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:
Seat belts
Make sure that all occupants are wearing their seat belts before driving
the
vehicle.
Correct use of the seat belts
Extend the shoulder belt so
that it comes fully over the
shoulder, but does ...
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus LS 460 models deliver the luxury of powerful, smooth performance
from a 4.6-liter V8 teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The
engine produces 380 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. ...
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 ...