Item: Used Lexus GS 2012-2018
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

Mentioning the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/used-review/n991">BMW 5 Series</a> may make you sigh since it seems to be the default alternative in this class, but that’s because it’s one of the best cars you can buy. There may not be the same number of hybrid versions available, but there are plenty of other engine options available that either match or exceed the economy provided by the GS. Plus, it’s great to drive and you’ll find it to be slightly more practical as a family car.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/used-review/n894">Audi A6</a> is the king of premium interiors amongst its peers. The infotainment is much simpler to use compared with the one that Lexus uses and like the BMW, it’s got a vast range of engine choices to suit all needs.

<a href="http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/lexus/gs">Find a used Lexus GS in the What Car? Classifieds here</a>

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What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

It’s rather difficult to find much to say here, because there haven't been any official recalls for the GS in the UK and we're yet to hear of any significant failures from owners. The only niggles they have mentioned are to do with the awkward infotainment system.

Very much so. Lexus has often been at the top of most reliability surveys, and this was true of our latest survey, in which it took first place above 31 other car brands – an excellent result.

If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2018-what-car-reliability-survey/n17798">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> pages for more information.

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Saloon

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Very generous standard equipment and hybrid power help the Lexus GS stand out, but it isn’t the best luxury car to drive

Used Lexus GS 2012-present

If you choose a hybrid version, the running costs should be pretty reasonable for an luxury car. The GS 300h offers the lowest running costs, with an official combined fuel economy figure of 56.5mpg and road tax of just £20 per year. Even the GS 450h gets 46.3mpg and a £145 tax liability.

Only the non-hybrid GS 250 lets the side down, only managing 31.7mpg and costing a not-inconsiderable £315 per year in tax.

Any GS registered after 1 April 2017 will fall under the new road tax system and will be charged a flat rate fee of £140 per year (or £130 if it’s a hybrid), unless the car was worth more than £40,000 when new. If it was, you’ll have to pay a surcharge of £310 on top of the £140 flat rate fee until the car is over six years old, no matter which engine option you go for.

Lexus publishes the prices of all servicing on its website, so you’ll be able to budget for your yearly running costs. If your GS is more than five years old, it’ll qualify for Lexus Essential Care, which is a more cost-effective alternative to regular servicing, and the standard hybrid health check is still included in the price.

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Used Lexus GS 2012-2018

Very generous standard equipment and hybrid power help the Lexus GS stand out, but it isn’t the best luxury car to drive

Prices for an early 2012 GS 250 with average mileage start at around £10,000. This seems like good value for a large luxury car with a high level of standard equipment until you discover that a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/used-review/n763">BMW 5 Series</a> with similar mileage and a more economical 2.0-litre diesel engine could be yours for around £1000 less.

However, if you must have a hybrid car, the tables are turned, because there simply aren't that many alternatives to the GS. The GS 450h has been around the longest, and a 2012 example with 60-70,000 miles should be around the £13,000 mark. The more economical but slower GS 300h came out about a year later and commands a slight premium: a 2013 car with 50,000 miles will start at around £14,500-£16,000.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/car-valuation/">Check the value of a used Lexus GS with What Car? Valuations</a>

The GS 300h may not be quite as quick or as refined as the GS 450h when driven quickly, but its smaller, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is much more economical when you take it on a long motorway journey. It’s still quiet enough in most situations to make it our favourite.

The standard equipment in the GS is impressive enough that you wouldn’t feel short-changed even with the entry-level car. However, most of the GS 300h examples available on the used market are the higher-spec Luxury version, which features blindspot monitoring, larger 18in alloy wheels and auto-dimming and electrically folding door mirrors.

Our favourite <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/lexus">Lexus</a> GS: GS 300h Luxury

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

It goes without saying that you should make sure that all the electronic equipment in your GS still works, because there are plenty of toys included. However, since <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/lexus">Lexus</a> reliability is so good, this shouldn't be a worry.

The GS is a big car, so you should check for unsightly dents and dings. If there is any evidence of paint repair, make sure that it has been carried out by a Lexus-approved repairer, otherwise it won’t be covered by the standard paint protection warranty.

Standing out in the established luxury car class is hard. The Lexus GS has to compete with a number of premium rivals, such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/used-review/n991">BMW 5 Series</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/used-review/n894">Audi A6</a> and even the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/passat/saloon/used-review/n810">Volkswagen Passat</a>. With such a strong list of alternatives, it has to have a unique selling point in order for it to garner some attention. Fortunately, it does.

One of the major reasons you’d choose the GS over the competition is that it's available with a hybrid powertrain. This is good news for those who do most of their driving in congested town or city traffic, since the car can run for a limited time on electric power only, making it a very quiet way to get around.

The GS 300h is probably best for this, because it promises diesel-like economy. For those who need more power, there's also another hybrid that features a 292bhp 3.5-litre V6 (the GS 450h), as well as 220bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the GS 250. There's also a range-topping 5.0-litre V8 petrol called the GS F. Unfortunately for some, there are no diesel engines available.

The entry-level trim equips the GS with a wealth of Lexus safety systems, 10-way adjustable front seats, a leather upholstery and a 12.3in screen infotainment system complete with sat nav, Bluetooth and DAB radio. Upgrade to the Luxury trim and the GS gets 18in alloy wheels and a rear-view camera, while the F-Sport trim adds adaptive suspension, heated and ventilated front sports seats and LED headlights. The range-topping Premier models get a touch more luxury, with premium leather and wood used on the interior, a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, while the red hot GS F gets numerous sporting details and aerodynamic parts fitted, and a quad-exhaust system.

Hybrid GS models use a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/which-type-of-automatic-gearbox-should-i-buy/n17022">CVT gearbox</a>. This makes the driving experience a little odd, at least to begin with. When you put your foot down, instead of the 'box kicking down to a lower gear (because there aren't any), it increases the engine revs to the top of the power band to give the best acceleration. However, this should rarely happen at slower speeds, and you'll be treated to a very peaceful drive.

The calm and unflustered way&nbsp;the GS drives impresses. The ride is supple and composed, although F Sport models fidget a little. Body control is generally very good, although predictably cornering is improved by selecting the sportiest of modes in cars with adaptive suspension. The same can be said of the steering – nicely weighted, if a touch on the light side. Selecting 'Sport' adds 10 per cent more weight.

The GS F is a totally different animal, with a 5.0-litre V8 that springs into life above 3800rpm and revs all the way to 7300rpm, its growling bellow getting louder and more manic as it goes. It reaches 62mph in less than five seconds. With lots of performance-focused dynamic upgrades, it has a much firmer ride but changes direction with real athleticism. The suspension comes with switchable dampers that get firmer still in the sportier drive modes. While the ride gets harder, it’s never harsh and copes with bucking B roads surprisingly well. Its downfall is the indecisive eight-speed automatic gearbox, though, which fails to select the gear you want, when you want it, making it hard to get the best from the characterful engine.

The GS's interior is something special, featuring plenty of soft-touch plastics, real metal and supple leather.&nbsp;However, the infotainment system isn’t the easiest to use, because it's controlled by a trackpad that’s far too sensitive, meaning you often miss your intended icon, particularly when you're driving.

The hybrid system also robs the boot of space, and you can't get split-folding rear seats, whereas you can in most rival cars. This inflexibility hampers practicality greatly if you need to carry long items, such as a bicycle. Space in the rear seats isn’t that great, either, and the car's high window line can make the interior feel cramped. Room up front is better, and there's a wide range of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel – often electrically.

<a href="http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/lexus/gs">Find a used Lexus GS in the What Car? Classifieds here</a>

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Used Lexus GS 2012-2018 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Lexus GS saloon?