Sedan Ramblings - Reviews, comparisons and all things sedans

Best Value in Sports Sedans? - Lexus GS400 Review (06/11/00)
by Traian Popescu

Sports sedans provide one of the best compromises in the automotive world. They often reach sports-car-like performance, provide plenty of interior and trunk space and reward the driver and passengers with a quiet, supple ride. Taking all of these things into account as well as the price factor, the Lexus GS400 emerges clearly as the undisputed best bang-for-the-buck out there.

Starting with one of the most important aspects: performance. The GS400 uses essentially the same dohc 4-litre V8 powerplant as the LS400 sedan and the SC400 coupe equipped with the VVT-i variable valve timing system. The result is a healthy 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, bettering both the BMW 540i and the Mercedes E430, the two other big hitters in its category. So, how does it stack up? The trip to 60 mph is completed in 5.8 seconds, the quarter mile takes 14.3 and the 100 mph mark is reached in 15.1 seconds. Not class leading performance but still at the front of the pack and enough to make a, say, Jaguar XK8 or Aston Martin DB7 run for cover.

Using the optional 235/45ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza tires on 17 inch rims and w ith the Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system off, it is clear that the GS400 is a capable vehicle both in a straight line and in the curves. The steering responds quickly and linearly, the suspension exhibits only a slight amount of body roll while still easily absorbing all bumps and the corners are accompanied by mild understeer. Its 66.9 mph slalom time leads the pack by far and betters, oh... a Ferrari 456GTA, as does its 112 ft stopping distance from 60 mph. On the skidpad, the GS400 manages a very respectable 0.87g, just a shade from matching the 0.88 rating of an E430 Mercedes.

Sports sedans aren't just about performance, however. Soft and supple leather is standard, as is dual-zone climate control with an air pollution sensor. A 215-watt sound system a s well as a six-disc glove box mounted CD changer are two more features found on the GS. 2 types of cellular phones and a GPS-based navigation system are some of the options available.

The exterior dimensions of the GS400 have also been enlarged over its predecessors. The GS400 has a 2799 mm (110.2 inch) wheelbase, a total length and width of 4800 mm (189 inches) and 1801 mm (70.9 inches), respectively, and measures 1453 mm (57.2 inches) in height. On the inside this translates into more interior room for the passengers. The GS benefits from a total interior volume of 100 cubic feet, bettering the 95 cu-in rating for the E430 and the 92.5 of the 540i. The trunk is a reasonable 14.8 cubic feet, smaller than the Mercedes but still quite respectable.

Safety is another important asset of the GS400. Equipped with ABS disc brakes, high-grade tire fitments, traction control and the VSC system, minimal stopping distances and precise steering during poor conditions are achieved. The structure has been developed to withstand 35 mph full frontal crash tests and 38 mph offset impacts. Reduced power airbags, side airbags, head and leg and foot impact protection and three point belts all around complete the package.

Lastly, the price. The GS400 has a base price of 44,800 USD. Including a power moonroof, the optional 17 inch wheel and tire package, the CD changer and a rear spoiler it totals an even $48K. Not only is that an absolute bargain compared to most of its competitors but it also falls somewhere in the ballpark of a, let's say, Porsche Boxster, which it manage to handily out-accelerate and out-brake.

This is, however, a review not an advertising feature for Lexus. While the GS400 is an excellent automobile, undoubtedly so otherwise it would not have been the first car to be featured in this new category, it is not perfect, although it comes a lot closer than most cars. First of all, the lack of a manual transmission, an item that is, granted, not available on many other cars in its class, is a serious letdown especially considering the sporty image Lexus is trying to achieve with the GS. While the automatic is a capable unit and the steering wheel mounted shift buttons are somewhat of a hoot, for a short while, it still leaves something to be desired. Second, while the interior is plenty roomy overall, the front and rear headroom is by far inferior to everything else in its class, even when compared to the BMW 540i. The last gripe has to be the styling. It's certainly eye catching but while the exterior might be con sidered as "debatable" or "not for everyone", the three separate binnacles for the instrument gauges on the interior are downright ugly and there's no denying it.

In the end, as far as sports sedans go, these flaws are not nearly enough to make up for the GS400s performance to practicality to value ratio and that's the bottom line.

© Traian Popescu , World's Fastest Sedans (http://www.fantasycars.com/sedans/), 2000.

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