What is it?
Now nearing the end of its third generation, the GS slots in above the sporty IS and below the luxury-laden LS. It’s sized about like the tremendously popular ES 350, but the GS offers rear-wheel-drive and a much higher price tag – not to mention the optional V8 seen in our tester.
Its basic style is derivative of the original Giugiaro-penned 1991 GS300 (a rebadged Toyota Aristo), but the latest car was introduced for 2006. Smoother and suaver than the second-generation GS – notable for its Shakespearean “Something wicked this way comes” ad campaign – the S190-platform car retains the two-engine configuration of its predecessor.
As enthusiasts, we jumped at the range-topping GS 460 with its 342-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. A hybrid – dubbed GS 450h – was briefly on offer before sluggish sales forced its removal from the North American market.
See also:
What’s it up against?
This one’s tough to answer: The ES doesn’t really have many direct rivals
aside from the Ford Fusion-based Lincoln MKZ, the Cadillac CTS , the Acura TL
and the Volvo S80 since the segment is all-b ...
Luggage compartment features
Cargo hooks
Raise the hook to use.
The cargo hooks are provided
for securing loose items.
Auxiliary boxes
Pull the strap upwards when lifting
the cover up.
Luggage covers
Attach the hook ...
Seat heaters
Heats the seats.
The indicator light comes on.
The higher the number, the
warmer the seats become.
The seat heaters and ventilators can be used when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITIO ...