2008 Lexus GS 350

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By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

2008 Lexus GS 350
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To assemble this extensive review covering the 2008 Lexus GS 350 and 2008 Lexus GS 460, TheCarConnection.com’s car experts included information from a variety of reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com’s editors added their firsthand driving experience of the GS to create an especially useful review.

Likes:
- Aggressive but conservative styling that should age well
- Very satisfying acceleration from either engine
- Great dynamic stability for fast driving
- Lots of active and passive safety features

Dislikes:
- Tight back-seat
- Limited headroom all around
- Steering doesn't feel as direct as other sport sedans

Last year, a new V-6 GS 350 model and some new technology features spiced up the Lexux GS line of mid-size sport sedans for 2007. Now the 2008 Lexus GS receives an upgrade with a new 342-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission, as the GS 460 replaces last year's 290-horsepower GS 430. The GS 350 remains available with all-wheel drive, while both models otherwise get rear-wheel drive. The lineup fills out with the more responsible 2008 Lexus GS 450h hybrid, which is covered in a separate review. For 2008, the GS models pick up a slightly restyled front end, integrated side-mirror turn signals, and new wheel designs.

Whether in V-8 or V-6 form, the GS sport sedans have very satisfying acceleration. 2008 Lexus GS 460 models are now capable of hitting 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds, according to Lexus's usually conservative numbers, and the all-new eight-speed automatic, which was first offered in the LS 460 flagship, promises quick downshift responses. Six-cylinder models make do with a six-speed automatic.

The 2008 Lexus GS performs almost perfectly, with engines that are just as refined and smooth as they are powerful and responsive. It also shows off great stability in corners, even when the road surface turns rough, thanks to the double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear. The electric-assist steering has great weighting and just the right amount of effort, though it's not as communicative as some other sport sedans.

That's all thanks to a host of electronics that works mostly transparently on the 2008 Lexus GS models. The Variable Gear Ratio Steering is a complex system that aims to bring quick response at low speeds or when it's needed, as well as stability at high speeds. Furthermore, it functions with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, an all-encompassing electronic stability control that wraps it all together, safely.

That awesome dynamic performance isn't mated with a perfect package, however. The 2008 Lexus GS is inadequate in backseat space, and headroom is tight even for front-seat occupants of average height. The ride isn't always perfect either; it can be harsh on rough patches and railroad crossings. The GS's instrument panel is quite conservative in appearance, with a new brushed-aluminum shift plate and dark gray bird's-eye maple wood for 2008, while seldom-used controls are kept out of the way in a drawer.

Inside the 2008 Lexus GS, there's technology galore. Standard features include an excellent navigation system, keyless entry, and Bluetooth, but that's not even scratching the surface. Options include an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, which gets four different firmness settings, laser cruise control, adaptive front lighting, ventilated cooled front seats, a power rear sunshade, satellite radio, and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with DVD audio/video capability. The ventilated seats and adaptive lighting come standard on the 2008 Lexus GS 460, along with the AVS system, but an intuitive park-assist system and active stabilizer system--which provides the advantage of a heavier stabilizer bar almost instantaneously without sacrificing ride quality--are among the options.

Both 2008 Lexus GS models come with the expected airbags, including front side bags, side curtain bags, and dual front knee airbags. The VDIM stability control system and anti-lock brakes are also standard, along with many other electronic aids that may help improve dynamic safety. Included with the optional laser cruise control is the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which prepares safety systems for an anticipated collision. The insurance industry-supported IIHS has tested the GS and given it the top "good" rating in both frontal and side impacts, with a "marginal" rating in the seat-based rear-impact test.

The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Lexus GS sport sedans have their flaws--most notably, a cramped interior--but like no other, they wrap edgy performance with some of today's top technology.

Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Lexus GS, also consider:

- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- BMW 5-Series
- Audi S6
- Infiniti M35/M45

The 2008 Lexus GS 350 is considerably sportier in feel than the standard E350, with a suspension that's more firmly tuned and exhibiting an increased high-performance sensation. It also comes across as more performance-oriented than the A6, lining up the S6 as a fitter competitor, with its 340-horsepower V-8 that takes on the GS 460. But the S6 has all-wheel drive, a feature that's not available on the GS 460. The BMW 5-Series is the most natural competitor; compared to the GS, the BMW also has a firm ride and rather cramped backseat, along with some high-tech options (including night vision, which isn't available on the GS), but its steering is more direct. Infiniti's M sedans, the M35 and M45, are also rivals to the GS. They have much roomier interiors but a similar, sporty driving feel, with powerful engines and electronic driving aids, although interior noise is a bigger issue on the M than any of these rivals. Altogether, it's less of a family conveyance than most of these cars, due to its interior, but it packs a lot of driving enjoyment.

Buying Tip:
If you're dreaming about more power and exclusivity to match cars like the Cadillac STS-V, Mercedes E63 AMG, and BMW M5, a Lexus GS-F is on the way, though likely not until 2011.