Vehicle Overview
Lexus’ midsize GS 460 sport sedan has a V-8 engine that comes from the brand’s flagship LS 460 sedan; in the GS, it makes 342 horsepower. Competitors include the BMW 550i, Mercedes-Benz E550 and Jaguar XF. A V-6 goes in the related GS 350, which can have all-wheel drive. A gas-electric hybrid system powers the GS 450h. Both models are covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2011
A brake override system is now standard, a change partly in response to Lexus and Toyota recalls. This system reduces engine power when the brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time to prevent unintended acceleration. The only other notable change is that models with the optional navigation system no longer have a compass in the inside mirror because the nav system has a compass.
Exterior
Lexus says the GS is more futuristic than its predecessor, touting its long hood and set-back cabin. Featuring uncluttered sheet metal, the GS 460 has a short rear deck and wide, tapered pillars that flow toward the rear of the car.
- 18-inch wheels
- Standard rear sunshade
- Moonroof
- Optional rear spoiler
Interior
Up to five people can fit in the GS 460’s leather-lined cabin, though the rear seat is tight. Perforated leather comes in a choice of three colors
- 10-way power front seats with heated and ventilated upholstery
- Dashboard trimmed with bird’s-eye maple
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- 10-speaker sound system
- Available navigation system
- Available Mark Levinson surround-sound system with 14 speakers
- iPod and USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free phone capability
Under the Hood
Lexus says the GS 460 sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which puts it 0.3 seconds ahead of the GS 350. The torque-rich GS 450h is still the quickest of the bunch, at 5.2 seconds. The GS 460 gets an EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway.
- 4.6-liter V-8 makes 342 hp and 339 pounds-feet of torque
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Adaptive Variable Suspension, with four driver-selectable modes, automatically selects appropriate damping for road conditions
- Optional Active Power Stabilizer system aims to reduce unwanted body roll
- Variable gear-ratio steering tightens or widens steering depending on the car’s speed
- Differential steering control includes up to 2 inches of active steering if the car encounters a side wind
Safety
An option group includes adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system that helps determine if a crash is imminent and takes appropriate steps if it is. Other options include Intuitive Park Assist. Standard safety equipment includes:
- Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags for both rows
- Active front head restraints
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Adaptive headlights that swivel in accord with the front wheels
