First introduced for the 2013 model year, the fourth-generation Lexus GS represented a new direction for the mid-size luxury->ke505 sedan->ke142. Positioned as an updated answer to the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E Class and 2017 BMW 5 Series, it was built on an entirely new platform, powered by a range of more powerful, fuel-efficient engines and featured new styling that included one of the first iterations of the polarizing Lexus->ke47 spindle grille.

In the past, we praised the GS->ke439 for its menacing looks, high-quality interior and versatility, but dinged it for its dated infotainment system, lacking performance (though, this was largely remedied with the 2015 GS 350 F-Sport) and pricey options list. Overall, a very competent car in a very competitive segment.

Now it’s mid-cycle refresh time for the fourth-generation GS, and Lexus has tweaked things for the 2016 model year with some new styling updates, including a distinctive new take on the spindle grille that’s gone full Predator mouth, and an updated range of engines that adds a new turbocharged, four-cylinder option.

Updated 09/22/2015: We’ve added a series of new photos we took at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Find them in the "Pictures" tab.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Lexus GS.

2016 Lexus GS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Lexus GS
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 241
  • Torque: 258
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Most of the body panels remain unchanged from the pre-facelift GS, but the front is where most of the visual updates are found. First, there’s that grille. Whereas the old grille was bisected by a horizontal bumper cover, the new one is a single element, with several black horizontal slats from top to bottom. Is it an improvement? That’s your call, but we’re starting to get used to Lexus’s new corporate face.

Both front and rear light clusters are new too. The fronts are now separated into two elements, with the high- and low-beam lamps sitting above Lexus’s barb-shaped LED strip embedded within the front body work. The rear lights are the same shape, but are updated with a new LED arrangement. The machine-finish, web-spoke wheels are new too, and are presumably one of several wheel options that Lexus says will be available in both 18- and 19-inch sizes.

The rear bumper and rocker panels have also been subtly reshaped, but overall the GS retains its fairly conservative, yet handsome shape and adds a few flamboyant updates to help it look a little more with-the-times.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

Like the exterior, the GS’s interior has received a few small but important updates. New leather colors include Chateau, Noble Brown and F-Sport-exclusive Rioja Red. Each can be paired with some intriguing new trim selections that include laser cut wood, Matte Walnut, Linear 3D and Naguri Aluminum, also exclusive to the F-Sport package.

Navigations now comes standard with the GS 350 and GS 450h->ke1078, and all variants get a larger 4.2-inch multi-function display embedded in the gauge cluster. The 12.3-inch center console screen is navigated via a new Remote Touch Interface track pad, which adds new side ‘enter’ buttons. Bluetooth connectivity, DVD video compatibility, MP3 sound enhancement and 5.1 surround sound are standard, while a 17-speaker Mark Levinson 7.1 sound system is optional.

Overall, the interior is well-appointed without being too busy. The steering wheel has a new, almost Ferrari->ke252-like look to it and the dash layout is intuitive. We’ll have to get behind the wheel to see what kind of improvements have made for the infotainment system, but other than that, the GS looks like a nice place to spend a commute.

Drivetrain

This is probably where the biggest news is. In addition to the G3 350 and GS 450h, a new four-cylinder engine option has been added, with the GS 200t. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a healthy 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and Lexus promises exceptional smoothness and outstanding power delivery. With an estimated 33 mpg, it’s also nearly as fuel-efficient as the GS 450h, which does 34 on the highway.

Moving up in the range will land you in the GS 350. The 3.5-liter V-6 features both direct and port injection and now produces 311 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, an improvement of five horsepower and three pound feet of torque over the previous GS 350. Both the GS 350 and GS 200t use the same eight-speed automatic transmission to power the rear wheels.

The fastest GS is also the most fuel efficient. With 338 horsepower, the range-topping GS 450h’s output remains unchanged, but it’s still good enough to propel it to 60 mph in a brisk 5.6 seconds. Working through a continuously variable transmission, the GS 450h gets 29 mpg in-town and 34 mpg on the highway, which is unchanged from previous.

Drivetrain Specifications

Model

GS 200t

GS 350

GS 450h

Type

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

3.5-liter V6

Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine and a water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor

Output

241 HP

311 HP

338 HP

Torque

258 LB-FT

280 LB-FT

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Safety

All GS variants get an array of new passive and active safety features, including 10 airbags and all the assisted driving features you would expect in a modern mid-size land yacht. The 2016 GS adds an optional Lexus Safety System + package, that combines (we hope you like acronyms) Pre-Collision System (PCS), Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

All GSs get front knee airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The specially designed seats also reduce the amount of space between occupants’ heads and headrests to reduce the likelihood of whiplash in rear-end collisions.

Prices

Lexus is yet to announce pricing for the 2016 GS lineup, but look for a slight price bump for the both the $48,600 GS 350 and $61,330 GS 450h. Expect the GS 200t to come in at around $43,000. Like the previous GS, options are likely to be pricey, and will include the $6,130 F Sport package.

Competition

2017 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series->ke317 is going to be completely new for the 2017 model year, but the current one remains one of the most well-rounded mid-size luxury sedans on the market. A 2014 mid-cycle refresh brought with it updated looks and a range of more powerful engines, including a new four-cylinder diesel and more powerful twin-turbo V-8 variant.

It offers far more engine options than the Lexus, from both diesel and gasoline four-cylinders the way up the to the 560-horsepower M5->ke2922, as well as two new trim options as of 2014, BMW->ke178 Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line. All-wheel-drive is optional across the entire range too, but with a starting price of the just over $50,000, the 5 Series is a bit pricier.

Read more about the 2017 BMW 5 Series here.

2016 Audi A6

The current Audi A6->ke934 remains one of the best looking cars in the mid-size luxury segment, and has the dynamics and amenities to match. Engine options are a bit limited, but both the 220-horsepower 2.0-liter and 310 horsepower 3.0-liter are more than capable. There’s also the 450-horsepower 2016 Audi S6, if you crave a bit more performance.

With a starting price of $42,200, the A6 represents a relative bargain in the segment, but prices can get out of control once you start checking option boxes for the many packages on offer. Quattro->ke2463 all-wheel-drive is either optional or standard, depending on which engine you go with, but Audi->ke14 continues to refuse to offer a rear-wheel-drive option, which I’ve also found a little off-putting.

Read more about the 2016 Audi A6 here.

Conclusion

The GS has always been competent, if a bit dull, and the 2016 model adds a bit of zip to its looks and brings it in line with the current Lexus model range. The changes aren’t exactly Earth shattering, but many of the foibles we experienced the previous GS seem to have been addressed. The new four-cylinder engine option also offers respectable performance and excellent fuel economy at what we anticipate will be a much lower cost.