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Lexus and the UAE have a lot of history in common and that's why this review is an important one. Since the launch of the Lexus brand in the early 1990’s, everyone seems to either own one or know someone who does. But now, the all new GS F has arrived and it’s bearing its teeth at the Maserati Ghibli, BMW M5, Mercedes E63 AMG, and the all mighty Cadillac CTS-V.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 5.0L V8 |
| Transmission | 7 Speed S Tronic |
| Power | 467hp / 527NM |
| Top Speed | 270km/h |
| Price | AED257,600 As Tested |
Exterior
The all-new Lexus GS F is, aesthetically speaking, rather polarizing. To some, it’s the most beautiful car on the planet while to others, it’s simply a little “over the top” or OTT as the youth of today like to call it.
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The rear end of the Japanese sedan is extremely aggressive with the quad tail pipes, a lip spoiler and deeply sculpted lights. The front, however, we’re not so sure. The protruding front bumper and DRLs, are a little over the top and maybe even unnecessary.
Overall, the GS F rocks a great stance and features some truly magnificent contours along its bodywork. The 19-inch, 20 spoke wheels are stunning, and add the final touch of aggro to the vehicle.
Interior
The interior of the GS F is not what one would expect from Lexus, with white and black leather seats and a full Alcantara dashboard, it’s different and well worthy of holding a candle to its rivals.
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While competitors such as the Cadillac CTS-V pale in comparison in cabin quality, the Lexus GS F blends luxury and power spectacularly. Offering ample amounts of leg and head room to front and rear seat occupants, its sporting pretentions haven’t taken away its practicality.
The only concern remains, that the iconic Sat-Nav and center console could remind you of the familiar Lexus taxis we ride in ever’ so often. And until Lexus gets around the differentiating the GS F a tad bit more, the accelerator pedal is all you have to remind yourself that the GS F is far from any taxi you’ve ever been in.
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Safety & Tech
The Lexus GS F 2016 is packed with state-of-the-art technology and safety equipment. To start off with it’s got a 10-airbag system that automatically detects whether passengers are present in the seat or not, or if a child is occupying the seat, before deploying them. With two chambers in the front, one for each passenger, the GSF creates an indentation in the center impact area to provide greater protection in the case of a frontal collision.
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Lexus have also introduced a new system called VDIM. This has been designed to try and predict when the car will either slide or is starting to lose control. It does this through the use of individual- wheel braking, torque modulation and steering torque assistance. To fulfill your desire to go sideways, however, the systems can be switched off by either putting the car into Sport or Race mode.
The Lexus Sat-Nav system is not bad, I did use it a couple times over the weekend and it got me to my destination without any issues. Having said that, it did take 10 minutes to key in the location into the system. Lexus has always put good speakers in their vehicles and the GS F is no exception. The Mark Levinson premium surround sound system is great and delivers unprecedented acoustics, no matter what genre.
The all-new track inspired instrument cluster adds a certain finesse to the equation. The one in the GS F changes designs in every drive mode and can be customized to display a wealth of information, from fuel range to a G-meter. We approve!
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Drive
The Lexus GS F 2016 has been fitted with a naturally aspirated V8 which does put it in a corner all by itself against the turbocharged E63 AMG and the supercharged CTS-V. But you know what? It’s the best sounding engine out of them all. The GS F seems to rev endlessly and delivers the most fantastic noises and reactivity from the throttle.
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With no turbos or superchargers working under the hood, acceleration is instantaneous and sees the GS F complete a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds. Courtesy of the 5.0-liter V8 producing 467 horsepower, of course. Stopping power is provided by a set of Brembo brakes measuring 14.9-inches in the front and 13.5-inches in the rear.
The GS F has several different driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Race. The Sport and Race modes are the same as in any other sports sedan, turning all electronic assists off and allowing the rear tires to break traction at the slightest nudge of the accelerator pedal. What impressed us, however, was the Eco Mode. Transforming from a fire breathing dragon to a butterfly at the flick of a switch, it limits acceleration and almost feels like it’s saving the planet one kilometer at a time.
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The 8-speed automatic transmission is light and agile and has short ratios which improve acceleration and braking through the engine. In addition to this, the GS F comes with a tuned suspension set-up that allows it to match the lateral grip of the BMW M5, and that’s a feat, because you know, Germany and all.
While limiting body roll, the suspension system adapts to offer a comfortable drive at the same time. What’s truly impressive, however, is the feedback the wheels and chassis deliver to the driver – rewarding those who dare to push it to its limits.
Verdict
The all new Lexus GS F has certainly left an impression on us and we like it, a lot. It seems to be ever so close to the perfect blend of luxury and aggression. Our hats are off to Lexus for the GS F.
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Competitors:
Pros:
- Engine is fantastically reactive
- Drive is best in class and supremely comfortable
- Eco mode works if you want to go easy and save that Octane 98
Cons:
- Falls slightly short in comparison to more powerful rivals
- Sat-Nav and Infotainment controls are not the best
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Lexus LC 2018 interior unveiled
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