Acceleration

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
8	7	7

New 4.6-liter V8 engine gives GS 460 lots of go. Lexus quotes 5.4 seconds 0-60 mph, which feels credible to us. The 8-speed automatic transmission changes gears frequently, but it's smooth overall and a good match to the engine. Lexus bills the GS 450h as a high-performance hybrid. The gas/electric powertrain lacks the immediate kick of a V8, but 450h does surge ahead with dispatch. A test example did 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Overall, the hybrid system calls little attention to itself.

Fuel Economy

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
5	6	4.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a GS 460 averaged 22.8 mpg, impressive even for a vehicle driven mostly on the highway. A GS 450h averaged 22.7 mpg in city/highway driving. All GS models require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
5	7	6.3

Sharp bumps too easily make their way through to the passenger compartment with the 18-inch or available run-flat tires. Setting the adjustable suspension to Sport mode causes the ride to become almost brutally stiff. Some testers also complain of minor float over large humps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
7	7	7.1

No GS feels as agile as a BMW 5-Series. Still, cornering lean is modest, and grip and balance are both good. Steering is quick enough on all GS models, but it can feel a bit overassisted on the hybrid. Stopping control is strong but to some testers, the pedal action is either too mushy or too sensitive.

Quietness

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
8	8	7

Less isolated than the Lexus norm, but GS equals most any class rival for hushed refinement. The one annoyance is coarse-surface tire thrum. Wind rush is impressively low. GS 450h's engine sounds slightly raspy while accelerating, but it's nearly inaudible at idle.

Controls

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
4	4	6.1

Gauges are large and legible. Switches for such functions as power-mirror adjustment, trip-odometer reset, and fuel-door release are in a drop-down pod to the lower left of the steering wheel. This compromises access to these controls and, if left open, can hit the knee of a driver entering or exiting the vehicle. Also complicating things is the touch screen control system, which governs too many functions, muddling what should be simple adjustments.

Details

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
7	7	7.4

Lexus-typical cabin decor blends high-grade plastics and leather. Other trim bits are genuine wood, but the reddish color used to stain those pieces makes them look fake. One test GS suffered from an annoying dashboard rattle.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
6	6	7.3

Six-footers get ample legroom. Even riders of average height will be cramped for headroom. Seats are all-day comfortable. A power tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard. The seats are set fairly high, so all-around visibility is good despite moderately shallow side and rear windows.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
4	4	5.2

Feels less roomy than a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Legroom gets tight quickly as the front seats are pushed back. As in front, even average-sized passengers will find headroom lacking. Entry and exit are hampered a bit by narrow door openings.

Cargo Room

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
2	2	4.2

The trunk is not that roomy, particularly in the GS 450h. Bulky rear wheel arches intrude. The trunklid swings on noninvasive strut-type hinges, but its small opening makes for awkward loading. There's no folding rear seatback, just a slim pass-through. The hybrid's battery is behind the rear seats, further reducing trunk room and eliminating the pass-through. Cabin's small-item storage is limited.

Value within Class

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
4	4	6.2

Ride quality over sharp bumps disappoints, and hiding some controls in a drop-down dashboard pod is counterproductive. Six-footers also will want to stay away due to the cabin's limited headroom. Any GS model, however, is comfortable, cultured, and competent. Traditionally strong Lexus resale values and top-notch customer care appeal, too. Overall, the GS 350s are the smart buys here as they offer good power and are available with all-wheel drive. Lexus's boast for the GS 450h is a tall one, but not unrealistic: that it blends V8-style acceleration with fuel economy typical of 6-cylinder cars and exhaust emissions usually associated with 4-cylinder engines.

Total Score

GS 460	GS 450h	Class Average
60	62	68.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		68
High Score		78