The Lexus GS is the likely alternative to the BMW 5 Series. It’s the vehicle for anyone after a varied experience and a distinguished look from the rest of the car crowd. Apart from its stand out features, the Lexus GS is well-equipped not just with enhanced basic tools but also cutting edge technology. The conventional petrol engine comes with an electric motor, providing not just low emissions but also a top-notch performance on the road. Service is also a guarantee whether in the UK or the US and all customers report utter satisfaction from reporting to the centre.

Pros

The Lexus GS offers a wide range of powerful engines. The entry level 3.0-litre GS300 can arrive at 62mph in just 7.2 seconds; the more powerful 4.3-litre V8 GS430 reaches 62mph after just 6.1 seconds. The entry-level unit’s top speed is at 148mph and the GS430’s at 155mph. The GS430 was eventually replaced by the GS460, a V8 that lessens the 62mph sprint time at 5.8 seconds. All these engines are able to cover long journeys comfortably and quickly, so expect refinement to be maintained even on motorway speeds. Acceleration is also powerful as it can go from 50 to 70mph as effortlessly as the 62mph sprint. The six-speed auto gearbox comes with the 300 model, while the 460 comes with an eight-speed auto box. Even the hybrid model impresses with its 3.5-litre V6 unit at 341bhp. The hybrid system combines the power of a petrol engine that backs up the electric motor. Energy from coasting or braking recharges the battery when power is needed.

Handling on the GS is sharper and tauter thanks to a firmed up suspension. The latest model has done away with the previous generation’s wallowy feel. The adaptive suspension system’s sport settings also gives a firmer grip on suspension and adds more weight to the steering. The overall ride is composed and supple. Body control is kept at a balance and cornering taken care of the by the adaptive suspension.

In terms of size and weight, the latest GS is 20mm wider and 30mm taller. Rear tracks have also been expanded by 40 and 50mm; another notable improvement is the nickel hydride batteries arrangement of the GS450h. Plus boot space has been expanded to 60 per cent.

Comfort is provided all throughout the GS thanks to the soft and supportive seats. Leather upholstery also comes as a standard in most of the models. The high quality stereo assures a soundtrack to every ride.

Cons

Although most seats available are comfortable on the GS, the front seats tend to consume too much of the rear foot space. The middle seat also lacks leg room due to the large transmission tunnel. Boot space is adequate at 300 litres but the large 430 litre volume is a bit hard to access due to the narrow loading entrance. There’s less room in the 450h due to the space taken by the rechargeable batteries, reducing the overall capacity to just 280 litres. As an alternative a special kind of luggage is offered to fit the four-piece range.

The Lexus GS is a midsize executive car which was first introduced in 1991. The GS is styled as a performance saloon, and it competed against the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes Benz E-Class. The GS is manufactured by Toyota. It has garnered a number of awards since its introduction, including Consumer Reports’ most reliable in the luxury division in 2005, best midsize car, most appealing midsize luxury, and Top Ten in Initial Quality from J.D. Power and Associates between 1994 and 2005, and Auto Bild’s Auto 1 award in 2007. The Lexus GS is currently in its fourth generation of production.

The S140 is the GS’ first generation, designed by Italdesign Giugiaro in 1988. A simpler design more suited for the European market was applied. The S160 second generation was a huge restyling from the first. This 1997 model introduced the quadruple headlines the GS is known for in other markets. A SportDesign edition was also released for the North American market in 2001.

S190 third generation was produced starting 2005. Conception for this version took roughly six years and two designers. The current fourth generation, the L10, was designed by Yoshihiko Kanamori and finalised by Akio Toyoda. It was unveiled at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.