Used 2007 Lexus GS

Lexus is moving to change its image as a producer of pure luxury cars to a producer of world-class luxury performance cars. The first phase in this transformation was launched last year in the form of the new GS sedan. Built to challenge the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, the GS features some of Lexus’ most aggressive styling and performance capabilities. Despite the advances in power and a taut new suspension, the GS still lacks one of the rudimentary tools desired by die-hard driving enthusiasts: A manual transmission. Without a doubt the best GS to date, the 2007 GS 350 and GS 430 afford Lexus its best shot at winning over European-leaning buyers.

While some luxury-sport sedans are built on the Three Bears theory – not too hard, not too soft, just right in between – the best ones manage to deliver high levels of both performance and comfort at the same time. Such is the newest Lexus GS.

On the highway it’s a cruiser, with comfortable seating and amenities and a ride that easily qualifies the luxury component of its dual-purpose nature. And when the road gets narrow and twisty, the GS is eager to keep pace with its European counterparts, even if its operator isn’t armed with the same Teutonic intangibles.

Inside, the GS expresses its enthusiastic character with sharp lines, perforated leather seating and attractive machined-aluminum gauge faces. Overall, the passenger cabin is a comfortable, sensible environment outfitted in wood, polished metal and leather. The backseat is also comfortable, offering generous headroom and legroom plus comfortable quasi-bucket seats that provide welcome lateral support on spirited drives. Technology fans will love the seemingly endless array of gadgets and gizmos, a phalanx so sophisticated it may turn off an equal number of buyers who feel one shouldn’t have to be an MIT graduate to operate one’s car.

The fact that Lexus has managed to develop such a passionate following while wrapping its cars in admittedly bland styling speaks volumes about the appeal of quality and attention to detail that seemingly remains underestimated by many other carmakers. And while not a radical design by any stretch, the latest GS is the first to incorporate the company’s new L-Finesse design philosophy that’s meant to charge Lexus vehicles with more emotional appeal – and provide yet another reason for buyers to opt into the Lexus family. Perhaps the most notable design element is the fastback-style roofline that terminates in a very short rear deck. Interestingly, the current model evokes the first-generation GS much more than the second-generation model it replaced.

Mark Levinson Surround Sound
Delivering true 5.1 Surround Sound through 14 speakers, the optional DVD-Audio surround system is one of the finest factory sound systems we’ve ever heard.

Hideaway Controls
To reduce cabin clutter, a cleverly hidden but easily accessed drop-down dash panel hides 14 infrequently used controls.

Even a “base” GS features a complete list of standard features that includes leather seating, keyless entry/start, xenon headlamps, heated 10-way power front seats with memory, four-way power adjustable steering wheel, seven-inch LCD touchscreen and four one-touch windows. Safety features include a full complement of airbags; front, side and knee airbags for front passengers and a side-curtain airbag protecting all four outboard passengers. Stepping up to the GS 430 adds not just the V8, but also an active suspension, variable gear ratio steering and a sophisticated active vehicle stability system, all of which are unavailable on the GS 350.

Optional equipment on the GS sedan includes all-wheel drive (GS 350 only), Generation 5 Lexus DVD navigation system with rear backup camera, Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, rear park assist sensors, adaptive headlamps (standard on GS 430), pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, moonroof, ventilated front seats and run-flat tires.

The new 3.5-liter V6 in the GS 350 begs the question: Why opt for the V8? Of course the GS 430 does offer more torque and amenities, not to mention an advanced electronic suspension. Unless absolute power is paramount we think most people will be more than pleased with the V6.

3.5-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
274 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 (RWD), 20/27 (AWD)

4.3-liter V8
290 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
319 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25