Leftlane’s bottom line

We expected to be able to easily write off the GS 460 given its age and Lexus’ general aversion to enthusiastic driving. But a week behind the wheel of the smooth and capable GS revealed a surprisingly complex and enjoyable luxury sports sedan. For most buyers, its positive attributes, like its unflappable demeanor and unparalleled refinement, will probably outweigh its technical and dynamic demerits.

That it’s a veritable bargain in its class makes it all the more appealing as a below-the-radar sports sedan.

2011 Lexus GS 460 base price, $54,470. As tested, $60,490. Luxury Value Package, $2,945; Pre-Collision System and Radar Cruise, $1,500; Rear spoiler, $200; Intuitive parking assist, $500; Destination, $875.

    See also:

    Safety
    Side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain-type airbags for the first and second rows, Active TRAC traction control and antilock brakes are included. Lexus' Vehicle Stability Control el ...

    Passive Safety
    With a bodyshell which incorporates a high percentage of high tensile sheet steel to combine light weight with maximum rigidity, the Lexus CT 200h has been engineered to achieve the highest safety ...

    Coat hooks
    To use the coat hook, push it in. CAUTION: Items that must not be hung on the hook Do not hang a coat hanger or other hard or sharp object on the hook. If the SRS curtain shield airbags deploy, ...