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:

    Customizable features
    Your vehicle includes a variety of electronic features that can be personalized to suit your preferences. Programming of these preferences can be performed by your Lexus dealer. It is also possib ...

    Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
    The Lexus IS models include a standard leather-trimmed interior with 10-way power front seats; some competitive vehicles make a leather interior optional. The numerous standard amenities in the IS ...

    But does it go?
    The ES 350′s V6 – shared with a handful of Toyota and Lexus products – has become almost legendary for its refinement, if not its broad power range. Silky-smooth at idle, its lack of intrusi ...