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:
Automatic Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
Shifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is
in IGNITION ON
mode, depress the brake
pedal and move the shift ...
Trunk features
Cargo hooks
Cargo hooks are provided for
securing loose items.
Grocery bag hooks
Luggage mat
Pull the lever upwards when lifting
the luggage mat up.
The lever can be hooked on the
edge ...
Pricing Notes
Sticker price on the ES 350 is significantly lower than that of its European
competitors, with the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at
just under $37,000. Fully loaded, with t ...
