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:

    Dinghy towing
    Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground) behind a motor home. NOTICE: To avoid serious damage to your vehicle Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ...

    Safety/Security Features
    A reinforced front- and rear-structure passenger compartment forms the foundation for passive safety in the Lexus ES 350. In addition to advanced dual-stage front airbags and front seat-mounted si ...

    Keys
    The following keys are provided with the vehicle. 1. Electronic keys • Operating the smart access system with push-button start. • Operating the wireless remote control function. 2. Mechanical ...