2006 Lexus GS: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Lexus redesigns the sportier and more-expensive of its two premium midsize sedans for 2006, and launches a gas/electric hybrid variant as a midyear addition. The redesigned GSs have more power, fresh styling, and new features, including available all-wheel drive. They gain 2 inches of wheelbase vs. the 2001-2005 versions, but are otherwise dimensionally similar. The lineups starts with the rear-wheel-drive GS 300 and the all-wheel-drive GS 300 AWD. They have a 245-hp V6. The GS 430 is rear-wheel drive and has a 300-hp V8. Added midyear as a 2007 model, the GS 450h also has rear drive, but teams a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor to produce 339 hp. The system self-charges the batteries; no plug-in charging is necessary. The GS 450h has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) providing near-infinite gear ratios. The other models have a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Antiskid/traction control and ABS are standard. GS 430 and 450h have driver-adjustable shock absorbers with three firmness settings. Available on the 450h are automatically adjusting anti-sway bars designed to counteract body lean in turns.

GS 300s come with 17-inch wheels, the other models with 18s. Run-flat tires are standard with AWD, optional otherwise. All models have front knee airbags, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Also standard: leather upholstery and keyless entry/engine start. Many control functions are governed by a dashboard touch screen that also displays an available voice-activated navigation system, rearview TV camera, and, with the transmission in Park, DVD video. Other available features include steering-linked headlamps and Lexus's Pre-Collision System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.