Vehicle: 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD with Touring Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$69500

Performance: On the AWD version of the new GS, it only powered by one engine. The 3.0L V6 DOHC 24-valver with dual VVT-i variable valve timing unit is the sole power source. This engine is good for 245 hp and 230 lb/ft of torque. Given GS weights in about 3800 lb, this engine cannot be describe as breathtaking. Its responsive enough for daily driving with decent torque, as its maximum torque arrives at 3600 rpm. The throttle response is typical Lexus-like smooth and linear. Without the help of the excellent 6-speed manumatic, this engine would feel sluggish when pushed. As one would expect from a Lexus, this manumatic is willing to up and downshifts. With proper gear ratios and shifting characteristics, this tranny really tranformed a vehicle that is supposed to be underpowered into something more than adequate. Another area that benefitted this heavy body is the effective variable valve timing with intelligence. When the second set of cams kick-in, it does give the GS AWD the power it really needed. With the new IS already benefitted from the 3.5L 306 hp V6, this engine can’t come soon enough to GS.

Handling: As much as Lexus would like you to think GS as a sports sedan, I would safely describe it as a luxury sedan with sporting intentions rather than a sports sedan. As one would expect from Lexus, GS got a solid foundation built from a stiff chassis, an excellent AWD system and a set of suspensions that absorb both small and large bumps relatively well. On the other hand, its VDIM or what Lexus called Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management. This electronic nannies are really instrusive variety for a sporting sedan. Although Lexus tends to appeal to a more mature crowd of audience, if they want to make a full blown sports sedan. They should have a stability control that is able to fully shut off. The problem is VDIM cannot be even shut off during any circumstances. Everything feel very safe when pushing into corners. By the time there is a slight understeer or oversteer, VDIM already kicked in even if the AWD can still hold a higher limit before vehicle goes out of control. As for the steering, it got the typical Lexus feel which is smooth and responsive, although it still lacks the weight and feedback of what makes a German sports sedans feel so great to drive.

Brakes: GS got all the latest braking technologies one can imagine. Both brake assist and electronic braking force distribution are all standard fares. As one would expect from a Lexus, 4-wheel discs with standard ABS perform exceptionally well. The stops are short and straight. The pedal feel and modulation are exceptional given it weights nearly 4000 lb.

Interior: Inside the GS, its everything one would expect from a Lexus. It got a great set of electronic chromatic instrumentation, an effective dual zone auto climate control and excellent Mark Levinson stereo. The driving position is easily found with both power adjustable seats and steering. Both the leather and plastic quality are top-notch. While the leather feels soft and supple, there are also plenty of soft plastic around the dashboard. It got all tastefully done wood and aluminum trim to matched the high tech looks set by the electronic gauges. However, there is one drawback. There is a hidden console on the left that hide all the remote trunk/fuel filler release, power mirrors and other miscellaneous items. While it shows how much time Lexus designers has paid to attention-t0-details, its annoying to flip open a console just to adjust a mirror or reset an odometer.

In terms of cargo space, GS is disappointing. The lack of fold down rear seats in a luxury car costing 69k is totally unforgivable, as well as the high liftover has made the loading much tougher. You only got ski-sack pass through for longer item through GS’s trunk.

Conclusion: Despite of my criticisms, there are still lots of going for in the new GS. It got the traditionally high level of fit-and-finish one expect from a Lexus, an effective AWD system with excellent refinement. On the other hand, that 3.5L 306hp V6 just can’t come soon enough for base GS especially one with AWD.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 LEXUS GS300 AWD
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5