Lexus GS300 : LEXECUTIVE

If you like your cars with a masculine flavour, then this Executive Lexus saloon could be for you. Hannah Rainford checks out this boys toy.

Whenever someone mentions a Lexus model, I cant help smiling. I keep thinking of that Alan Partridge episode where he goes on about his own Lexus and how the plural is Lexi. I have a friend who is a huge Alan Partridge fan and I know that given half a chance, he would be driving around in an IS200 screaming Ah ha! from the top of his lungs. Me? I am a bit wary of executive marques like Lexus.

Im too scared that I will look out of place amongst the expanse of metal but, come to think of it, when have I ever cared what anyone else thinks? If I were a sales rep or someone with similar mileage to cover, I wouldnt hesitate to snap one up, especially a car like the GS300 executive saloon Ive been driving this week. Those of us that need executive cars know why we need them. They are used for driving distances, they have to be impressive enough to take clients out in and we like to compete with all the other executive drivers (usually men) that we see on Britains roads.

I confess, it may be the blonde highlights, Im not sure but I had a bit of trouble getting the car to start. I was thrown off track by the fact that the key served no purpose. The Lexus was opened by remote central locking, then the engine is switched on and started by a button but only when it senses that the correct key is in the vehicle. Its a clever idea and I can imagine that it will become a great asset as I get used to it.

Parking was a bit of a nightmare. I share my driveway with my next-door neighbour and it was a tight squeeze getting both of the vehicles in the drive. The good news is that reversing out was no trouble at all. I have some very inconsiderate neighbours who sometimes park their cars in weird positions on the road, making it very difficult for me to get out of my driveway.

As soon as I put the Lexus into reverse, the camera at the back of the car beamed its image onto the satellite navigation screen to guide me away from the other vehicles. When I got too close, the car beeped rapidly to warn me. The Lexus model I drove also has parking assist, beeping persistently when I got too close to cars or inanimate objects. Great for the females amongst us who have difficulty parking.

Behind the wheel (which electrically rises up and down to aid entry and exit), there's plenty of high-tech wizardry; the instrument panel lights up mysteriously out of what appears at first to be three black holes. There's also the option of a superb satellite navigation system that instructs you around your intended course. The best thing about the Lexus is that you get many extras as standard. Standard equipment includes a Mark Levinson premium audio system, featuring a custom-designed amplifier and eight specially designed speakers, including a centre dash-mounted speaker for more detailed surround sound. Theres still a mix of German, Italian and Japanese influences in the latest styling and it works surprisingly well, giving the distinctive kind of on the road presence so often missing from pricey Oriental saloons.

Most potential GS300 converts, however, will place luxury as a greater priority than speed. Either way, the car is gaining ground in a tough sector and is a useful stepping stone between the IS200 compact executive saloon and the luxury 4.3-litre V8 LS430.

Priced from £30,805, the GS300 specification includes Smart Key entry and push-button start-up system, a 10-speaker sound system with in-dash six-disc CD player, speed-sensitive electric power steering, cruise control, sequenced interior lighting with LED technology, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, advanced automatic dual-zone air conditioning, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, tyre pressure warning system, Adaptive Front-lighting System, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-inch touch-screen display. Lexus have been very generous in allowing such a wide range of kit to be included as standard but I suppose youd expect it at this price. Nevertheless, on the basis of specification alone, this makes the Lexus GS300 deserving of a place near the top of every executive buyers list. The SE version adds a DVD satnav system and leather, while the SE-L variant also includes a power sunroof, 18-inch wheels and a mega 14-speaker hi-fi.

My only worry about cars like these is the inability I have to park the darn thing. Im constantly obsessing over the car, possibly because it feels too big for me. The parking assist and the rear view camera were a Godsend, making me feel a lot better about reversing and parking. If I needed an Executive car, then I might well consider the GS300.

Until then I think I will stick to something a bit smaller.