Lexus GS test drive since 2012 sedan

Lexus GS - Russian version

What a buzz to grab on a flat ground grader! Turn over turn, all the bolder and bolder width of the road allows you to famously pass them in a drift. And I’m not at all behind the wheel of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru Impreza WRX STI, who have absorbed their ancestors shining in the rally, and I am sitting on a leather chair in a snow -white Lexus! Do you think I'm crazy? No, this is an excuse for dust and the organizers drove us dirt. After all, the case was at the presentation of the all -wheel drive version of the GS sedan.
This bonus is by no means superfluous. If in greenhouse conditions of California (although in America all -wheel drive GS has been sold for 3 years) or in Germany’s autobahns four leading can be neglected, then in Russia it is hardly in Russia. Yes, and statistics, as usual, are inexorable in the premium E-class segment among models with six-cylinder engines more than half falls on all-wheel drive versions! And this is not only a large German three. Here is another native of Asia Infiniti M35X sedan. And a bunch of exotic models like Cadillac CTS. So our letters AWD needed Lexus, like air.
This very nameplate, modestly hiding on the lid of the trunk, is generally the only detail in which you can identify an all -wheel drive Lexus from the outside. But if you look closely, you can notice the number 350. Yes, it also has a different engine! Under the hood of the GS 350 AWD gasoline V6 with a volume of 3.5 liters, which is already known by the American version of the model or the GS 450H hybrid.
Lexus promises a non-fragile dynamics, because a V-shaped six with a factory designation 2GR-FSE is ready to release all 307 horses, and the torque of a solid 372 Newton-meter. It is not necessary to ask her to ask her about this especially and press on the right pedal. But this is not so easy to do and the leg, with habit, rests on a ledge on the central tunnel. What kind of nonsense?
It's all about the transmission. When developing Lexus GS, apparently, it never occurred to anyone that Russians and even more so Americans would need all -wheel drive. Are they so frightened by global warming that they believed in palm trees and the warm sea in the Moscow region? One way or another, but to implant additional shafts and gears, engineers had to sweat due to limited space.
In the GS 350 AWD, torque is transmitted to the rear axle through the planetary transmission, and to the front axle through the low -sulfur circuit. Without going into details, this helped to ensure not only the ease of the hand -boxed box, but also its compactness. The center differential is a multi -disc cyk with electronic control and a hydraulic executive mechanism. But in the flagship LS model, a differential type Torsen.
True, the owner of the Lexus GS 350 AWD will have to come to terms not only with the appendix of the central tunnel (you, in fact, get used to it in a couple of minutes), but also with a maximum speed at 190 km/h! Yes, even if less powerful, but the rear-wheel drive GS 300 can accelerate to 240, then the fee for a permanent all-wheel drive is measured by a loss of a good 50 km/h of the maximum wipes. The limit is imposed due to the characteristics of the chain gear. By the way, in Infiniti M35, the situation is actually a similar modification of the M35X is also significantly inferior to a regular EMKU in speed.
Well, the GS 350 starts very confidently and under the velvety rumble of the V6 quickly throws the speedometer arrow for 100. For this it takes 6.1 seconds. And at the same time, neither the driver nor passengers bothers at all the six -speed machine operates very smoothly, not straining with excess jerks even in sports mode. Comfort here is the main force of Grand Sedan (so deciphered by GS) from Lexus. On the speedometer 160, but at the same time you can safely communicate with the passengers of the back row. And only the rustle of Dunlop Sport 2050 tires on excessively granular asphalt sometimes penetrates too obsessively.
And if you are tired of devouring kilometers on the highway and I want to turn on a narrow winding path? Let's try! Automatic - in manual mode, adaptive suspension (AVS) in Sport. Sense turns GS 350 AWD are very good, but in steep turns it is by no means so quick. No, with the chassis, Lexus has a complete order, but the effort on the steering wheel evaporates somewhere sharply, you have to go literally to the touch. This, of course, will not add gray hair, but it can easily discourage hunting for such exercises.
 

The Lexus GS 350 AWD interior fully copies the interior of conventional Lexus GS and, of course, gives out its almost five -year age. And let the finishing materials no longer call it chic, but the configuration of Lexus is richest. Unless the skin on the steering wheel pumped up. Anachronism in the form of a cassette drive will soon be eliminated on Lexus GS released from the end of November, it will be replaced by a USB input. In addition, GS will receive front active head restraints, and a navigation system with a hard disk and a more detailed map of Russia will enter the Luxury set.
Lexus GS instrument shield is a small masterpiece. Moreover, the scales are not only very beautiful, but also very informative. The display under the tachometer displays indication of the operating modes of the gearbox, pendants and parking radar
 
So it’s better not to experience fate, but to go a little calmer. Moreover, in sports mode, the suspension is unpleasantly shaking in the waves. However, if you discard this nuance, then for the smoothness of the move Lexus receives a convincing five - even if you bring down the dirt road at speed far beyond 100, then the shock absorbers do not give up and do not begin to torture the body and throw passengers to the ceiling.
By the way, the Lexus GS 350 AWD is not sold in Europe, so we got it, in fact, exclusively. This required the adaptation of the machine. Compared to the American 350s, our other lighting equipment and the engine control unit, as well as springs and shock absorbers with other characteristics.
 

The front seats are generally not bad and are equipped with many electro -regulations and even ventilation (in the Luxury configuration). But to choose a convenient landing behind the wheel, a lot of time will take.
But the profile of the rear sofa is very successful, and there is enough space for the legs. However, high passengers will definitely visit the fact that the head rests on the ceiling, the shape of the roof
 
Here, on the primer, and the main delights of all -wheel drive shook GS 350 at the entrance to the turn, slightly tugged with the steering wheel and drag it with gas. The beauty! Naturally, for this you need to hold the stabilization button for a few seconds if the VSC is activated, then it will not allow you to get down from the course either on the iot. But the Lexus GS 350 AWD in any case will remain very understandable and predicted in behavior. The developers deliberately went towards maximum safety, it became clear when we reached a large asphalt site, where several tests staged a car.
 

V-shaped six with a volume of 3.5 liters is a completely alloy structure. Among other features of the engine, combined D-4S fuel injection, which combines the advantages of both a distributed type and direct. This combination helps with small and medium loads, and only direct injection is used in maximum return mode. In addition, the engine is equipped with a system for changing the phase distribution phase Dual VVT-I with phasor-breeders and on intake and final distributions
If the GS 350 easily allowed to expose himself sideways on the bulk, then everything is different on the asphalt. A wet area sprinkled with leaves for greater complexity is an impromptu turn. However, it is almost unrealistic to disrupt in Lexus, despite the fact that the ratio of torque changes from 50/50 to 30/70 in favor of the rear wheels. Apparently, the electronics does not allow the rear axle to take the upper hand in such situations, blocking the center coupling. And if even half of the moment was enough on the ground to disrupt the stern in the skid, then on the asphalt, alas.
Although, what am I talking about. Why should someone portray a drifter behind the wheel of a business class sedan? And finally, in the essence of the Lexus concept, I established myself on a tight figure of a winding highway laid out by cones, the width of which was generally barely enough for GS 350. While you study the configuration everything is fine. But it was worth going to the result, the unpleasant feature was revealed with rapid rotation, the steering wheel eats up, the step in force is too large. This, of course, did not prevent me from showing the best time of the day at the presentation, but made it clear to the Japanese sedan to understand sports ambitions.
So the ji-esu all-wheel drive is not at all in order to go sideways in the bend, raising snow dust clubs. Not for this to him a 307-horsepower engine. This is a guarantee of confidence in overtaking or driving on slippery roads. Empty steering wheel? But it does not strain on the highways, and the suspension is almost disregardingly refers to all Russian road realities. The seats will delight the driver and passengers with comfort, and the music lovers will appreciate the sound of the Mark Levinson audio system. In addition, it is very safe, which confirms the 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
Yes, Lexus GS is no longer new and in some aspects is inferior to more fresh competitors, but with the advent of a full -wheel drive version it becomes a rather relevant offer. There is no doubt, the GS 350 AWD has every chance of becoming the most popular among all GS modifications. Moreover, on the eve of winter, because sales of the model have already begun. Prices start from the mark of 2 million 184 thousand rubles for the Lexus GS 350 AWD Executive, and the top Luxury will cost 2 million 440 thousand. That is, it falls exactly between the GS 300 and GS 460. So now Lexus fans do not need to break their heads. The choice was simplified to the limit.
Lexus GS 350 AWD Executive:
- system of integrated control of the dynamics of the VDIM car, which includes ABS and VSC stabilization system
- adaptive shock absorbers AVS
- tire pressure sensors
- Two -stage front airbags
- Side airbags
- front and rear lateral inflatable curtains
- knee airbags for the driver and front passenger
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Light sensor
- Rain sensor
- parking sensors (front and rear)
- adaptive xenon headlights with automatic corrector and washer
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Electrochrome folding side mirrors with heating
- 7-inch sensor display
- CD/MP3-Audiosystem with 10 speakers and chainer for 6 discs
- Bluetooth communication system
- Leather salon
- Separate climate control
- Cruise control
- steering column electric drive
- front seats with electric drives and heating
- Smart Key engine access and start -up system

Employment Lexus GS 350 AWD Luxury (in addition to Executive):
- The rear spoiler
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- DVD chain for 6 disks
- navigation system with a hard disk
- Mark Levinson audio system with 14 speakers
- Rear View Camera
- front chairs with ventilation
Competitors:
Audi A6 Quattro
One of the most popular Audi models last year survived restyling and acquired not only fashionable LED garlands, but also a cool three -liter compressor six -powered horsepower (torque 420 Nm). The machine is equipped with a magnificent all -wheel drive transmission of Quattro, but there will be many to pay for superiority on any roads. The price starts from the mark of 2 192 900 rubles, but at the same time, the wealth of the Lexus configuration of Audi is very far away.
BMW 530i XDRive
The 272-horsepower BMW 530i XDRive sedan will delight active drivers with sports habits and, despite losing in power, may catch up in a straight line in corners. True, the electronic full drive XDRive lacks predictability, and the price is by no means the most humane basic 530th with a machine gun will cost no less than 2,269,500 rubles.
Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic
Chic Mercedes-Benz E-class the latest model in a large German three. But for a cozy interior, excellent balanced running qualities and non -trivial design will have to be paid more than any of the competitors. The basic E350 4MATIC is estimated at 2.398 million, and for the equipment a special series, which includes all the most necessary equipment, must be given 2.75 million rubles.
Infiniti M35X
The Japanese sedan is hidden along the large patterns similar to Lexus, equipped with a 3.5-liter six of the same (307 hp) power and stuffed with equipment in the highest category. And the all -wheel drive speed restriction is present accelerates M35X only to 206 km/h. The price for M35X Premium starts at 2,385,300 rubles.
Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD
A native of the United States can boast not only with a spectacular and original appearance. The main price! 307-horsepower all-wheel drive CTS can be bought for only 1,535,000 rubles! At the same time, the car will be very well equipped, and for that kind of money you can completely forgive Kaddi's close rear sofa and not the most chic finish.
Volvo S80 T6 AWD
Another profitable offer of the Swedish sedan Volvo S80. A 285-horsepower machine with a turbocharged three-liter engine and all-wheel drive will cost quite reasonable 1,696,000 rubles. And you will have to pay extra for the machine all other necessary elements of comfort and safety are already included in the complete set. And for 2 143 500 you can even become the owner of the S80 with a 315-horsepower V8!
Honda Legend
The Acura brand has not yet entered the Russian market, so the flagship of the Honda Legend has to swear for two. The sedan in the only rich configuration is equipped with a 295-horsepower V6 with a volume of 3.7 liters, as well as a smart all-wheel drive transmission of SH-AWD, which flexibly distributes the torque between wheels. The price is also quite Akurovskaya - 2 168 250 rubles.
Volkswagen Passat CC
Of course, Passat CC does not fit too much into the concept of a business sedan, but it can become a good alternative. A comfortable four-door compartment with a 300-horsepower V6, all-wheel drive and a double clutch gearbox will delight with good handling and very high-quality interior. Passat CC from 1.85 million, however, in a rather modest configuration.

Text: Vadim Gagarin
Photo by the author
 

A source: Auto.mail.ru