The latest version of the GS sedan was introduced in 2012, for the 2013 model year, featuring a host of visible and invisible changes that Lexus thought would make a better contender in the class and boost its sales. Now, it gets even more, courtesy of yet another model year revamp, this time for 2014.
The Japanese automaker is announcing a few important updates for the car, including the addition of a new eight-speed automatic gearbox – probably the single most important of the operated changes. According to Lexus, the 2014 GS 350 with its 306hp 3.5L V6 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (RWD).
Next up, they’re offering Siri Eyes Free mode, which is an advanced form of voice recognition and control that runs on Apple technology – from my experience using the system on the iPhone, it does work, but it still becomes glitchy very quickly when you stop treating it like a machine…
Lexus is also saying that it has altered the exhaust system for the 3.5-liter V6 motor found under the hood of the GS 350 – it now offers an improved engine note to go along with “the bolder personality” of the refreshed car. Moreover, those who are already familiar with the GS will immediately spot the new full color head-up display (HUD), while the availability of optional blind spot warning is complimented by the addition of Rear Cross Traffic alert, as well as power-folding mirrors (which we were surprised to learn had not been available until now).
However, if you want to specify the Lexus Night View system, you won’t be able to, because it was discontinued from the options list. You’ll have to compensate its loss with some of the other available new pieces of kit/trim, like “Superchrome-“ finished 18-inch rims or new digital controls mounted in the central rear armrest that “adds display option to view radio station and song title information.”
All updates apply to the more powerful GS 450h too, but that doesn’t get the new gearbox. What it does do is mimic the behavior of the conventional box for “more engaging performance,” and reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.6 seconds, while still averaging 31 mpg on the combined cycle.
By Andrei Nedelea
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