Lexus GS
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. One of the BMW 5 Series closest competitors. The GS beats its key rival on kit and value for money, but can't quite match it dynamically.
Review
Another very serious offering from Lexus, and one which takes on its premium German rivals. The GS looks good and is great to drive, but the lack of a diesel engine means it can't compete with the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E Class on equal terms.
The styling is certainly striking, although some reckon that the GS looks a bit too much like a scaled-up version of the IS. The cabin is well finished and packed with standard-fit equipment, but some of the interior plastics look a bit downmarket for something trying to compete in this market segment. It's also noticeably smaller than key rivals, with poor space for taller passengers in the back.
Taut suspension and excellent steering mean that the GS drives very well, especially over twisty, demanding roads. The downside of the firm suspension is a harsh, crashy ride over rough or broken road surfaces.
Three engines are available, all running on petrol, with the most basic six-cylinder GS300 being the pick of the range for most buyers: it's creamy-smooth and combines strong performance with respectable fuel economy. The V8 powered GS430 is an exercise in futility, especially as buyers looking for more performance can opt for the hybrid GS450h. Using both a six-cylinder petrol engine and battery-driven electric motors, the 450h gives strong performance and decent fuel economy - although it's nothing like as frugal in real world conditions as diesel rivals.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Handsome and distinctive, the GS stands out from the executive carpark.
Handling
4 star
It drives very nicely for something this big, cornering keenly and with an impressive lack of roll.
Comfort
3 star
Excellent noise insulation at cruising speeds makes the GS a relaxed motorway companion, but the crashy ride quickly becomes irritating on rougher road surfaces.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
As well built as you would expect a Lexus to be - it's just a shame about the slightly cheesy materials used on
Performance
4 star
All versions give decent urge, with even the entry level GS300 breaking the 0-62 mph barrier in just 7.3 seconds. V8 is pointless - and the GS450h is impressively rapid considering its green credentials.
Roominess
4 star
Only five seats, but all occupants enjoy plenty of space in the light, airy cabin. The boot is impressively commodious too.
Running Costs
3 star
The lack of a diesel engine makes the GS expensive to run as a company car, and servicing and insurance are both expensive, too. Residual values are also poor for a car in this segment.
Value for money
4 star
Standard equipment is very good, especially when compared to German rivals, although the big jump in price between base and
