The all-new Lexus GS sedan will feature a smaller 2.5-litre engine to compete with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The LF-Gh concept previews the look of the next-generation GSsedan from Lexus.
Confirming an earlier report the GS would carry an engine smaller than 3 litres for the first time in the model's 20-year history, sources said the new baseline executive sedan would be called the GS 250.
After making its world debut in California on Aug 19, the fourth-generation GS will make its first Thai appearance at the Motor Expo in December.
The source expects the GS 250 will be priced at "the level of its intended rivals". The BMW 523i Highline and Mercedes-Benz E250 CGI Avantgarde sell for 4.249 million and 4.299 million baht, respectively.
Lexus's powertrain is thought to be carried over from the smaller IS 250 albeit with tweaks to improve economy and increase gear-shifting speeds.
The IS 250 has a 212-horsepower, 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine and six-speed automatic gearbox. Both the 523i and E250 have identical outputs of 204 hp but from different execution.
The BMW uses a 2.5-litre inline-six and eight-speed automatic combination, while the Mercedes employs a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and seven-speed automatic mix.
Unlike its Thai-built rivals, the GS 250 will be imported, as Lexus still has no plans to assemble cars locally.
However, Toyota's upscale brand will sacrifice some wholesale margin _ as it now does on the more crucial models _ to bring down the retail price as much as possible.
Today's GS 300 is priced between 5.39 million and 5.99 million baht depending on specifications.
Its engine is smaller than 3 litres, but the 229-hp output means it is liable to the maximum excise tax of 50% (for cars with engines of more than 220 hp).
The GS 250 faces a lower 35% tax rate, and it is cheaper to manufacture than the GS 300, enabling Lexus to price it at 4 million baht.
Even though the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement allows 60% import duty from a normal 80% for cars with engines of more than 3 litres, both of those would still face 50% excise tax.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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