Lexus GS F

Lexus GS F Overview

The Lexus GS F is Lexus’s answer to the performance executive sedan segment dominated by the German manufacturers with the likes of BMW M5, Mercedes E63 AMG and the Audi RS6. Based on the facelifted fourth generation Lexus GS executive sedan, the Lexus GS F, through the works of Lexus’s high-performance division, the F marque, is the most extreme iteration of the executive sedan.

Unlike most of its rivals with forced induction unit, the F variant is powered by a 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine featured in the LC 500 performance coupé, making it the most powerful GS model after the Lexus GS 350. With the GS model set to be discontinued in year 2020, the rear-wheel-drive Lexus GS F is Lexus’ last hurrah for a performance executive sedan with a large capacity internal combustion engine. 

Engine downsizing and powertrain hybridization trends may have spelled the end for the Japanese ‘muscle car’, but Lexus is not going down without a fight. With a price tag of an eye-watering RM 1,336,000, the contender from the Toyota City will set you back more than most of its European rivals. Sporting the Lexus’s love-it-or-hate-it spindle grille design, the Lexus GS F is aiming for serious left-field buyers that wish to stand out in the crowd.

Lexus GS F Exterior

Your attention is immediately drawn to the massive Lexus signature spindle grille, seen here with the F Sport treatment featuring F-mesh pattern with jet-black plating and a chrome outline. The large and aggressively styled side air intake, coupled with the sharp looking LED projector headlamps with the distinctive L-shaped LED clearance light, gives the GS F a striking front end which exudes a commanding road presence

Lexus’s L-Finesse design language is further demonstrated in the car’s more aggressive styling over the standard GS model, incorporating glossy black trims for the wing mirrors and rear diffuser. The pronounced wheel arches with the integrated Lexus’s trademark F-shaped front fender vents not only alleviate pressure from the wheel arches thus reducing drag, but also provide the car with its wide and aggressive stance.

The slopping C-Pillar meets with the relatively short boot lid to give the car its fastback-like silhouette. ‘L’ signature graphic is integrated in the rear LED design and the rear carbon fibre spoiler lip together with the quad chrome exhaust finishers adds a final sporty touch to the performance sedan.   

Lexus GS F Dimension

Lexus GS F Interior

Although the Lexus GS F is sportier and more extreme than ever, it has not lost any of Lexus’s trademark luxurious interior. The dashboard and center console feature carbon fibre inlay. Leather or faux suede are used extensively across the cabin including the door panels, accented by satin chrome on driver controls such as the drive mode selector, paddle shifters and the door handles.

The central analog clock adds a premium touch to the cabin and the 12.3-inch display seamlessly blends into the dashboard, deliberately positioned out of reach during your drive and controlled only using the Remote Touch Interface next to the leather palm rest on the centre console.

Along with the aluminium-clad organ-type accelerator and brake pedal, a blue stylized ‘F’ badge on the steering wheel reminds the driver of the performance available under your right foot. The F Sport seats upholstered in perforated leather is available in Rioja Red and embossed with the F badge. It is supportive yet suitably comfortable.

Power moonroof comes equipped as standard and despite its smaller dimension compared to most of its rivals, the available 520 litre boot space is right up there with the best in the segment.

Lexus GS F Features

The driver gets an LFA inspired instrument cluster, featuring metallic-trimmed bezel surround and race-inspired elements like the G-force meter. The 12.3-inch split screen infotainment display is controlled using the Remote Touch interface and voice command while the comprehensive Lexus Enform service allows access to your mobile application, emergency assistance or even starting your engine remotely using your smart phone.

Also included are the 10-way power adjustable heated front seats with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium triple-beam LED headlamps, power moonroof and electro chromatic windows. Technical highlights on the GS F include the 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Brembo Brakes, F-exclusive Adaptive Variable suspension with adjustable damping, Torque Vectoring Differential with Slalom, Track and Standard modes, and a Drive Mode Select with Sport S/S+ and Custom mode.

If you are keen, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system, blue Brembo brake calipers with F logo, color Head-Up Display and the 19-in hand-polished split-10-spoke forged alloy wheels are also available as an optional extra.

Lexus Safety System+ suite of safety technology is available as standard on all GS F model, which include system like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Intelligent High Beam. Also fitted are the reverse camera, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and 10 airbags.

Lexus GS F Driving Performance

Engine

Underneath the hood is an old school 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that red lines at an incredible 7,300 RPM. It develops 474 PS and 530 Nm of torque and has a top speed of 270 km/h. It is easily the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in its class.

And coming from the same group of people that gave us the Lexus LFA, you can almost guarantee that the soundtrack coming from the quad-tip exhaust will be music to your ears. Anything beyond 6,000 RPM and the engine sings to the tune that rivals even the best of Maranello.

The V8 engine is part of the Toyota UR engine family and features Yamaha-designed high-flow cylinder heads, titanium inlet valves and high-lift camshafts. Other tech includes the D4-S gasoline port and direct injection and a Dual VVT-i with electric VVT-iE inlet camshaft actuation.

Transmission

Lexus GS F Ride Comfort

The advanced F-Adaptive Variable Suspension features 30 levels of damping that can react to prevailing road conditions in real time depending on the selected drive mode. Being the more performance-oriented model, it feels stiffer than the other GS models, but it is by no means harsh.

Torque Vectoring Differential with three selectable modes (Slalom, Track and Standard) can respond in one-thousandth of a second to vary torque distribution among the rear wheels according to the grip level at any given time during cornering, sending more power to the outside wheel thus improving cornering traction and stability.

Lexus GS F Fuel Consumption

Lexus GS F Conclusion

Lexus’s back-to-basics approach to the Lexus GS F especially with the naturally aspirated V8 engine is very appealing indeed. Coupled with the bold and aggressive exterior, luxurious and comfortable cabin, and a highly practical boot, for most of the part, the Lexus is certainly as good if not better than most of the uber fast German saloons.

It is undeniable that the Lexus has once again manage to deliver a world class product with renowned Japanese reliability, but with the steep price tag, it could prove to be the Lexus GS F biggest, and arguably only issue.