There are a few features shoppers tend to expect come standard when buying a luxury sedan. Power window, power locks, leather seats, push-button starting – these have turned from extra-cost options to basic necessities in a vehicle billed as luxury. Apparently, Lexus didn’t get the memo with the GS sedan as heated and vented seats are bundled in the $1,400 Premium Package, along with the power rear sunshade and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

But there’s a logical reason Lexus does this.

The Premium Package is technically only available on the GS 200t and GS 350. It comes as standard equipment on the GS 200t F Sport, GS 350 F Sport, GS 450h, and GS 450h F Sport. In other words, only the base trims come without the Premium Package and its heated and vented seats. That brings up Lexus’ reasoning. Without the added cost of those features, Lexus is able to price the 2017 GS 200t at $47,305, which is well beneath the starting prices of the GS’ main competitors, the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF, and Audi A6. The base GS with no options provides that luxury car look and feel, but at a more affordable price and without many of the gadgets some folks might not want. It’s all about packages and the base price.

Continue reading for more information.

Here’s What’s Included with my 2017 Lexus GS 200t F Sport Tester

Selecting the F Sport package on the GS 200t sedan adds roughly $7,600 to the price. Though a hefty option, the F Sport makes several options come as standard equipment, including the aforementioned Premium Package. It also adds several go-fast bits to the suspension and brakes, along with a more aggressive exterior appearance and interior adornments. My tester also includes the $1,730 Navigation Package with turn-by-turn directions.

Beyond those packages, the GS 200t F Sport offers several á la carte options like a color head-up display for $900, the one-touch power trunk for $400, orange brake calipers for $300, Intuitive Park Assist for $500, illuminated door sills for $425, and a bundled cargo package that includes a trunk mat, cargo net, and wheel locks for $225.

All told, my tester stickers at $57,735, which includes the $975 destination fee.

References

Lexus GS

Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus GS.

Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus GS F.