2017 Lexus GS 200t Turbo FIRST DRIVE REVIEW

MotoMan looks at a trend with the 2017 Lexus GS200t - A Turbo, 4 Cylinder Engine in a mid size luxury sedan. You and I have driven the Mercedes Benz E300 and Volvo S90 recently, but the Lexus GS is not the new kid on the block and has some challenges against much better known competitors like BMW. In this FIRST DRIVE REVIEW, MotoMan unpacks the impact of the smaller Lexus Turbo 4 engine on the 3800 pound GS sedan and as the weather changes in sunny California, he brings back a short version of our #OptionsGame . . .
For more information, watch our 2017 Lexus RC200t TECH REVIEW @ • 2017 Lexus RC 200t Tur...
- or -
2016 Lexus GS F FIRST DRIVE REVIEW @ • 2016 Lexus GS F FIRST ...
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[@jgrab1]

This guy did the entire video without ever taking a breath.

[@coureurdebois]

Lexus is killing it, making some amazing products lately. love it.

[@cls63amgwagon34]

The new GS looks slick as helllllllll

[@KCMrecordings]

Yeah it makes me sick too

[@jaykelz1528]

Ahhh perfect timing MotoMan! I was hoping you were going to do this one soon..! And the GS350 full review hopefully?? Thank ya!

[@Toyota4Life]

Beautiful Sedan. Love What Lexus is doing

[@MrMustangrick]

Love my GS 350 , I can't give up the V6 motor ! Nice review Motoman

[@bighands69]

I have a luxury GS and it is 8 years old and is still amazing.

[@ErikThureson]

Great and helpful!

[@romellbernardo3073]

The Lexus GS that I've driven was the 2012 350 F Sport. Drives fantastic!

[@nikb6528]

You don't have to tell us what kind of speeds you're doing, we can see it;)

[@user-en5gu3dd9j]

This car is so smooth to drive

[@FLJAMESFL]

I love my Lexus GS F-SPORT. I feel the 4 cylinder is more engaging to drive. But, he's so right about starting from a standstill. It's about a 2-3 second delay, just plan for that and your good. Know your traffic light sequences, and smash it early. Best car ever.

[@lito777]

FLJAMESFL how's the ride quality over rough pavement?

[@cls63amgwagon34]

Can we applaud how many NA V8's Lexus IS making?

[@KCMrecordings]

you mean 1 car and 1 SUV?

[@iguanapowers]

more like 2 suvs

[@TimJoseph08031990]

Grant Rodgers RC-F, GS-F, GX 460, LX 570, and LC 500 have V8s. Sadly the 2017 LS 460 and LS Hybrid will be the last LS with the V8.

[@KCMrecordings]

GM and Ford make many more models and many more types of NA V8 powered cars. At least toyota is the Only Japanese brand still doing so too.

[@MrMustangrick]

I have the flaxen (tan) interior and it is beautiful!

[@davidwolf226]

I've had Lexus products over the past 9 years and have never regretted it. My current model is the 2015 GS350. It has more than enough power with 306hp. The interior appointments are top notch, the seats are very comfortable even on a long drive. I could go on. You could spend much more for a comperably equipped BMW 530i or MB E or S class, but why? The reliability of the Lexus brand is without question.

[@lito777]

David Wolf how's the ride quality over rough pavement on the GS ?

[@VAIF19]

PLEASE, REVIEW THE LC 500 AND 500H!

[@omgyest2]

As a mostly city driver, that was an interesting comparison between the V6 and turbo 4

[@doubleaadogg]

@motomanTV I'd like to see you nerd out on how geography should play into the V6 versus Turbo i4. Clearly in high altitudes, turbo is the way to go. What about in the heat? V6 probably. For city carving, you seem to think the V6 is the way to go. Those of us on the highway a lot probably want the Turbo. I've never owned a volvo, but one reason a lot of us keep coming back to Lexus is they're just so darn easy to own and enjoy. For a commuter, I'd go for the GS over the S90 every time..

[@MrMustangrick]

Please review the GS 350 to compare here !

[@samsonokoro5036]

Nice review as always. I have to say I'll pick this over the E class and Volvo for one major reason Reliability. They are all comfortable, the E class has the more stylish interior design, but the materials in the lexus r plentiful especially if u pick out other options like the wood, two tone leather, brushed aluminium and chrome fittings in the Interior. But overall I'll pick the Lexus as my no 1 and they r all similarly priced, the regular Gs though without the f sport package is cheaper than a fully specked out E 300.

[@infinitecreator5457]

love that purr

[@jmfs2k273]

Great review .New sub here.

[@MotoManTV]

Thank you and welcome to the show!

[@itsmekenlai]

Having owned a similar sized car in a turbo 4 I'd say none of the turbo 4's. I'd spend the money on 2 extra cylinders for sure. Btw you nailed it about the slow off the line acceleration of this engine and for LA traffic it's really apparent.

[@panafrocanam2100]

Lol

[@michaelc.1588]

With the Lexus GS, you compare V6 vs 2.0T... I wonder if it's an equivalent comparison of any an Infiniti Q50 or Q60 between the M-Benz 2.0T vs. The Infiniti 3.0T versions.

[@Cchichester]

Wish you would've done the 2017 IS, its more changed than the GS.

[@bogdan135]

In what universe a peak power at 5800 is high for a inline-4? I guess some people like mashing throttle below 2000 rpm in top gear, or just used to driving diesels

[@jnyfumare]

In answer to your question I choose the S90 because of the better safety aspects and of course the better look inside and out.

[@carolpage6585]

what would cause my 2007 Lincoln LS fire randomly standings

[@btecww]

The Cadillac 2.0CTS 272 hp 295 Torque works and it's sporty. It has a better interior Apple car play etc and less expensive. That my first 4 cylinder the second choice is BMW 4 cylinder at 241 hp pretty smooth. Btw I own the CTS

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

These cars are amazing for what you get especially when buying a used one like I did. I have a white on red 2016 GS350 F-Sport that I bought four years ago & it still impresses me with its overall balance. I previously has a IS200t F-Sport & that turbo 4 was decent enough, not fast but not slow & never got loud & buzzy sounding at high rpm's. The V6 is far superior though with much better sound & performance. These cars look best in white IMO, but also love the red as I would get one in red with the flaxen interior if I bought another GS. Don't like the black interior at all, too plain. I would especially love to find a 450h hybrid model, but those are extremely rare especially the 2016-2018's.

[@LlyleHunter]

If the three I think I'd have to really choose between the Volvo and the Benz. I think that I'd go with the Benz given those choices. The best ride of the three and a close choice between the Benz and Volvo interiors. Steering feel goes to the Benz. So therefore I'd take the Benz

[@denoreed9514]

You're better off buying a pre-certifited or used GS350 if your trying to save money.

[@akeriarivers7233]

Nice 👍🏾👍🏾🤗🤗

[@deu8894]

I would choose the Volvo S90 T6 Inscription with the turbo and supercharger because it has much more power and torque, with far better interior and exterior styling and details. and more competent handling over the Lexus. Yes the Lexus is cheaper but I think you will get better value for the more expensive Volvo S90 T6.

[@rantamaula]

Made in China, and of course if you just want the Volvo logo in your front grill, and don´t care about reliability then It´s a great choice,

[@hasanz5259]

Gs over all b/c of reliability and overall package.

[@Kevin27182]

The GS f sport has rear wheel steering

[@paxtonwilliams8556]

If forced to choose between those 3, Id go S90. Real world, Id go Audi A6 (1st) with Quattro and sport package and 5 Series (2nd) if I wanted a midsize luxury sedan with a 4 banger.

[@Lndmk227]

Seven thousand dollars for an F-Sport package? o.o That's lunacy.

[@leowanlpn]

whys the GS 200t so much slower than E300 and 530?

[@MirageTactics]

Leo Wan because turbo i4s are a terrible idea for heavy vehicles.

[@dcharizard91]

The GS200t F-sport doesn't make sense; you don't see any GS200t F-sport on the road (no dealers are selling them on their lots). The car you drove is a unicorn, especially with the Triple-beam LED headlights. The GS200t F-sport cost more than the GS350 F-sport, but you get less power and more lag from the turbo. Also, the GS200t weighs ~80lbs more than the GS350, so handling won't be as good. On a side note, I'm surprised you didn't like the Naguri aluminum trim (not carbon fiber)...a special process goes into making that trim to have that diamond pattern.

[@Carlife929]

dcharizard91 what you're saying makes absolutely no sense! Why would a gs200t f sport cost more than the gs350 f sport? The model he has is fully optioned, the 350 f sport could easily be built to be around $65,000. You should know what you're talking about before making stupid comments.

[@dcharizard91]

omgimfreaknsexi Just going off the Lexus website. It quotes the car the is driving GS200t F-sport to be almost $68K and the GS350 F-sport to be about $63K.

[@Carlife929]

dcharizard91 that is a lie! Open up your eyes! He just named the options on this car and it was fully loaded. What you're seeing is either wrong, you're stupid or a liar...

[@dcharizard91]

omgimfreaknsexi Dude...what's your problem. Go to Lexus.com and see for yourself.

[@Tully3674]

Don't agree with some of your comparisons as you're comparing the handling of a coupe vs sedan. I think a comparison of the Q50 would be better with this car. Doesn't make sense comparing the RC with this GS in regards to handling. Nevertheless,....I like your reviews.

[@highrollaXRS]

the problem with this car is the 100k price tag.

[@brucec43]

If that was the actual exhaust note we were hearing on the exterior shots that is appalling.

[@Nestle245]

What's the 0-60 on this? The 350 F sport is 4.5 second's.

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

The GS 350 f sport is a great guy but no way in hell is it 4.5 seconds…. more like 5.5

[@headcas620]

Big car with a small engine is a terrible formula.

[@TCPUDPATM]

If it's a small engine make my big power, who cares!

[@grabir01]

not a fan of little engines in cars

[@chrisogrady28]

grabir01 tell me about it, in England everyone drives around in 1.6 litre diesels and they're all in my fucking way!

[@TvGabriele]

and they pollute much more than a gasoline engine, that is more silent and funnier to drive

[@DrEarbuds]

I'm not paying that price be fore the extras .

[@MirageTactics]

Too bad Lexus has jumped on the turbo i4 train. Under EPA testing they get better mileage, and are cheaper to manufacture. They have worse power delivery, sound, and way worse reliability than v6s. Governments keep trying to force manufacturers to make more efficient cars, but are they really more efficient if it's going to be in a boneyard in 6 years?

[@cruzmontoya273]

What the hell was all the sound, the tires? Sounds horrible hmm

[@brucec43]

this is not the same class car as an ES. There is a price to be paid, fair or not, for handling. I would choose this, and I didn't like the GS styling in 2013. And lay off the options and it's not that expensive.

[@Dan-eu1dz]

Sounds like lawn mower from the outside. Probably it's the film.

[@semba_9676]

the gs350 is the best

[@SagaAcademica]

V6.

[@mohitarora9362]

Alfa Romeo Giulia kicks this things ass

[@StephenButlerOne]

terrible parking at the end. too expensive.

[@001spring]

All black looks amazing. This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Lol

[@Soldadummy]

Why is torque what "interests us"?

[@chrisogrady28]

Neil Porter because motoring journalists don't understand torque and car manufacturers need to convince people that turbos are a good idea

[@thelarry383]

because torque is more important in daily driving than horsepower

[@thelarry383]

Christopher O'Grady hey, it's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it

[@Soldadummy]

Light Yagami bit that's false, well kinda. The high low end torque equals low end power which is what makes low and mid rev acceleration better. In the end it's still power than is the important factor even though it's dependent on torque

[@chrisogrady28]

Light Yagami it didn't work out well for you, near fucked you up

[@bankakinmola7385]

The interior still doesn't look nearly as good as what Mercedes has been doing lately, but I love the exterior styling.

[@AbzAden]

Bank Akinmola Benz are over rated unless we are talking about older models

[@bankakinmola7385]

Abdul Aden If you say so... That's your preference. But Lexus does not have a vehicle that looks as nice as a Benz on the interior. Their lush interiors are well worth the money.

[@nameunko]

You have to understand that Lexus's current cars are all in their mid or end life cycle, look at the LC500 interior, that will be the new interior design for next gen Lexus, of course the GS has a somewhat outdated interior, but still no where near as bad as BMWs. For compariosn, if you look at GLE and GLS SUV interior, you can see that these two models does not have the new MB interior, only an upgrade from the ML and GL as both models are in their end life cycle.

[@001spring]

Wood finish? Their demographics for this car is not 50-60 year olds. Lol

[@agentassfart3046]

the exhaust sound is either a slow, loose/flappy fart OR A lawn mower

[@IceDree]

That's a refreshing color… I was expecting they'd send you a White or Silver one. I know its not in the options, bbbbbuuuuuuuttt I fits the perimeters… Can I Haz a Cadillac CTS? A) It’s a Cadillac. Me like . . . :) B) It’s a 2.0L Sports Sedan. C) The S90 is not available here, I believe Volvo left the Saudi market. D) Not a fan of the E300, the Diamond Silver & White ones sealed the deal for that. E) You know how I feel bout Lexus & Toyota. As always, excellent work M!

[@chrisogrady28]

People chat so much shit about torque these days. Horsepower is still the most meaningful reflection of a cars performance as it is a cumulation of torque and engine speed. Torque and horsepower are not two different aspects of an engine. It's like saying a meal has 20 tomatoes in it and two bowls of soup, no shit, the soup is made from tomatoes.

[@ARentz07]

K, but I think the peak torque RPM is very significant, which is what Motoman was mainly focusing on. Higher torque at a lower RPM means more horsepower _at that RPM_ compared to another car with the same horsepower rating that makes torque at a higher RPM. No one said having torque down low was the greatest thing ever, but it certainly has its pros over having peak torque up high, including more passing power at lower speeds such as in town.

[@ARentz07]

I won't disagree that high-revving, NA engines are fun. :)

[@chrisogrady28]

I'd much rather have a 200bhp Honda S2000 than a 200bhp BMW 320d The BMW has more torque yes, but it only revs to 4500rpm vs 9000rpm, and all its power comes in a lump. There's nothing more satisfying that a high revving NA petrol engine with a linear power band where it keeps accelerating harder and harder the faster you go.

[@ARentz07]

Again, no one said it wasn't fun to have the power up top, it's what I prefer too - one of the reasons I drive an IS 300, not an IS 200t.

[@ltwracing]

What is that horrid fluttering sound???

[@karlsmith4160]

Mercedes Benz es SUPERIOR sobre esa fea toyota Piece Of Shit lexus