
• Press Kit: Lexus S190.I GS 450h (May 2006)

Review: Lexus S190.II GS 300, GS 460 and GS 450h (2008-11)

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Overview

Released in March 2008, the S190 Series II (S190.II) GS range introduced a revised line-up with the GS 460 replacing the GS 430. Visually, the S190.II GS range could be identified by its new bumpers and grille, lower air intake, door mirror indicators, door handles and alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a revised steering wheel, instrument panel with variable-transparency glass (to minimise reflections), brushed aluminium shift plate and new switchgear. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Standard features for the entry-level GS 300 Sport were extended to include adaptive variable suspension and premium leather upholstery – these features had previously been limited to the Sports Luxury editions and GS 450h. For other variants and editions, features were substantially the same as the S190.I GS.

October 2009: Lexus GS updates

In October 2009, the GS range received further updates:

• Safety equipment was enhanced with active front seat head restraints and the Pre-Collision Safety System featured autonomous braking (previously restricted to the active cruise control system);
• The sound system received USB and auxiliary inputs;
• The satellite navigation system was upgraded; and,
• The GS 450h was further differentiated by its unique, horizontal-bar grille and ‘hybrid blue’ tail-lights.

201 Lexus GS 300 X Edition

In September 2011, limited-run ‘X’ editions were released of the GS 300 Sports and GS 300 Sports Luxury. The X editions featured 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (as per the GS 460), a rear lip spoiler; the GS 300 X Sports also received a sunroof, proximity key and rear parking sensors.

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus S190.II GS (March 2008)
• Press Release: Lexus S190.II GS 300 X Sport and Sports Luxury (September 2011)
• Wikipedia.org: Lexus S190 GS