Acceleration

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
7	7	7	8	6.7

All engines strong, smooth, helped by silky, responsive transmissions. GS 300 has plenty of ready power; test AWD example did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. V8's extra thrust evident, but not compelling; test GS 430 did 6.6 sec 0-60.

Lexus bills GS 450h as a high-performance hybrid and pegs it at 5.3 sec 0-60. Hybrid powertrain lacks immediate kick of V8, but 450h otherwise surges ahead with spine-compressing dispatch. Overall, hybrid system calls little attention to itself.

Fuel Economy

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.6

Test AWD GS 300s averaged 18.2 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests, 22.5 mpg with more highway use. Test GS 430s averaged 17.2-18.9 mpg in similar driving. No opportunity to measure with 450h. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel for all models.

Ride Quality

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
8	7	7	7	6.7

Comfortably unruffled on smooth pavement. But sharp bumps too easily make way through to passenger compartment with 18-inch or run-flat tires. Some testers also complain of minor float over large humps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.1

Little apparent difference among the GS models, though none feels as agile as a BMW 5-Series. Still, cornering lean modest, grip and balance good. AWD much preferred to rear-drive in slippery or wintry conditions. Steering quick enough, but can feel a bit overassisted. Strong stopping power, but to some testers pedal action is either too mushy or too sensitive.

Quietness

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
8	8	8	7	6.8

Less isolated than the Lexus norm, but equals most any class rival for hushed refinement. The one annoyance is coarse-surface tire thrum. Wind rush impressively low. Classy-sounding GS 300, 430 engines rise to muted growl at full throttle, where 450h sounds raspy. All are nearly inaudible at idle.

Controls

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.7

Gauges large, legible. Pleasing dashboard layout, but switches for secondary functions, such as power-mirror adjustment, trip-odometer reset, fuel-door release, housed in a drop-down pod to lower left of steering wheel. This reduces clutter, but needlessly compromises access to these controls. Touch screen control system interfaces with too many functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments. Lexus-typical cabin decor blends high-grade plastics, leather, real wood accents.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.4

Six-footers get ample leg room, but only average head clearance. Seats feel all-day comfortable. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel standard, but some testers believe power-adjustable pedals a curious omission for a Lexus. Seats set fairly high, so good all-around visibility despite moderately shallow side and rear windows.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.5

Feels slightly less roomy than BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite Lexus' claims to the contrary. Still decent head and leg room for most adults, though foot room limited. Entry/exit hampered a bit by narrowish door openings.

Cargo Room

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4

Trunk not that roomy, and bulky rear wheel arches intrude. Trunklid swings on noninvasive strut-type hinges, but small opening makes for awkward loading. And there's no folding rear seatback, just a slim pass-through. Cabin's small-item storage limited.

Value within Class

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
7	7	6	6	5.9

Ride quality over sharp bumps disappoints, and hiding secondary controls in a drop-down dashboard pod is counterproductive. But any GS model is comfortable, cultured, and competent. Traditionally strong Lexus resale values and top-notch customer care appeal, too. Overall, the GS 300s are the smart buys here, available with all-wheel drive and giving up little everyday satisfaction to the costlier GS 430 and hybrid 450h. Lexus's boast for the GS 450h is a tall one, and not beyond believability: that it blends V8-style acceleration with levels of fuel economy and exhaust emissions usually associated with 4-cyl cars.

Total Score

GS 300	AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys.	GS 430 w/nav. sys.	GS 450h	Class Average
64	63	62	62	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72