Since the criteria for the award was made tougher by adding the roof strength test, the redesigned GS is the third Lexus to be named a Top Safety Pick alongside the Lexus RX crossover, and the CT 200h hatchback. When measuring roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of the vehicle’s roof until it crushes five inches, and the result is then compared to the vehicle weight to determine the roof’s strength-to-weight ratio. The GS scored a 4.88 strength-to-weight ratio, above the IIHS’ required minimum ratio of 4.0. This is also an improvement compared to 2006-2011 models of the GS, which scored Acceptable ratings in the roof strength test results.
Standard safety equipment on the Lexus GS includes vehicle stability control, 10 airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and electronic brake-force distribution. The GS joins other large luxury car IIHS Top Safety Picks including 2012 models of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS sedan models, Hyundai Equus, Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti M37/M56, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes E-Class, Saab 9-5, and the Volvo S80.
