Lexus GS460: Smooth operator

Everything about the top dog in the GS line-up is silkier than Belgian chocolate. The 4.6-litre V8 whistles like an electric fan under the bonnet. The eight-speed gearbox leaves less aftertaste than a mouthful of bottled water. The ride is like sleeping on a velvet mattress stuffed with cotton wool. The steering is so effortless it feels like mercury is being poured through your fingers.

Increased power

And the really amazing part? It remains as sumptuous to drive regardless of speed. Having replaced the GS430 early in 2008, the 460 makes use of a larger V8 to increase power, but despite its larger capacity and output it manages to use less fuel than the smaller-engined model it replaced.

From inside the car it's barely audible at tick over, and the volume hardly increases as the revs rise.

Its high power output and lowdown V8 torque means the automatic box doesn't need to hang on to gears for long, but the class-leading eight-speed gearbox shifts so seamlessly, particularly between the higher gears, that often the only notification of anything happening comes via a flicker of the rev counter needle.

As you'd expect from a performance executive saloon, the gearbox features a clutchless manual over-ride facility, but the car deals with whatever is thrown at it so fluidly it seems almost rude to suggest you could do it better.

Smooth steering

The GS460's variable ratio steering is highly noteworthy, seemingly able to tune itself to changing conditions and providing a constant airy feel to the wheel. Inside, the driving refinement is complemented by a supremely comfortable and, in GS460 trim, extravagantly equipped interior. To keep the interior looking less cluttered, some of the less frequently used buttons and switches are located in a drop down panel above the driver's right knee.

The GS460 is performance and comfort effortlessly blended.

Facts at a glance