Lexus GS460 delivers electrifying elegance and 8-speed gearbox
Lexus has just enhanced their GS sedan range with the 2008 GS460 model. It benefits from the latest in safety and entertainment features- not to mention an incredibly advanced drivetrain intended to deliver smooth and eager performance.
The GS460 gets a new 4.6 liter, 342 horsepower V8 engine that's derived from the same unit powering the brand's flagship LS model. The new engine is hooked up to an 8-speed automatic transmission (yes- 8!) and then sent off to battle the likes of the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, Acura TL and Cadillac STS.
The magnificent powertrain is deceptively quiet and smooth, with just a hint of V8 burble entering the cabin when pushed. When called upon, it rockets the GS along fiercely with a free-breathing character and exciting surge of thrust as the revs climb. The near-silent power delivery is impressive, but it may leave some enthusiast drivers wishing for more lusty V8 sound effects.
With 8 gear ratios, more choices are available for any given driver action, meaning there's almost always an instant and satisfying reaction to throttle inputs. Shifts range from smooth and firm to purely imperceptible- depending on the drivers mood. There's a manual-mode as well.
Another benefit to having 8 gears is lower highway revs for enhanced fuel economy. Total mileage on our watch averaged about 11L / 100km, though that figure easily drops under 9 during steady highway cruising. This is about as good as a large V8-powered sedan gets in the economy department.
They don't get much better in terms of interior appointments, either. An opulent selection of materials and textures intricately blends into one another, and stitched leather covers just about anything that fingertips may land on. Overall assembly quality is second to none- and if I've ever been in a more immaculately assembled interior, I can't remember what it was.
Trouble is, the comfortable cabin lacks the spaciousness suggested by the car's overall size.
Taller drivers will feel crowded by the ceiling, and rear-seat headroom is adequate at best. The near-coupe feel to the driving quarters could be appreciated or not- depending on your height.
A full suite of features automatically turn on, off or adjust so that occupants can simply hop in, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Doors unlock sans-key, so long as the driver has it on their person. Wipers and headlights activate as needed, while the automatic dual-zone climate control keeps the cabin at a pre-set temperature.
It's all augmented by heated and chilled front seats with 3-way memory on each, a powered moonroof, and a motorized rear-seat sunshade.
The interior is kept quiet at cruising speeds, and invading road and wind noise are well minimized. The cabin can seem almost eerily quiet when owners want to relax- though the 6-CD Mark Levinson stereo system can change that in a blink.
Boasting tremendous punch and vibrantly clean sound delivery, it happily belts out anything from Clapton to Fifty Cent all day long.
A hint of excitement is apparent in the GS460's firm ride, though the reflexes from its steering and brakes lack the sharp and precise reactions that characterize sportier machines. Brakes are powerful and employ cooling ducts for fade-resistant operation, though the pedal lacks the instantaneous bite and feel some shoppers may be after.
Steering is weighted heavily, though the ratio and feedback aren't quite enough to make it feel exceptionally nimble. Added tightness to the steering and brakes would enable a more involving experience of the GS's plentiful grip and balance. Overall handling is quite good, and an adjustable suspension allows the driver to dial up a sportier ride as well.
In all, GS460 is a competent luxury cruiser with mildly sharpened reflexes. If your priorities include top-notch quality, reliability and resale value, make sure this one's on your list of test drives.
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