What generation is the 2006 Lexus GS?
The 2006 Lexus GS sits in the third generation of Lexus' GS lineup.
Understanding generation designations helps explain the characteristics a given model year shares with its peers. Since its launch in the early 1990s, the GS has undergone major redesigns that mark distinct generations, each bringing new styling, platforms, and technology. The 2006 model year marks the transition to the third generation, introducing a more modern design language and updated engineering.
Generational timeline for the Lexus GS
To clarify how generations are defined, here are the commonly cited model-year spans for the GS lineup. Note that some markets may show slight variations around boundary years.
- First generation: roughly 1993–1997
- Second generation: roughly 1997–2005
- Third generation: roughly 2006–2011/2012
These groupings reflect major redesigns rather than every mid-cycle update, and the 2006 model year launches the third generation for the GS line.
What changed with the third generation?
The third generation brought a redesigned platform, sharper styling, and a more refined interior. In the United States, the lineup evolved from the GS 300 and GS 430 at launch to later offerings like the GS 350 and GS 460 as engines and emissions standards evolved. The generation ran through the late 2000s into the early 2010s, with mid-cycle refreshes that updated technology and styling without changing the fundamental generation designation.
Key features of the third generation
- All-new chassis and exterior design distinct from previous generations
- Introduction of the GS 350 (3.5-liter V6) and the higher-performance variants that followed
- Enhanced interior appointments, driving dynamics, and onboard technology
The third-generation GS established the core styling and engineering direction for the model through its lifecycle and into subsequent updates.
Summary
In short, the 2006 Lexus GS is part of the third generation of the GS line, a redesign that introduced a new platform, styling, and technology that continued into the early 2010s with ongoing updates.
