The Lexus GS makes a statement from all angles. From the side, it presents a dramatically sloping nose, with the lower edge of the windshield pushed well forward. Its graceful roofline arches back to a stubby rear deck. A chrome strip surrounds the side windows and accents the shape of the glass. This strikes an interesting contrast with the flat black window posts. For engineering reasons, the rear door glass is divided into a panel that rolls down, and separate fixed pane, a compromise which breaks up the otherwise graceful sweep of glass.Unique football-shaped headlamps sweep up and back into the fenders. Large multi-lens taillights wrap around to the sides, reaffirming the same statement from behind. Small, separate brake lights add interest at the rear. At the bottom of the rear fascia, a gentle, race car-like curl between the twin tailpipes improves aerodynamics. New six-spoke aluminum wheels say the GS430 means business.
An optional rear spoiler ($440) heightens the GS 430's appearance as a high-performance sedan, but we question its function and think the car looks cleaner without it.