Introduction

The Lexus GS 400 was a surprise right from the start. First of all, it looks like no other Lexus. Its sleek aerodynamic shape presents a stunning appearance, finished with a rear spoiler and five-spoke aluminum wheels that say it means business. Some critics have charged that Lexus cars, though nearly flawless, are somewhat lacking in character. It was immediately obvious that this would not be the case with the GS 400. Even more surprising is the brilliant acceleration performance. The GS 400 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. That's quick. And it will cruise all day long at speeds that are not at all socially acceptable. In this mode, it is an extremely stable car that instills confidence in the driver.

Walkaround

From any angle, the Lexus GS 400 makes a statement. From the side, it presents a dramatically sloping nose with a cab-forward placement of the lower edge of the windshield. Unique football-shaped headlights sweep up and back into the fender. A thin, graceful roofline arches back to a stubby rear deck. 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 side glass is divided into a third window, which breaks up an otherwise graceful sweep of glass. Large multi-lens taillights wrap around to the sides, making a strong design statement from the rear. Small, separate brake lights adorn the rear. The $440 optional rear spoiler that came on our test car heightens the car's appearance as a high-performance sedan. The spoiler serves as a small status symbol among GS 400 owners because getting it requires ordering one of the premium option packages. The bottom of the rear fascia has a gentle race car-like curl between the twin tailpipes for improved aerodynamics. From a practical standpoint, the trunk lid raises a full 90 degrees and the lift-over height is low for easier loading and unloading. At 14.8 cubic feet, the cargo capacity is comparable to other cars this size. Our $46,000 GS 400 came with the $3,055 Premium Package, which includes a CD changer, power moonroof, heated front seats and the HID headlamps. The total came to just under $49,500. Since we were spending that much, we may also have considered the $215 upgraded tire package, which swaps the 225/55VR-16 Michelin Pilot HX MXM tires on 16-inch alloy wheels for a set of 235/45ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE030 tires mounted on 17-inch wheels. The shorter sidewalls of the 17-inch tires might degrade the superb ride quality, but we did not get a chance to try them out.

Interior Features

It's pleasant inside a GS 400 and we found ourselves just parked at times, listening to the sound system and enjoying the surroundings. Lots of leather, thick carpeting and tasteful design add to the ambiance. This interior manages to feel roomy and cozy at the same time. The GS 400 instrument panel and dashboard 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 lighted from the rear. The intensity of the backlighting automatically varies with ambient light. The gauges are a handsome, creative design and are easy to read. Audio and climate controls are logically laid out and easy to use with separate heating and cooling controls for driver and passenger. A hydrocarbon air pollution sensor automatically switches to the recirculation mode when contamination is detected. An optional navigation system fills the center of the dash, moving stereo and climate controls to the top and bottom of an information screen. The navigation system comes as part of a $5,305 package that includes a six-disc CD changer, power moonroof, heated front seats and high-intensity discharge headlamps. Opening and closing power windows and moonroof are a one-touch operation. A sensor stops the window or moonroof and warns the driver when anything -- such as the head of a child or pet -- is blocking its path. The supplied keyless remote can be used to operate the windows and moonroof automatically, depending on the season. A hidden electric garage door opener can be programmed for nearly all frequencies. The view out the front of the GS 400 is excellent, but the rear view is restricted somewhat by the rear headrests and wide C-pillars. Lexus GS models come standard with seat-mounted side-impact air bags.