CD Article: 2006 Lexus GS 300 AWD

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

Restyled for 2006, the Lexus GS 300 AWD has a "decidedly sporty, athletic look that blends well with the typically cultured Lexus demeanour," says Paul Williams. He's taken with the GS' quiet performance and comfort, but less so with an unimpressive dash.    More...

[G0dspd]

The dash quibbles continue with the drop-down control panel to the left of the steering column.

Looks like a cool idea ... the execution may be a little off in this car but it's still a nice way to keep the dash "clean".  Reliability problems with the frequent opening/closing of the panel?

[Rupert]

Paul,
      I am not going to coment on the car, it's something thats way out of my price range for personal transportation. However the one aspect of your report that dwells on simple dashboard controls is right on. Simple dials with a tactile feel is so obviously the way to go. We had this years ago and in the earlier Tauruses and Mercury Sables and yet we moved away from it presumably for styling reasons You could operate your vehicle controls with very little distraction from things outside your car. Perhaps modern designers need to be reminded of this so that they can get back on track.

[kchung1111]

What I don't understand is why Canadians pay way more than US residents.
The base of this Lexus GS 300 AwD in US is $52,449 canadian dollars.
That's 14,200 more than what US people would pay not to mention higher taxes up here.
Especially now that Canadian dollars are stronger I hope these companies would make some adjustments for Canadians.

[si]

with tax, 58 grand for a STi is excessive.  Same for the S2000.

But although the GS is similarly overpriced, it doesn't seem so wrong because many of it's wealthy buyers would still buy the car if it was even 5 grand more.  Lexus attracts a certain crowd that IMO have a few more pennies to play with.

[airbalancer]

First off I hope took the car though a touchless car wash I not you can give back your car views licence. And we will call the car wash  on you.

I believe I would have seat in this car to see if I like it. I do not believe the pictures helps the looks of this car.

[mdxtasy]

First off I hope took the car though a touchless car wash I not you can give back your car views licence. And we will call the car wash  on you.

Huh?   

I believe I would have seat in this car to see if I like it. I do not believe the pictures helps the looks of this car.

I had some seat time at the car show.  It's nice inside, but not really my cup of tea.  The Infiniti M had a very busy dashboard in comparison.