2008 Lexus GS460

Based on color of attire, our 2008 Lexus GS 460 test car, drenched in a metallic zinfandel, seems dressed for success. But the test numbers don't quite compliment the GS 460's fancy sheetmetal duds. Granted, the Lexus sedan's figures -- certainly the 5.6-second 0-to-60 time -- still represent a speedy and agile machine (it scoots quicker than an Audi TT 3.2 Quattro and circles more swiftly than a BMW 335i Coupe), but compared with other vehicles in its class, the GS pales. Then again, numbers tell only half the story.

"It isn't a slow car," notes editor-at-large Arthur St. Antoine, "The engine is brilliantly smooth and pulls hard with a vibrant and engaging snarl." That motor is the same, buttery 4.6-liter V-8 used in the flagship LS, detuned to 342 horses for duty in the smaller GS, and helps get the car through the quarter mile in 14 seconds flat @ 102.0 mph. To optimize power flow, the 4.6 pairs with the automaker's eight-speed automatic which delivers quick, seamless shifts when rolling along at anything but breakneck speeds.

Problem is, when it comes time to break necks, the tranny doesn't keep up, endlessly hunting for that ideal gear (remember, there are eight of them) and delivering lethargic shifts when in manual mode. Paddle shifters? "Too bad there are none," observes technical editor Kim Reynolds, while road test editor Scott Mortara takes it one step further: "Paddles would transform this car," adding, "as would 19-inch wheels with more aggressive tires."

Naturally, the BMW, now in 550i guise, was summoned to defend its title, with two robust newcomers-the Lexus GS 460 and Jaguar XF Supercharged-thrown in to challenge for editors' pick. Who'll garner the gold this go-around? To the presses!

Based on color of attire, the GS, drenched in a metallic zinfandel, seems dressed for success. But looking at the scores, its chances of winning appear about as rosy as chardonnay. Not only does the GS post the slowest 0-to-60 and quarter-mile times, but its braking, lateral acceleration, and figure-eight numbers are all bested by the BMW and Jaguar. Granted, those figures-certainly the 5.6-second 0-to-60 time-still represent a speedy and agile machine (it scoots quicker than an Audi TT 3.2 Quattro and circles more swiftly than a BMW 335i Coupe), but compared with the best in this test, it pales. Then again, numbers tell only half the story.