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:

    Current Lexus LS 460
    The Lexus LS 460 is a full-size luxury sedan available in regular 460 and extended-wheelbase 460 L body styles. Most of the features you'd expect in this upper echelon of automobiles can be found ...

    Security and system setup
    Security setting items and operation procedures To enter the menu for each function, follow the steps below using a voice command or : Setting or changing the PIN (Personal Identification Number) ...

    Smart access system with push-button start
    The following operations can be performed simply by carrying the electronic key on your person, for example in your pocket. (The driver should always carry the electronic key.) 1. Locks and unloc ...