2009 Lexus GS 460 Review
Price Estimate: $2,946 - $4,582





+41
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impeccable fit and finish, blissfully silent cabin, phenomenal performance, refined ride, superb handling.
Cons
- Minor ergonomic faults, touchy brakes, insufficient headroom for taller occupants.
What’s new
The 2009 Lexus GS 460 remains unchanged from the previous year.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Lexus GS 460 remains an excellent choice as a luxury sport sedan. It delivers comfort and performance on par with other top-tier competitors.
For sale near Ypsilanti, MI
Vehicle overview
There was a time when those looking for a luxury sport sedan with a decent amount of performance were confined to a short list of German cars. Back in the early 1990s, however, Lexus became essentially the first automaker to challenge the status quo with its midsize GS sedan. Those earlier GS models impressed with sharp styling and impeccable fit and finish, but they lacked the athletic handling and power of their European adversaries.
The GS has improved over the years, however, and it's now a prime choice for a luxury sport sedan. The 2009 Lexus GS 460 has a 4.6-liter V8 capable of an impressive 342 horsepower, as well as an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. While the 460 lacks the all-wheel-drive option offered on the V6-powered GS 350, this more powerful sedan does get a few exclusives, including an adaptive suspension and an optional active stabilizer system, both of which combine to add a whole new dimension of performance handling.
But despite these additions, we still don't think the GS 460 provides the same stellar levels of road feel and driver engagement found in some competing vehicles. Those looking for a higher level of cornering prowess may want to look at the BMW 5 Series or the Infiniti M45. Jaguar's new XF is another strong contender. But overall the 2009 Lexus GS 460 is still an excellent alternative to the usual suspects, thanks to its deft combination of luxury, performance and quality.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2009 Lexus GS 460 is a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 342 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control routes power to the rear wheels. Acceleration is brisk. The GS 460 achieves 60 mph from a standstill in only 5.4 seconds. EPA fuel ratings come in at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined, which is above average for a car in this class.
Safety
In keeping with Lexus' reputation for safety, the GS 460 includes antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front- and rear-seat side airbags, driver and front-passenger knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A pre-collision system is integrated into the adaptive cruise control option, which uses radar to detect an impending collision. This will pre-tension the seatbelts and activate brake assist if it thinks a crash is imminent. In crash testing, the Lexus GS 460 received the highest rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Driving
The 2009 Lexus GS 460 artfully balances sporting performance and luxurious comfort. With the standard adaptive suspension set to Comfort mode, the ride quality is decidedly plush and compliant; in Sport mode, damping is distinctly firmer. Opting for the active stabilizer suspension delivers significantly less body roll during cornering. Adding to the GS 460's considerable handling prowess are 18-inch Z-rated performance tires that adhere tenaciously to the pavement.
Initially, we found the brakes had a bit too much bite and took some getting used to -- but they were certainly effective when needed. Whether one is commuting leisurely or pushing the limits of performance, the GS 460's cabin manages to remain eerily silent, insulating passengers from the powerful V8 as well as the world outside.
Interior
As you'd expect from any Lexus, the 2009 GS 460's interior is flawlessly assembled, and genuine wood and aluminum trim add a luxurious feel to the cabin. Although the GS technically seats five, only four adults fit comfortably, as the elevated rear center seat is narrow and can feel cramped. Overall headroom is a bit limited and may be confining for taller occupants. The display on the optional navigation system is easy to see, thanks to its high-resolution touchscreen. However, we found the integrated audio system controls a bit finicky. Minor complaints include the highly polished wood trim that occasionally produces a troublesome glare, and the drop-down dash control panel to the left of the steering wheel impedes driver entry and egress if left open.
2009 Lexus GS 460 models
The 2009 GS 460 is a midsize luxury sedan and is available in a single well-appointed trim level. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive HID headlights, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 10-way power front seats and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD/MP3 changer, an auxiliary audio jack and a cassette player. Factory options include satellite radio, rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, a rear sunshade, the active power stabilizer suspension system, adaptive cruise control, a rear spoiler, and a sensational 14-speaker Mark Levinson DVD surround-sound system with navigation and a rearview camera.
Compare 2009 Lexus GS 460 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$271/mo for GS 460 Base
GS 460 Base
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Lexus GS 460 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
6 Years Old and Still Perfect
5 out of 5 starsteddp, 02/23/2014
2008 Lexus GS 460 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
My black GS460 was built in the Spring of 2008 and after 6 years it performs like it was new.
This car is so smooth and powerful it reminds me of the 12-cylinder BMW 750i.
It's not as big, of course, but it offers a level of smooth, powerful acceleration that is rarely experienced.
It handles very well without the somewhat excessive road-feel of a BMW, and the cabin is very quiet.
Once a … year or so I consider trading for another car but I haven't found anything as compelling as this one.
A truly amazing automobile
5 out of 5 starsThe Captain, 06/29/2008
2008 Lexus GS 460 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
I love this car. It handles like a dream and holds the road like a sports car. I have a 1999 Lexus LS400 and love it but this is a sports car sedan that I bought for my wife. She lets me drive it occasionally. A Lotus passed me and I caught him at a stop light and blew him off from a stop. Lexus means quality and this one is awesome. No comparison on the interior of this to a BMW or … Mercedes. I researched many cars and looked at all the competition. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. Big improvements over the 2007 GS.
Best Automobile in the Sports Sedan Market
5 out of 5 starsJ, 04/10/2019
2008 Lexus GS 460 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
The Lexus GS460 was a very limited production Automobile. The 4.6 8 Cylinder was the same engine as in the LS460 with a more aggressive transmission. The GS460 has a very unique physical appearance in and out. Its engine, transmission, suspension and interior are designed for true high with the Lexus luxury and comfort touch. As a fine Automobile Enthusiast, I have owned and driven high … end vehicles ranging from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Masserati, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Bugatti amongst others but without fear to be said, the Lexus GS460 holds my best regard. Despite the great and well deserved fame of the brands previously mentioned, they all have one or the other qualities I seek in a well built Automobile, but only the Lexus GS460 has all the qualities in one Automobile. I will never trade my GS460. We have other high end Lexus Automobiles and other high end Automobile brands at home and in the family, but the GS460 has been and will always remain my number one choice.
The best sports sedan under $70,000
4.75 out of 5 starsprema1, 07/11/2009
2008 Lexus GS 460 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
As a former owner of multiple luxury cars and brands, I am a pretty demanding customer. I am totally in love with the Lexus GS460. From the world's most successful car manufacturer has come the world's best sports sedan. Amazing build quality, The active suspension gives you sports-car handling in one mode, and the ride of a Lexus in the other. Stays flat in corners, but smooth over … rough roads. The steering experience is perfect. The Michelin tires provide prodigious grip in tight curves and in the rain. Best of all the touch screen brings iPhone like simplicity where others offer an iDrive knob. And the styling inside and out is simply gorgeous. If you want the best, this is it!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Lexus GS 460, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 460 since its last redesign.
2009 GS 460 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $53,470 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $271/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the GS 460 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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