The 2009 Lexus GS is more than one of the finest luxury sedans on the market. That’s because it satisfies the driving enthusiast, as well as the luxury lovers onboard. After a thorough review of the GS, the test team at Popular Mechanics concluded that Lexus has now "unleashed a seriously sexy and fun-to-drive luxury sedan."
A testament to the quality of the GS 350 RWD model, IntelliChoice gave the car a value rating of “Excellent” for its predicted five-year cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its class. Because it’s an IntelliChoice award winner for overall value, lowest repair cost and highest retained value, you can appreciate the popularity of this attractive luxury sedan.
The Lexus GS is the sportier of the brand’s two premium midsize sedans. It’s available in two main trims: the base GS 350 and the GS 460. The GS lineup starts with the GS 350, which has a 303-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. It's available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The GS 460 has a 342-hp 4.6-liter V8 and an eight-speed automatic. The 460 is rear-drive only. The six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission produces buttery smooth shifts and the rapid response performance enthusiasts demand. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags and front knee airbags.
With its long hood, pulled-back cabin and a short rear deck, the 2009 Lexus GS Series recalls the classic sports sedan look. A steep back window accentuates this look, and a long swath of side glazing makes the GS look longer than it is. Most reviewers conclude the classic sport sedan look will hold up well and avoid looking out-of-date 10 years from now.
The sport sedan look leads to curiosity about power, which the 2009 GS has in abundance. Kelley Blue Book believes the GS 350 to be "the most powerful V6-powered sedan in its class." That’s mild compared to the muscular 342-hp V8 in the GS 460, an engine that seems to have afterburners when you press the “go” pedal.
The Lexus GS 350 has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg during city driving and 27 mpg during highway cruising for the RWD model and 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the AWD model. The GS 460 has an estimated EPA fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. GS shoppers concerned about fuel efficiency should take a look at the hybrid-powered Lexus GS 450h. It pairs a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor to produce 339 hp. It runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving demands and requires no plug-in charging. The GS 450h has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Lexus GS Series puts power to good use. It’s considered a fine handling sport sedan by car critics who found the electronically assisted steering and overall handling on the Lexus GS impressive. The variable speed steering system matches wheel angle to the speed at which the driver is turning the car and offsets any delay in response. Test drivers point out that this feature also corrects for wind gusts in a crosswind. Braking is equally up to handling the power output.
Both the GS 350 and GS 460 use a front independent double-wishbone suspension, with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar for body motion control. Forbes described the setup as "sophisticated" and credits it for delivering good road feel, ride comfort and cornering. "The suspension configuration delivers optimal suspension geometry for good handling while gas-charged dampers and coil springs promote a resilient, long-legged ride," observed New Car Test Drive.
The GS 460 adds an Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically modulated damping. This system continuously adjusts shock-absorber damping rates to help provide appropriate ride comfort and precise handling. Test drivers were impressed with the ability of the adaptive suspension to hunker down, sensing steering dynamics and almost anticipating opportunities for sport handling. It’s a worthy performance addition.
The all-wheel drive version of the GS 350 also approaches the road athletically. Forbes found that AWD "adds an extra degree of surefootedness in inclement weather, and it also improves the car's handling on dry pavement." Road and Track found the all-wheel drive version "suited to its mission and position in the market: It is a luxury sedan but with some sporting ability."
The GS 350 has electronic stability and traction control and brakeforce systems as standard active safety equipment while the Lexus GS 460 adds a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. Using eight different safety features, this system controls traction during a turn. When a problem is detected, the system uses individual-wheel braking, throttle activation and steering assistance to correct the situation and prevent a skid from happening. This combination of resources helps keep the GS 460 on track. Any GS model can be equipped with the Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which uses integrated sensors to determine whether a crash is imminent, and increases brakeforce and braces the cabin if it determines that collision is unavoidable. Still, each GS model has 10 airbags on duty should a crash be unavoidable.
All Lexus GS trims come standard with wood and leather trim and front seats with 10-way controls including lumbar, power seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger, heating and the Lexus Memory System with Lexus Personalized Settings that controls the driver's seat positioning. Reviewers agree that the 2009 Lexus GS interior epitomizes the luxury sedan cabin. From high-quality materials and impressive tech features to a comfortable, serene ride, the GS is stylish, sumptuous and some say downright sexy. Kelley Blue Book describes the class-leading cabin room and describes the GS as having "comfortable seating and amenities and a ride that easily qualifies the luxury component of its dual-purpose nature."
You must plan on inspecting and test driving one of the incomparable 2009 Lexus GS luxury sedans. Please give us a call and we’ll arrange a personal showing.
