Lexus GS

Performance

3.0-litre V6, 4.3-litre V8 and hybrid V6 are all powerful, smooth and torquey. Oddly the hybrid is the quickest. Manual box is more fun.

Driving

Cruises beautifully, but suspension and driving aids conspire to suck all the fun out of driving.

Feel

Incredibly quiet inside with a lovely, smooth transmission.

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Price

Higher list price but better kit than European rivals. Running costs will generally be high - thought the hybrid will save you a quid - though residuals should be OK.

Quality

Superb inside and out. Reliability problems are almost unheard of.

Safety

Loads of safety kit mean the GS is a very safe car.

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Space

Plenty of room for passengers, though the boot is a little awkward, and the hybrid contains the battery in the boot.

Equipment

What would be luxury spec on many cars is basic here: leather and satnav are the only options of not that aren't standard at basic spec.

Alternatives

Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class Saloon, Jaguar S-Type

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Pros

Refined, good drive, well specced.

Cons

Drive is a little too woolly for a driver's driver to enjoy.

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