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Walkaround
The Lexus GS models make a strong visual statement. The design of the current, second-generation models is now in its sixth year, but it still has arresting looks. It's a classier design than that of its rival from Japan, the Infiniti M45.Most noticeable are the unique football-shaped headlamps that sweep up and back into the fenders. A separate set of inner front lights serve as the high beams and give the GS a distinctive look. This look is echoed at the rear of the car with large multi-lens taillights that wrap around to the sides with a separate set of inner lamps that serve as tail lamps and brake lamps. Dual exhaust exiting from the rear bumper gives the GS models sports appeal; the rear bumper curves out at the bottom for aerodynamic ground-effects. An available rear spoiler adds to the racy look, but we think the car looks better without it and it probably doesn't improve the handling of what's essentially an understeering car. In profile, the GS presents a dramatically sloping nose, with the lower edge of the windshield pushed well forward. Its graceful roofline arches back to a stubby rear deck, giving it what one magazine describes as a hunchback look. A chrome strip surrounds the side windows and accents the shape of the glass. This strikes an interesting contrast with the flat black window posts. For engineering reasons, the rear door glass is divided into two panes, with a separate fixed pane in the rear, a compromise that breaks up the graceful sweep of glass.
Interior Features
Lots of leather, tasteful applications of wood, thick carpeting and a refined overall design provide a pleasant environment inside the Lexus GS 300 and GS 430. It manages to feel roomy and cozy at the same time. The view out the front of the GS is excellent, but the rear view is restricted somewhat by the rear headrests and wide C-pillars.The GS 430 instrument panel is a refreshing departure from other designs from Japan. Turn on the ignition, and a black panel illuminates to reveal gauges with black markings on white faces, all lit from the rear. The intensity of the backlighting automatically varies with ambient light. The gauges are handsome, creatively designed and easy to read. There's a useful compass in the rear-view mirror. Audio and climate controls are logically laid out and easy to use, with separate heating and cooling settings for driver and passenger. A smog sensor automatically switches to the system into recirculation mode, blocking contaminated air from entering the cabin. An air filtration and deodorization system takes care of the rest, nice when pulling up behind a city bus. The remote releases for the fuel tank and trunk, located low on the left side of the dash, are initially hard to find, and the center armrest obscures the seat-heater buttons. An optional touch-screen DVD-based navigation system calculates routes quickly. The LCD fills the center of the dash and handles audio and climate control functions as well as the trip computer. The standard audio setup in the GS is very good. But if you love music, you owe it to yourself to order the Mark Levinson stereo, a 10-speaker system with a discrete amplifier with ultra-low crossover distortion that delivers outstanding audio quality no matter where you're sitting. Opening and closing the power windows and moonroof is accomplished with one-touch operation. A sensor stops the window or roof panel and warns the driver when anything (such as a child or pet) is blocking its path. The supplied keyless remote can be used to operate the windows and/or moonroof automatically. A hidden electric garage-door opener can be programmed for nearly all frequencies. The trunk lid raises a full 90 degrees, and the lift-over height is low for easy loading and unloading. At 14.8 cubic feet, cargo capacity is comparable to that of other cars of its size.
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