Category: Executive 
Price Range: No data available
High-tech safety kit, refinement, hybrid option, Lexus reliability and quality, handsome looks
No diesel option, hard ride, poor steering feel, lack of character; VDIM and pre-crash safety systems only in top-spec models
It's not quite the all-out sports saloon Lexus claims it to be, but it's a comfortable, sophisticated, high-quality choice with some unique touches
A car of this type will never achieve supermini-like running costs, and there's no diesel version to cut fuel bills for high-mileage drivers, but the hybrid is an unlikely budget alternative: besides fuel economy of a diesel-like 35.8mpg, it emits just 186g/km, putting it in the 21percent company car tax BIK bracket, and it is also exempt from the London congestion charge.
The 'normal' GS300 returns 28.8mpg and 232 g/km of carbon dioxide, and the GS430 does 24.8mpg and 269 g/km, both creditable for cars of this size, weight and type. Usefully, Lexus has reduced costs for servicing, with a minor annual 'health check' between more extensive bi-annual overhauls, and reduced the cost of repairs to accident damage, with lower parts prices and shorter labour times; this has also had the effect of lowering insurance groupings, now down to 16E (GS300/GS300 SE), 17E (GS300 SE-L) and 18E (GS430). Residual (resale) values should also be strong, if not quite at BMW/Mercedes levels.
