Lexus GS300 stirs passion, chases BMW

Doubt the virtues of competition? Then check out the 2006 Lexus GS300.

BMW is the standard-bearer in the luxury-category the GS300 competes in so being capable, safe and exquisitely well-built isn’t enough. Personality must be part of the equation.

Whatever else can be said about BMW, the brand has personality, and no mere appliance will take its crown.

For its part, Lexus may build dollar-for-dollar the best cars on the planet but personality is not its long suit. That one stirs inside the new GS is owing to Lexus’ passionate pursuit of BMW.

This is not merely a matter of steering, handling and who has the broadest, flattest torque band — the margins are narrowing, but BMW remains king of performance — it’s also a question of whether a car engages in the mundane moments, on a run to the grocery store or the daily commute.

Since its inception in 1993, the GS300 has been an exceptional car with an underachieving personality, a car to stir respect but not passion.

And though I’m not suggesting most men would forsake their families for the keys to a 2006 GS300, as they might for an M3, I do believe they will find much here to admire. With each generation, the GS becomes a more complete car.

For the record, there are two GS models, the GS300 (from $43,800, including destination) and the GS430 ($52,025). Both are rear-drive by default, but the 300 also offers an AWD option ($45,750).

Of the two, the eight-cylinder 430 is the stronger — 300 horsepower vs. the 300’s 245 — and most completely equipped.

By a wide margin, most buyers will opt for the 300, which is the model Lexus sent us for review.

For my money, the ‘06 GS is the most handsome GS yet. In contrast to BMW’s fussy design esthetic of late, Lexus is slipping more deeply into simplicity. The proportions of the rear quarter — where sculpted body panels with their high beltline rise to meet a coupe-like roofline — are particularly effective, and Lexus has done a nice job filling up the wheel wells with standard 17-inch V-rated run-flat tires.

The front fascia lacks drama, but overall the GS communicates a combination of strength and grace.

Creature comforts are a Lexus signature and this GS coddles with the best of them. It’s slightly larger than last year’s model and comfortably accommodates four large adults. The well-bolstered leather seats feature French stitching, whatever that might be, and wood and brushed aluminum trim are conservatively and tastefully applied.

Clever design, rather than an impenetrable user interface, solves the problem of dashboard clutter. Twin columns of round buttons flank a central display unit, offering access to audio, climate and information systems. A dropdown panel embedded in the dash to the left of the steering wheel houses such secondary operations as the power mirror and interior lighting controls.

A new dashboard lighting system, called Electronic Chromatic Device (ECD) instrumentation, uses variable-transparency glass to minimize gauge reflection and maximize their visibility.

It’s become impossible to describe a certain class of car without discussing multiple electrical and mechanical systems and the GS300 is no exception.

The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system has at its disposal a new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, which incorporates anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BA), electronic brake-force distribution (EBFD) and traction control (TRAC).

High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps light up the roadway like an airport runway and the 6-speed electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) manages the power produced by the direct-injection 24-valve V-6 engine with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i).

That engine makes 245 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque and propels the GS300 AWD from 0-60 mph in a tick under 7 seconds. Last year’s model made 220 of each.

Under normal conditions, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system sends 30 percent of the torque to the front wheels and 70 to the rears. Based on input from the throttle, steering wheel, wheels and chassis, the system can reapportion torque 50/50.

The GS300 even includes a variable-ratio electronically assisted steering system, called Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), that is sensitive enough to compensate for gusts in a crosswind.

A Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system anticipates skids and counters them with a combination of braking, throttle and steering controls, and an optional Pre-Collision system (PCS) uses the radar sensor from the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system to react to potential collisions. If it decides one is imminent, it stiffens the suspension, retracts the front seatbelts and initializes brake assist so increased braking power is applied the instant the driver hits the brakes.

A full arsenal of airbags protects front and rear-seat passengers and includes knee-level bags for both front positions.

All this technology applies itself to a ride and handling package that’s oriented to everyday comfort with something in reserve for those special twisty runs. The GS300 gets through quick corners with minimal body roll and the steering is quick and sufficiently communicative and accurate.

Unlike its Bavarian competitor, Lexus does not allow the driver to defeat the electronics meant to keep the GS from departing the roadway. It’s implicit recognition that few drivers will desire to find the car’s limits and a good sign the company doesn’t plan to pull out every stop in its march to overtake BMW.

Preternaturally comfortable, silent and secure, the GS300 meets the needs of most drivers without tempting them to drive beyond their abilities.