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:

    Lexus IS: The Details
    For 2011, the Lexus IS gets a minor facelift that updates the car’s exterior, interior, adds a new F Sport package and brings a first for the IS lineup: an all-wheel drive IS 350. With AWD competi ...

    GX in the Market
    A decade ago, the GX was unique. Now every luxury brand has a three-row crossover. Most are excellent machines, and almost all can be had for prices similar to the GX. When you factor in all the G ...

    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 ...