Lexus GS300h, road test (Design, equipment, price and opinion)

We continue with the road test of the Lexus GS300h, this saloon with the 223 CV hybrid engine we analysed in the first part of the road test, to check whether its 223 CV engine is sufficient and what level of comfort it offers its passengers.

Now, in the second part, we turn to the design (which we already covered in depth in the road test of the Lexus GS450h), the equipment of our unit (the standard kit, although it may not seem so), the prices of the Lexus GS300h and our personal opinion of the model.

Understated exterior design and a high-quality, spacious interior

Outside, the Lexus GS is a saloon with a classic design, with some details that give it a sporty air, but always making its premium saloon positioning clear, with considerable size. At the front, the brand’s grille stands out, a true signature feature, along with the bi-xenon headlights (standard) with LED daytime running lights. At the rear, elongated light clusters stand out, defining the back of the car and helping to emphasise its sporty character.

Inside, the most notable aspect is the quality, a dashboard with simple shapes that exudes quality in all its finishes; wherever you touch, there are pleasant soft-touch plastics and materials with good finishing. The large central screen is the star, along with the joystick on the centre console, with which we can control all the multimedia and climate-control functions.

The seats are very comfortable, hold the body perfectly, are electric as standard and offer high comfort when covering many kilometres at the wheel. In the back, it is a very spacious car for two occupants, since the centre seat is tight in terms of space, and the raised centre tunnel detracts from comfort.

Equipment

The equipment of the Lexus GS300h is structured in several levels: ECO, Corporate, Executive, F-Sport and Luxury. Our unit was an ECO with some optional extras, although it comes very well equipped as standard.

Among the extensive standard equipment we can find: bi-xenon headlights, climate control, an 8-inch screen with navigation (ours was the optional 12-inch), cruise control, 12 speakers that sound really good (other premium brands should take note), light and rain sensors, multiple airbags (including knee airbags for driver and passenger), among other systems.

Within the equipment of our unit, it is worth highlighting the good performance of the bi-xenon headlights, and the complete multimedia and sound system, which in some premium saloons requires extras to achieve that sound quality, but here it comes as standard.

Prices of the Lexus GS300h

• Lexus GS300h ECO 45,900 euros
• Lexus GS300h Corporate 52,100 euros
• Lexus GS300h Executive 58,500 euros
• Lexus GS300h F-Sport 67,000 euros
• Lexus GS300h Luxury 71,200 euros

Assessment and personal opinion

For 45,900 euros, to buy a saloon of the size of the Lexus GS we have to turn to the entry-level versions from premium brands, and the GS offers us a complete equipment list and a 223 CV powertrain. It is true that it is not a refined V6, but it is more than sufficient for those who are not looking for sportiness at the wheel, simply a comfortable, spacious, well-equipped and high-quality car that is comfortable on the road.

By comparison, the Mercedes E-Class starts at 41,350 euros but with a 136 CV diesel engine and less equipment, or the Audi A6 starts at 41,130 euros with the 150 CV diesel, and the BMW 5 Series at 41,750 euros with the 150 CV diesel as well. But none of them include bi-xenon headlights, a navigation screen as standard or a premium 12-speaker sound system, among other details.

In other words, the Lexus GS300h is a genuine alternative to the typical premium saloons, being especially recommended for those looking for a comfortable car for travelling or covering many kilometres with fairly reasonable consumption, not to mention the maintenance advantage of being a hybrid vehicle (the naturally aspirated engine is turbo-free and well proven).

Photos | Diego G. Moreira