2009 Lexus GS

Optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio System
Boasting 330 watts of 5.1 Surround Sound power and 14 strategically positioned speakers, the available Mark Levinson audio package delivers an auditory experience that rivals hearing music performed live. It's available with or without the DVD-based Lexus navigation system in any GS model.

Hideaway Controls
Affording an even tidier look to the already business-like cabin of the GS, a concealed panel on the left side of the dash houses a bank of power switches for several items, including the power mirrors, instrument illumination levels and odometer resets.

Supple leather, brushed aluminum and bird's-eye maple help define a well-organized, well-isolated and exceptionally comfortable cabin in all GS versions. In a realm where typical Lexus levels of fit and finish abound, revamped white-on-black gauges provide great legibility, basic controls are well-positioned and an array of supplemental function switches hide discretely behind a drop-down panel on the dash until they're called into action. Nicely formed power front buckets are the best seats in the house, but even the "bucketed" rear bench has sufficient head and legroom to handle a pair of adults and the occasional smaller child in the less-hospitable center spot.

Embracing the division's L-Finesse styling language, the GS brings a legitimate sense of design passion to its sleekly flowing sheetmetal that arguably qualifies it as the best-looking Lexus sedan. Last year's minor facelift saw the prominent aero flair receive a minor tweaking courtesy of an edgier front fascia with a bigger air inlet and new chrome grille surround. A well-proportioned glass area provides good outward visibility while bi-xenon HID headlamps and quick-responding LED taillamps make it easier for you to see and be seen, day or night. All GS models have standard alloy wheels, with the GS 350 sporting 225/50WR17 performance tires, the GS 350 AWD opting for an all-season run-flat alternative and the GS 460 rolling on 245/40ZR18s.

Two impressive engines impart a definite enthusiast flavor to the GS. Both are exercises made of weight-saving aluminum and fitted with continuously-variable valve timing that optimizes responsiveness and efficiency across the entire operating range. The 3.5-liter V6 in the GS 350 and GS 350 AWD turns out an impressive 303 horsepower and 274 pound-feet of torque, enough to send either car sprinting from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds when backed by the six-speed automatic. The 4.6-liter V8 ups those output figures to 342 and 339, respectively. Teamed with an equally smooth and sophisticated eight-speed automatic, it allows the GS 460 to complete that benchmark sprint in less than 5.5 ticks. The sole caveat: Manual-style gear changes still must be made using the conventional console lever, as neither transmission offers steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons or paddles.

3.5-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
274 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26(RWD), 18/25(AWD)

4.6-liter V8
342 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
339 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24