Used 2009 Lexus GS

Slotting between the flagship LS 460 and the popular ES 350, the mid-size Lexus GS line occupies an admittedly modest but still notable niche in the sport sedan segment. Intertwining aggressive styling and formidable performance with typical Lexus luxury cues, it gives Toyota’s premium division a very credible competitor in an arena most often associated with German offerings, including the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. In addition to offering the only hybrid in this segment, the GS 450h (reviewed separately), the GS lineup consists of three gasoline-powered variants. The rear-drive GS 350 and all-wheel-drive GS 350 AWD share a common 3.5-liter V6, while the rear-drive GS 460 is powered by a larger and more powerful V8 engine.

Well-mannered, well-controlled and admirably quick with either powertrain or drivetrain combination, the GS strikes a very desirable balance of personality traits that should please all but the hardest-core sport-sedan buyers. The suspension trades off a bit of fine-edge feel in return for excellent comfort on a daily-driver basis, and the GS 460’s optional Power Active Stabilizer system does a first-rate job of keeping body roll in check. Despite a slightly artificial feel, the electronically-boosted variable power steering is both quick and precise. The various supplemental handling assists can be switched off completely by anyone who really does want to press to the edge of the envelope. For those who prefer all-weather security, the GS 350 AWD deserves consideration. Regardless of model, the finely crafted cabin always maintains Lexus levels of isolation from wind and road noise.

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.

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.

True to the division’s upscale persona, every GS model comes packed to please even the most discriminating buyer. Beyond stellar powertrains, you’ll find leather-covered and heated 10-way power front seats (heated and ventilated in the GS 460), a comprehensive array of power assists, SmartAccess keyless locking and starting, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/cassette audio, a seven-inch multifunction display screen, an advanced anti-lock brake (ABS) package, driver-switchable Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system and front, front-side, side-curtain and knee airbags. Standard on the GS 460, and optional on the GS 350, are Adaptive Variable suspension and the corner-following Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).

The GS options list is fairly short, with the key elements being the DVD-based voice-activated navigation system and rear backup camera, a 330-watt Mark Levinson Premium Sound System that includes the navigation package and the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Other single items of note include Lexus Link, Intuitive Parking Assist, all-season run-flat tires, rain sensing wipers with headlamp washers and a power rear sunshade. The GS 460 also offers the computer-controlled Active Power Stabilizer Suspension System, while the GS 350 can be fitted with the GS 460’s Adaptive Variable Suspension, ventilated front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.

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