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2006 Lexus GS300 AWD Road Test

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Khatir Soltani
Taking Lexus' Refinement and Mixing in Style and Performance
Taking Lexus' Refinement and Mixing in Style and Performance

Do you hear that? Of course you don't. This is an internet car review that you're reading, not a radio newscast or television report. But even if you
The Lexus GS is the latest addition to the Lexus lineup. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
happened to find yourself sitting in the front passenger seat of the new Lexus GS 300, you would've been hard pressed to feel or hear anything but the faintest shudder after its driver pushed the 'engine start' button. As its needle dips to idle, just a smidge over 500 rpm, one thing becomes instantly clear: the be-all and end-all to automotive refinement doesn't come from a place with a hard to pronounce name full of letters accented with umlauts.

The Lexus GS is the latest addition to the Lexus lineup, but will soon be joined by the new IS compact sport sedan in an all-out offensive taken against the traditional and contemporary luxury car makers. And while Lexus has little to prove in North America, a brand instated in 1988 for the sole purpose of catering to badge-snobs, Toyota is pushing the luxury nameplate and its new models in Europe, as well as launching Lexus for
Lexus has an unparalleled reputation for crafting some of the world's most refined vehicles. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
the first time in the booming premium markets of China and Russia, but most importantly to its home market of Japan. With such mounted pressure, and an unparalleled reputation for crafting some of the world's most refined vehicles, you know that it's going to be good.

With many markets to spread its seed in, Lexus has smartly reformed one area of its vehicles that is most lacking - styling. Two decades of "Lexii" have revealed extreme amounts of conservatism, especially among the brand's four-door sedans. Just look at the current LS, or the previous generation GS for an example. As wind-cheating and silent as they are, they look as if they were carved from a bar of soap, lacking any real distinguishing characteristics to separate them from any out of the ordinary designs. Bar glitzy chrome, styling is really no different than the approach used with mainstream Toyotas, which sell in much greater volume. This is where Lexus' new L-Finesse design language comes into play, sharpening rounded corners, blunted edges and everything in between.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada