We recently tested the all-new GS400 sedan from Lexus and now have spent some time in its less-expensive, less-powerful GS300stablemate.
The rear-wheel-drive sedan was most impressive because it arrived about thetime Ma Nature had a hissy on the roads.
Excellent foul-weather handling thanks to vehicle stability control, fancy name for a traction-control system that distinguishes itself getting out ofsnow-clogged driveways onto snow-clogged roads without stumbling. You can usethis RWD machine to give friends who own Mustangs and Camaros/Firebirds a liftto work when it snows.
The major difference between the GS300 and the GS400 is the reason for the300 or 400 moniker. The 3-liter, in-line 6-cylinder develops 225 horsepower inthe 300; the 4-liter, 32-valve V-8 develops 300 h.p. It means about a 2-seconddifference in a 0- to 60-m.p.h. run. It also means a 20-m.p.g. city/25-m.p.g.highway rating from the 3-liter versus 17/23 with the 4-liter.
One major gripe, however, is the key fob with its power lock/unlockcontrols. The fob has “unlock” and “panic” buttons to unlock the doors orflash the lights and sound the horn in a panic situation.
But where’s the “lock” button?
Unless you have a salesman explain the fob or you read the owner’s manual,you don’t realize that you press the panic button once to lock the car–orjust walk away if you have taken the keys out of the ignition and the carlocks on its own. Nice touch–once explained.
The GS300 starts at $36,800 ($44,800 for the 400). Dual front and side airbags and ABS are standard. Add $1,020 for a power slide/tilt sunroof, $1,710 for leather seats and $1,050 for upgraded sound system with compact-discplayer.
