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
The raison d'etre for a Lexus, and the GS doesn't disappoint. Although the ride is on the firm side (choose your wheel/tyre combinations carefully) it is well-controlled, especially in the GS430, thanks to its adaptive suspension, which continuously adjusts damping pressure and also incorporates a stiffer Sport mode. Neither version is prone to rolling, pitching or wallowing, and the GS is well sound-proofed, beautifully insulated from engine noise, road noise, wind noise and the entire outer world in general. The cabin is roomy - though rear legroom is tight if the front seats are pushed right back - and airy, despite the dark colours of the upholstery and fascia (mostly tasteful, apart from the red fake wood on the centre console in some versions). It's almost Germanic in its minimalist design, with clear, simple graphics. Seats are soft but well-shaped and supportive - and thankfully, the ruched leather upholstery of the outgoing model has been ousted. Leather upholstery is standard in all but the entry-level GS300, and it's of a nice quality. All of the cabin is well-finished, with excellent attention to detail - apart from the rather flimsy, fragile-feeling plastic sunglasses holder mounted in the roof, which felt out of character.
The only real gripe is with the boot - the shape of the rear window and slung-back cabin has meant that the aperture for loading is quite narrow for stuffing in large bags, even though the load space itself is generous, and the keyless entry system doesn't give a proper handle to open the boot manually. Sensors are supposed to detect if you have the key fob nearby, i.e. in your pocket or handbag, and allow you to touch a button on the underside of the lid to releasing the boot, but we only managed to open it by actually pressing the button on the key fob (hardly a 'keyless' entry system, then) or by a remote release button in the cabin. There is, however, a self-closing device so you don't have to slam the lid down... Bear in mind, too, that the hybrid system in the GS450h cuts into boot space substantially, as it has to accommodate the battery packs to run the electric motor - it's reduced from 430 litres to just 280 litres, barely enough for a couple of weekend bags, let alone a set of golf clubs.
Equipment levels are generous, even in the entry-level (£30,400) GS300, which has interior LED lighting, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker, six-CD audio system, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, touch-screen controls, Bluetooth connections, a six-CD autochanger and 10-speaker hi-fi, the keyless entry and push-button ignition, cruise control, electrically-adjustable seats and steering wheel, electric heated/folding door mirrors, headlamp washers, adaptive xenon front headlamps, front and rear fog lamps plus 17-inch alloy wheels, and LED rear lights. The GS 450h (from £38,015) is similarly specified.
SE models add rear side passenger airbags, satellite navigation with voice recognition, a rear-view monitor with parking sensors, an electric rear sunblind, and leather seats with ventilation and heating. SE-L (not long-wheelbase versions, as their name suggests) have a high-spec Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system, an electric tilt/slide glass sunroof, a rear lip spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels; the pre-crash safety system (except VDIM in the GS300 SE-L) and adaptive cruise control are optional. One gripe, though: the Mark Levinson stereo system comes with a cassette player. Yes, a cassette deck. It does play CDs, but there is no input socket for an iPod or MP3 player, a massive oversight in a car in this class these days.
