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The new Lexus GS

One carmaker that BMW will be watching with interest as it sets its sight on Europe is Lexus. While this Japanese brand has been around for quite a number of years, it has not registered the enormous success it has been experiencing in the US. In order to rectify this, it is starting to mount a campaign in Europe that has BMW very much in its crosshairs.

While the new GS is more likely to attract BMW 5 Series buyers, it offers so much more in terms of features that it is also likely to come to the attention of potential 7 Series buyers as well.

While there is not a diesel version on offer, which Lexus is busily working on as it knows the importance of having such an offering in this segment in Europe, both the all-new 3.0 litre V6 and 4.3 litre V8 petrol engines are viable alternatives to anything BMW has on offer in this range.

The chain-driven, double overhead cam 24-valve V6 combines a stoichiometric, direct injection system with Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent) for a good balance of high performance with low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

In conjunction with its VVT-I, the V8 uses the by-wire electronic throttle control system – intelligent (ETCS-I) to optimise valve overlap at all engine speeds, maximising engine response in all driving conditions and ensuring unrivalled tractability and smoothness.

Common to both engines is a newly developed, electronically controlled six-speed close ratio ECT automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. An artificial intelligence automatically changes the gear shift pattern according to road conditions and driving style.

The most impressive thing about the new GS, though, is something Lexus calls its Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system with active steering control that is fitted as standard on the GS430. It integrates ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), traction control and vehicle stability control active safety systems with electric power steering and variable gear ratio steering to control all aspects related to the vehicle’s movement. In a demonstration on a split surface with one half representing ice with no grip and full grip on the other side, instead of the car pulling to the side with grip, the system took over, including control of the steering, to ensure that the car came to a stop in a straight line.

Another interesting feature was the pre-crash safety system that uses a millimetre radar to detect obstacles in front of the car. Linked to a computer that monitors vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate to determine if a collision is unavoidable, it retracts the front seatbelts to hold the occupants in place when it detects that a collision is unavoidable.

The Lexus GS is superb car that looks as if it might make inroads into the segment traditionally dominated by the German brands. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi had better look to their laurels if they are going to keep the Japanese at bay.