The 2010 GS 460 is a midsize luxury sedan with the comfortable and refined driving performance, lavish and quiet interior, and overall outstanding build quality consumers have learned to expect from a Lexus. With formidable competition from such renowned and deserving rivals as the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E550, the V8 GS 460 offers a more moderately priced alternative.
What's more, the 2010 Lexus GS 460 was given still more standard features, including satellite radio, emergency telematics, streaming Bluetooth audio, an iPod/USB port and active front head restraints. In addition, the optional hard-drive navigation system gets enhanced voice recognition as well as real-time traffic and weather.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
Upscale standard features on the loaded, 5-passenger GS 460 include leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, 8-way power front seats with power lumbar, driver memory settings, a sunroof, adaptive variable suspension, foglights, automatic HID headlights, automatic wipers, 18 inch wheels, auto-dimming mirrors, a power trunk closer, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a leather and wood trimmed steering wheel, Safety Connect emergency telematics, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, an iPod interface, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.
Opting for the available Luxury Value Edition package adds navigation, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls, a rearview camera and additional telematics functions. A 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system can also be added to this package.
Optional stand-alone features include adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision system, run-flat tires, a power active stabilizer for enhanced cornering control, a power rear sunshade and an automatic parking system.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the rear-wheel drive 2010 Lexus GS 460 is a 4.6 liter V8 engine that's good for 342 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It's mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual override. Lexus estimates the GS 460 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 5.4 seconds. (As a comparison, the V6-powered GS 350 does it in an impressive 5.8 seconds.)
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 2010 GS 460 is 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway, above average numbers for its class.
Safety:
Standard safety features include antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, stability control, traction control, active front headrests, Safety Connect emergency communications, front and rear side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. In addition, the optional adaptive cruise control comes with a pre-collision system that pre-tenses seatbelts and activates brake assist when an imminent collision is detected.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Lexus GS 460 its highest rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection.
Interior:
The cabin of the 2010 GS 460 is impeccably constructed with superior quality materials. Interior accents that include actual real wood and aluminum trim adds to the luxurious ambiance. The overall look and feel is attractive, elegant and user friendly.
The seats are comfortable and supportive. However, it should be kept in mind that while technically the GS seats five, the elevated and narrow rear center seat means that only four adults are accommodated comfortably. And due to the sloping roofline, headroom can also be a bit tight for taller occupants.
Drive:
The 2010 GS 460 possesses a nice balance of luxurious comfort and sporty performance. Setting the adaptive suspension (standard) to Comfort mode provides a downright soft and cushie ride, while choosing the Sport mode significantly firms up the performance. While top rivals may boast of a bit more athleticism, the GS 460 is certainly no slouch and its cabin remains impressively quiet whether on a leisurely cruise or pushing its performance envelope.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower GS 460 Prices:
Lexus' sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.
They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.
Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.
How To Buy A New GS 460 At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Lexus GS 460, here's exactly how to buy one at the best price, especially given the current slow car market.
Prices:
2010 Lexus GS 460 Sedan:
GS 460, RWD: list price: $54,070, invoice price: $48,121