2016 Lexus GS 200t: More Luxury, more Turbo and Better MPG
Scotty Reiss
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This is why it’s everyone’s favorite sports sedan
The Lexus GS 200t mid sized sedan: T stands for turbo, which gives this smaller engine both good gas mileage and performance
Lexus refreshed its 2016 GS series mid-sized sedan with a sportier new look, tighter exterior lines, LED headlights and a more refined, edited interior that is surprisingly large for this smallish sedan. The GS lineup includes a redesigned GS350 with all wheel drive, GS F Sport and a hybrid GS450h.
The back of the Lexus GS 200t: newly designed lines and lights refine the look of the car
A new engine type, and why you want to know this
The view of the GS from the driver’s seat
But most notable was the introduction of a new engine option, the GS200t. While a new engine type normally wouldn’t be the most exciting feature in a car (for us, anyway) we love it because this engine means two things: Better MPG and more power. That’s because the ’t’ in the model’s name stands for turbo, which was added to a smaller 4-cylinder engine, giving the GS200t an estimated 33MPG (city and highway driving combined) and a peppy 241 horsepower. It’s only offered in rear wheel drive, but with the standard traction and stability control functions, it should be quite capable in even fairly challenging driving conditions.
A nicely edited center console features an arm rest that slides back to reveal a compartment for charging and storage; the mouse-style remote touch system lets you rest your wrist on the pad and drop your finger tips onto the remote touch system to easily control the infotainment system
Improved luxury appointments in the GS include:
- adaptive cruise control
- adaptive high beam headlights
- an improved ‘remote touch’ mouse-type controller that operates the infotainment and other systems
- Siri eyes free for iPhone
- Mark Levinson premium sound system
The drive mode dial on the GS 200t lets you select sport, normal or eco drive
The GS series has long been a favorite of drivers who love the performance of small sedans. The 2016 should keep its fans happy; it’s sporty (and the F Sport is even more so with racing seats and details), but still, sometimes you need to relax and enjoy the ride, and the GS is great for those times, too.
The back seat of the GS 200t was surprisingly roomy; I had plenty of leg room with the drivers seat in a comfortable driving position (I’m 5’8”). Notice the back of the center console features air vents and a 12V charge port
Disclosure: Lexus provided my transportation and accommodations at the LX and GS reveal event; all opinions expressed here are my own.