Review of the new Lexus GS460

THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR CUBES

LEXUS GS460

(7.5 out of 10)

REVIEW DATE: 22 Feb 2008

For all its high technology, there's something deliciously old-school about the Lexus GS 460. Andy Enright approves

LEXUS GS460 NEW CAR ROAD TEST

Lexus makes great play of its advances in hybrid technology and wows us with smart gadgets but in the GS 460, the company serves up a tried and tested formula of big engine wrapped in a luxury saloon body. What it lacks in originality it more than makes up for in execution.

If the Lexus GS model range has had one overwhelming problem, it's been that it's an easy car to overlook. The LS range-topper initially hogged the limelight and in recent years the RX and IS model ranges have come into their own. The GS always seemed the rather quiet middle child, unexceptional in any particular area. And for years, that was indeed the case. The GS wasn't hugely special. In recent times, however, Lexus has devoted remedial resource to getting the GS up to speed and with some success. The latest range is extremely strong and the GS460 is a flagship model that demands attention.

The task of making headway in the executive car sector without a German badge is notoriously difficult. We've seen some impressive products from Jaguar, Volvo and Lexus over the years but by and large they haven't achieved the sales success that they have deserved. The GS 460 might just have what it takes to stick a haymaker on the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi.

Power counts for a lot in this corner of the market. Hang whether you can use all that horsepower or not, you need a headline figure to draw the customers in and with 342bhp from its 4.6-litre V8 engine, the GS 460 seems at an instant disadvantage. It's 20bhp down on a BMW 550i, 3bhp down on an Audi A6 4.2 FSI and a whopping 46bhp shy of the Mercedes E500 - all rivals that are comparably priced. It works smarter rather than harder though, using the world's first eight-speed automatic to offer seamless acceleration and Dual VVT-I valve timing to help improve engine response. From rest, it'll get to 60mph in 5.6s and run on to an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

"Power counts for a lot in this corner of the market. ."

On the road, the GS is silky smooth, the suspension easing over undulations and obliterating imperfections in the road surface. The ride is less composed at very low speeds but once into its stride, the GS is imperious. The only intrusive sound is tyre roar, but it might be the lack of other aural stimuli that elevates this in your consciousness. Both Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) are provided as standard, as is Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS). As well as adopting AVS, the GS 460 benefits from retuned shock absorbers and springs and revised underbody aerodynamics to improve high speed stability.

The GS 460 features styling that has been freshened slightly, with a chrome surround for the front grille, revised door mirrors with integrated indicators and sleeker door handles. The front and rear bumpers have also been gently restyled, with sharper air intakes. Classier 18-inch alloy wheel designs have been introduced and the palette of body colours has been changed, with the introduction of a new silver and gold paint finish. The cabin ergonomics have also been improved with various controls being relocated.

The Lexus GS looks a large car with its long, bulky body. It's also a distinctive one with its steeply raked rear windscreen that almost suggests a hatchback and split headlamp clusters. The stance is ground hugging so the GS definitely sportier to look at than it is to drive. The suspension set-up is comprised of double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system at the rear and is aluminium in its construction to reduce weight. Interior space is generous for four occupants but the transmission tunnel is prominent in the rear so the middle berth has restricted legroom. The boot is a little down on the best in the class in terms of size.

You'll need to stump up £50,500 for a Lexus GS 460 and while this might seem a hefty slug of cash, it's worth considering what you get as part of the deal. As the range-topping model of the GS line up, Lexus has thrown a lot of gear at this car. If you were to attempt to match the equipment levels of this model with, say, a Mercedes E500, you'd need to tack at least £10,000 onto the list price and take the resultant hit when you come to trade the car in.

The audio system alone is jaw-dropping. The Mark Levinson stereo is part of an infotainment package that includes satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, Bluetooth connectivity and the usual six-disc DVD auto changer but the sound quality is possibly the best in the car industry. With no fewer than 14 speakers dotted unobtrusively about the cabin, it's possibly to achieve stunning surround sound effects. Also featured is keyless entry and start, a 7" colour display screen, cruise control, eight-way electrically-adjustable front seats, climate control and an input jack for connecting your iPod..

Those savvy enough to know how these things work will recognise that depreciation is an increasing factor if you buy a fully-loaded, top of the range model. The GS 460 is no exception and with many buyers in this sector increasingly looking to hybrid and diesel motors, the big petrol engine at first looks a little profligate. Look a little closer at the figures and you'll realise it's anything but, the combined fuel figure of 25.7mpg being astonishingly good for a vehicle of this size and power.

Around town, you'll manage 17.3mpg while on a run the GS 460 will achieve 35.8mpg. The 258g/km carbon dioxide emissions, whilst good for a petrol car, will look rather self conscious in the face of diesel rivals. Insurance is rated at group 18E.

Just as there is a whole slew of executive car buyers who won't consider anything without a premium German badge on the bonnet, there's also a small but growing contingent of customers looking for an alternative. With vehicles like the Jaguar XF and Volvo S80 stepping up, the competition has become very committed but the Lexus GS is talented enough to force a place at the top table. The GS 460, while charming and beautifully finished, is a car that rewards doing all the sums beforehand.

On paper, it seems as if it will have its work cut out. It's not as powerful or as prestigious as its key rivals. The lustrous equipment that you pay for when new won't be worth a whole heap when the time comes to trade in. Still, if you're comfortable with the 'whole life' running costs of the GS 460, it more than merits recommendation. It rewards a different mindset than its illustrious rivals but ownership is no less satisfying an experience.