2008 Lexus GS 350 V6 6AT AWD (305 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lexus refreshed the GS lineup in 2007, just two years after it unveiled the model’s third generation at the 2005 North American Auto Show, and the facelifted version came with significant improvements.

When Lexus started to work on the facelifted version of the GS’s third generation, it didn’t know that a world financial crisis was about to begin. But still, that didn’t stop the automaker on its tracks to create one of the most fuel-efficient performance sedans on the market, which was the GS450h. Those who preferred a more classic approach could take the fresh 4.6-liter V8 version or the other available two V6 powerplants. However, Lexus had already learned how to do a facelift and applied its knowledge to the refreshed model. Besides the improved or new technologies integrated into the vehicle, it also added more safety systems that kept its occupants safe.

The car’s front was redesigned and featured new, sharper-looking swept-back headlights. They flanked a redesigned grille that sported horizontal slats supporting the brand’s badge in the middle. Depending on the grade and options, there were thicker or slimmer chromed accents on the front fascia, adorning the headlights and the grille. At the same time, the lower bumper was also new and had a trapezoidal center-mounted air intake instead of the rectangular one from the 2006 model year. The car’s side scoops could house the fog lamps.

From its profile, the most significant difference was the introduction of the turn signal lamps into the door mirror caps. But still, the elegant and sporty look of the GS remained largely untouched. Behind the short deck, depending on the grade, the car had a new lip spoiler that adorned the trunk’s lid. Lexus also added new designs for the 17-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard on the lower grade versions, while the GS460 rode on 18-inch ones. At the same time, the taillights were new, featuring LEDs instead of halogen light bulbs and a new design with circular patterns on the lenses.

Inside, customers were transported comfortably by the ten-way power-adjustable front seats, with an option for bolstered ones that provided more side support during high-speed cornering situations. Lexus also improved the sat-nav infotainment unit, which was available with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system on par with the ones provided by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the BMW 5 Series. Strangely, though, even if it was 2007, the automaker installed a tape player underneath this high-tech, advanced infotainment unit. In the back, legroom for outboard-seated passengers was generous, but the tall transmission tunnel made the life of a third passenger difficult.

Under the hood, there was a choice of gasoline or hybrid drivetrains, with rear or all-wheel drive systems. Surprisingly, the quickest version of the GS was not the one featuring the 4.6-liter V8 engine but the GS450h. The car came with independent suspensions in all corners, adaptive dampers, and advanced stability controls and tractions.