With almost a completely new design, the 2016 Lexus GS is set to compete with the top European sedans like Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar.

Toyota, the company behind Lexus, expects the new and updated turbo engine of the Lexus GS, along with the series of technology enhancements and styling lines, is all that it needs to perform better. The sedan is expected to hit car dealerships later this year.

The 2016 Lexus GS gets the same, 2.0-liter turbo engine as the GS 200t. Producing 241hp and with a torque of 258 pounds, the company says that the sedan will sprint to 60mph in just 7.2 seconds. The GS is a rear-drive only vehicle with one of the better efficiency among sedan competitors. Official numbers say that the 2016 GS can has an EPA rating of 22-22mpg for city driving, 30-33 on the highway and a combined rating of 24-26mpg. The lower figures are for the F Sport trimming, while the upper figures are the ones for the base trim model.

The faster and more potent version of the GS is the GS 350, with a 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 311hp that can sprint to 60mph in 6 seconds.

The design makeovers include a new spindle grille now enhanced with a chrome finish, Bi-LED headlights, front bumper and a new rocker-panel that makes the GS look sharper than ever. The wheels are updated to 18 and 19inch finishing.

The interior has also undergone a cosmetic surgery. Adding new trim selections, Lexus has given the customers more flexible options. The bevy of trim selections for the base model include Linear 3D, Matte Walnut, laser-cut wood, while the F Sport trim is available in Naguri Aluminum as well. The interior leather can be either chateau or noble brown.

Toyota has kept the analog clock located in the center of the dashboard, but has added many new features such as map capability, extra buttons, service connect system, GPS functionality and bunch of LED indicators. The only thing missing are the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features. Functionality is the key here, with the driver being able to operate audio, phone, navigation and climate using side buttons on the touch interface.

As for safety issues, the 2016 Lexus GS finally gets the Lexus Safety System, a package that includes pedestrian detection, pre-collision system, steering assist, lane departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, intelligent high-beam and much more. All Lexus GS models get the Safety Connect.

Pricing for the 2016 Lexus GS is still unknown and we will know it when the sedan makes it to the dealerships in the fall. However, we can expect a base model somewhere in between $33,000 and $36,000.