Lexus reveals leaner, cleaner GS

Lexus has added one more variant to its new GS line-up which currently consists of the GS450h hybrid and the GS350.

Revealed at the Guangzhou motor show in China, the GS250 will be powered by a 2.5-litre V6 engine mated to a six-speed auto gearbox, making a not-so-impressive 206bhp and 253Nm of torque. But clearly that’s not the point, as this downsized mill’s role is to fend off the challenge from BMW’s newly launched four-cylinder turbo lumps in their 5 Series saloons. So, fuel economy is a remarkable 7.4 litres-per-100km with emissions restricted to 207g/km. The rest of the features are all the same as the bigger siblings, including that jumbo 12.3in multimedia screen.

While it’s confirmed that the GS350 and GS450h are coming here, there’s no word yet as to whether the scaled-down version will reach our shores when it’s launched June next year.

Meanwhile, Al Futtaim Motors has announced the arrival of the 2012 RX350 premium crossover, which now comes with optional panoramic roof, Rear Seat Entertainment, and 19in alloy wheels. It’s now on sale in four grades starting at Dh174,000, up to Dh243,000 for the top-end Platinum trim.