Automatic transmission

The chapter on using the driving assistance systems of the Lexus GS (L10) highlights the synergy between comfort and safety. Systems such as the Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor are explained in their interaction. Particularly valuable are practical instructions on correct activation, adjustment to individual driving styles, and avoiding misinterpretation of warning messages. In this way, the Lexus GS becomes an intelligent partner in road traffic.

Operating the Shift Lever

Move the shift lever while depressing the brake pedal, with the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode.

To switch between shift lever positions "P" and "D", the vehicle must be completely stopped.

Function of Each Driving Range

*1: For normal driving, set the shift lever to "D" to reduce fuel consumption and driving noise.

*2: When driving in M mode, each gear range can be set.

Selecting the Drive Mode

SNOW Mode

Select SNOW mode when driving on slippery road surfaces, such as snow-covered roads.

Press the switch.

Press the switch again to return to Normal mode.

*1: Except F SPORT models of GS350/GS200t and GS F *2: F SPORT models of GS350/GS200t

Selecting Gear Ranges in "D" Position

To temporarily select a gear range, operate the "-" or "+" gear selector switch.

When the "-" gear selector switch is operated, the gear range is downshifted to a range that provides engine braking suitable for the driving conditions. When the "+" gear selector switch is operated, the gear range is set to the gear above the one used for normal driving in "D" position.

Changing the gear range limits the highest gear, which prevents unnecessary upshifting and allows the degree of engine braking to be selected.

GS350/GS200t

GS F

1. 1
   Upshifting
2. 2
   Downshifting

Models with 6-speed transmission: The selected gear range ("D1" to "D6") is shown on the instrument cluster.

Models with 8-speed transmission: The selected gear range ("D1" to "D8") is shown on the instrument cluster.

To return to normal driving in "D" position, press and hold the "+" gear selector switch.

Shift Ranges and Their Functions

A lower shift range provides greater engine braking than a higher shift range.

Selecting Gears in M Mode

To switch to M mode, move the shift lever to "M".

You can then select gears using the shift lever or the shift paddles, allowing you to drive in the gear of your choice.

GS350/GS200t

GS F

1. 1
   Upshifting
2. 2
   Downshifting

Each time you operate the shift lever or a shift paddle, the transmission shifts up or down by one gear.

Models with 6-speed transmission: The selected gear (M1 to M6) is engaged and shown on the instrument cluster.

Models with 8-speed transmission: The selected shift range (M1 to M8) is shown on the instrument cluster.

In "M" position, the transmission shifts gears only when you operate the shift lever or the shift paddles.

However, the transmission will also shift automatically in "M" position in the following situations:

• When the vehicle speed decreases (downshifting only).
• When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant temperature is low.
• GS350/GS200t: When the automatic transmission fluid temperature is high.
• GS350/GS200t: When the tachometer needle is in the red zone (range in which the permissible engine speed is exceeded).

In the following situations, the transmission will not shift even when you operate the shift lever or the shift paddles.

• The multi-information display shows "Skid risk! Downshift not possible."
• The vehicle speed is low (upshifting only).

Shift indicator

The shift indicator helps the driver save fuel and reduce exhaust emissions while staying within the engine's performance limits.

GS350/GS200t

GS F

1. 1
   Not operating
2. 2
   Upshift Indicator

Shift Indicator Function

• Multi-information display: This function operates automatically in M mode.

  Head-up display (GS350/GS200t): This function operates automatically in M mode when the eco driving indicator is shown on the head-up display. Head-up display (GS F): This function operates automatically in M mode when the tachometer or head-up tachometer display is shown on the head-up display.

• Upshifting according to the upshift indicator helps reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
• The shift indicator has no equivalent function for downshifting.
• Depending on driving conditions, the upshift indicator may not appear on the shift indicator while driving in M mode.

Automatic Cancellation of Shift Range Selection in "D" Position

Shift range selection in "D" position is automatically canceled in the following situations:

• When the vehicle stops.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed for longer than a certain time.
• When the shift lever is moved to a position other than "D".

How the Automatic Transmission Is Protected

If the transmission fluid temperature rises excessively, a protective function is temporarily activated. If "Transmission fluid temperature high. See manual." is shown on the multi-information display, have the vehicle checked by a Lexus dealer or repairer, or another qualified and properly equipped repair facility.

See manual.

Downshift Limit Warning Buzzer

To ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting may sometimes be limited. Under certain conditions, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever or a shift paddle is operated. (A warning buzzer sounds twice.)

Automatic Cancellation of SNOW Mode

SNOW mode is automatically canceled if the engine switch is turned off after driving in SNOW mode.

When driving with cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control, or dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range following

Even if you attempt to obtain engine braking by the following methods, it will not work, because cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control, or dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range following is not canceled.

• Models with 6-speed transmission: When downshifting to "5" or "4" while driving in "D" position.
• Models with 8-speed transmission: When downshifting to "7", "6", "5" or "4" while driving in "D" position.
• When switching from the driving mode to Sport mode while driving in "D" position.

Prevention of jerky starts (Start Control)

• If you perform the following unusual operation, engine power may be reduced.

If you shift the shift lever from "R" to "D", "D" to "R", "N" to "R", "P" to "D", or "P" to "R" while the accelerator pedal is depressed ("D" includes "M"), a warning message is shown on the multi-information display. This also occurs if the accelerator pedal is depressed too far while reverse is engaged.

When the shift lever cannot be moved out of "P"

AI-SHIFT Electronic Shift Control

• The AI-SHIFT electronic shift control automatically selects the appropriate gear according to the driver's driving style and driving conditions.

  AI-SHIFT electronic shift control operates automatically when the shift lever is in "D" position. (Moving the shift lever to "M" position turns this function off.)

• Models with 8-speed transmission: G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a gear suitable for sporty driving according to the driver's inputs and driving conditions.

  G AI-SHIFT operates automatically when the shift lever is in "D" position and Sport mode is selected as the driving mode. (Selecting Normal mode with the drive mode select switch or moving the shift lever to "M" position turns this function off.)

WARNING

When driving on slippery road surfaces

Be careful when downshifting and when accelerating suddenly, as this may cause the vehicle to slide sideways or skid.

Shift Indicator

For safety reasons, the driver must not look at the display continuously.

Look at the display only when it is safe to do so, and keep an eye on traffic and road conditions.

Otherwise, an accident may occur.

The automatic transmission of the Lexus GS GRL1 combines efficiency with driving enjoyment. Various drive modes, including M and SNOW mode, allow adaptation to all road conditions. AI-SHIFT in particular recognizes the driving style and conditions and automatically optimizes shift behavior.

Whether in city traffic or on the motorway, the 4th generation Lexus GS impresses with smooth shifting and state-of-the-art transmission technology. This underlines the premium character of the sports sedan.

FAQ

What does M mode do in the Lexus GS?

It allows manual shifting for a sportier driving experience and better control of engine braking.

When should SNOW mode be used?

When driving on slippery or snow-covered roads, for optimized traction and safety.