2006-2008 Lexus GS: Road Test

Engines are strong and smooth, helped by Lexus' silky, responsive transmission. The V6 has plenty of ready power, whereas the GS 430 qualifies as satisfyingly swift. A test GS 300 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7 seconds. The V8's extra thrust is evident but not truly compelling. A GS 430 reached 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Lexus bills the GS 450h as a high-performance hybrid. In reality, the hybrid powertrain lacks the immediate kick of a conventional V8, but the 450h does surge ahead with dispatch, accelerating to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Overall, the hybrid system calls little attention to itself. Fuel economy is passable with gasoline power, but better in the hybrid. Test GS 300 AWDs averaged 18.2 mpg in mixed city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests, and 22.5 mpg with more highway use. Test GS 430s averaged 17.2 to 19.5 mpg, including comparable performance runs. The GS 450h managed 22.7 mpg in similar driving. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel for all engines. Ride comfort is generally a plus. Each GS is comfortably unruffled on smooth pavement, but sharp bumps too easily make their way through to the passenger compartment with 18-inch or run-flat tires. Some testers have complained of minor float over large humps. Handling capabilities differ little among the three GS models, though none feels as agile as a BMW 5-Series. Even so, cornering lean is modest, augmented by good grip and balance. All-wheel drive is much preferred to rear-drive in slippery or wintry conditions. Steering is quick enough, but can feel a bit overassisted. Some testers have suggested that strong stopping power can be marred by poor pedal modulation, with brakes feeling either mushy or touchy. Though quiet, these cars are less isolated than the Lexus norm, but they equal nearly every class rival for hushed refinement. The sole annoyance is coarse-surface tire thrum. Wind rush is impressively low. The classy-sounding V8 engine rises to a muted growl at full throttle, while the GS 450h sounds slightly raspy. All engines are nearly inaudible at idle. Gauges are large and legible on a pleasing dashboard layout, but switches for secondary functions, such as power-mirror adjustment, trip odometer reset, and fuel-door release are housed in a drop-down pod to the lower left of the steering wheel. This reduces clutter, but needlessly compromises access to these controls. If left open, the pod can hit the knee of the driver who's entering the vehicle. Lexus' touch-screen control system interfaces with too many functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments. Lexus-typical cabin decor blends high-grade plastics, leather, and genuine wood accents. Six-footers get ample front legroom, but only average head clearance, on seats that feel all-day comfortable. Taller-still drivers may feel cramped, though. A power tilt/telescoping steering wheel has been standard, but some testers believe lack of power-adjustable pedals is a curious omission for a Lexus. Occupants sit fairly high, so good all-around visibility is the rule, despite moderately shallow side and rear windows. The backseat feels no more spacious than in the previous GS--and less roomy than a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite Lexus' claim to the contrary. Rear head and legroom are decent for most adults, but foot space is limited and taller riders will crave more head clearance. Entry/exit is hampered a bit by somewhat narrow back-door openings. Trunk space isn't all that roomy, and bulky rear-wheel arches intrude. The trunklid swings on non-invasive strut-type hinges, but the small opening makes for awkward loading. No folding rear seatback is installed; just a slim pass-through. Cabin's small-item storage is limited. The GS 450h hybrid's battery is mounted behind the rear seats, further reducing trunk space and eliminating the pass-through.

Value for the Money
Ride quality over sharp bumps is disappointing, and hiding secondary controls in a drop-down dashboard pod is counterproductive. Otherwise, each GS is comfortable, cultured, and competent. Top-notch customer care and traditionally strong Lexus resale values appeal greatly, though the latter translates to heftier used-car valuations. Overall, six-cylinder models are the smart GS buys, giving up little to the costlier V8 version.