While past versions of the GS midsized luxury sedan struggled to reconcile the brand's trademark isolating plushness with the fun-to-drive verve found in competing class leaders such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, the current GS pulls it off. Engaging to drive yet with a supple ride, it's roughly on the same page as its German competition. The GS 350 has a punchy V6 powertrain and is linked to a smooth transmission. Fuel economy, at 21 mpg on premium fuel, is OK for the class but not a standout. Handling is quite agile and the ride is comfortable although it doesn't match the smoothness of the Mercedes. The ultra-quiet cabin is beautifully finished and is quite accommodating. Reliability has been outstanding.
Clearly, the car's biggest source of frustration is its control layout, dominated by a giant, nearly foot-wide display screen for audio, climate, navigation and communications functions, all manipulated by a mouselike multi-directional control knob on the center console. The system is an exercise in frustration, requires too much eye-off-the-road time and a delicate touch. It may work well when the car is parked but while driving it proves too distracting and too aggravating. That's unfortunate because the GS is a decent car overall.