2011 Lexus GS 460 Review

2011 Lexus GS 460

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 is a fine choice as a luxury sport sedan. The Lexus GS 460 is a midsize luxury sport sedan that is offered in a single, well-appointed trim level that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, adaptive automatic xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, power trunk closer, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping wood-trimmed steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power front seats with driver memory and lumbar adjustment, Safety Connect emergency telematics, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface.

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 342 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. Lexus estimates the Lexus GS 460 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is only 0.4-second quicker than the V6-powered Lexus GS 350.

Standard safety features on the "2011 Lexus GS 460" include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The GS 460 delivers an abundance of power to please the majority of drivers, along with a comfortably smooth ride and respectable handling.

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 carries over mostly unchanged from the previous year, adding only a brake override system.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Lexus GS 460 is a midsize luxury sport sedan that is offered in a single, well-appointed trim level that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, adaptive automatic xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, power trunk closer, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping wood-trimmed steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power front seats with driver memory and lumbar adjustment, Safety Connect emergency telematics, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface.

Other options include a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a power rear sunshade, a power active stabilizer (enhances control during cornering and limits body roll), adaptive cruise control (includes a pre-collision system) and run-flat tires (all-season or summer).

Powertrain and Performance

The Lexus GS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 342 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. Lexus estimates the GS 460 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is only 0.4-second quicker than the V6-powered GS 350.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2011 Lexus GS 460 include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Upholding Lexus' reputation for finely crafted interiors, the 2011 GS 460's cabin surrounds occupants with supple leather, rich wood and aluminum trim. The 2011 Lexus GS 460 delivers an abundance of power to please the majority of drivers, along with a comfortably smooth ride and respectable handling.

Lexus' midsize GS 460 sport sedan has a V-8 engine that comes from the brand's flagship LS 460 sedan; in the Lexus GS, it makes 342 horsepower. A gas-electric hybrid system powers the Lexus GS 450h. A brake override system is now standard, a change partly in response to Lexus and Toyota recalls. Featuring uncluttered sheet metal, the Lexus GS 460 has a short rear deck and wide, tapered pillars that flow toward the rear of the car.

18-inch wheels

Standard rear sunshade

Optional rear spoiler

Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel

10-speaker sound system

Available navigation system

Available Mark Levinson surround-sound system with 14 speakers

The GS 460 gets an EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway.

Optional Active Power Stabilizer system aims to reduce unwanted body roll

Variable gear-ratio steering tightens or widens steering depending on the car's speed

Safety

Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags

Active front head restraints

Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes

Electronic stability system