It's more upscale-looking than a 5-Series, and more serious-looking than a TL. Assembly quality is sufficient to compete with the world's best, and if I've ever been in a more immaculately assembled interior, I can't remember what it was.

Everything inside is warm and inviting to the eyes and fingertips.

Controls around the steering wheel are easily laid out, though some around the climate and audio systems are a little awkward. Additionally, designers have hidden some less commonly-used buttons in a stow-away panel, as well as under the edge of the centre console. This helps de-clutter the dashboard, though these covert controls are less convenient to use.

The comfortable cabin lacks the spaciousness suggested by the GS's overall size. Taller drivers will feel crowded by the ceiling, and rear-seat headroom is adequate at best. Look closely at the swoopy roofline and you'll have an idea why. The near-coupe feel to the driving quarters could be appreciated or not--depending on your height.

Here, let me get that for you
A full suite of features are employed that automatically turn on, off or adjust so that occupants can simply hop in, sit back and enjoy the ride. Doors unlock sans-key, so long as the driver has it on their person. Wipers and headlights activate as needed, while the automatic dual-zone climate control keeps the cabin at a preset temperature. This is all augmented by heated and chilled front seats with 3-way memory on each, a powered moonroof and a motorized rear-seat sunshade.

The interior is kept quiet at cruising speeds, and invading road and wind noise are well minimized. The cabin can seem almost eerily quiet when owners want to relax--though the 6-CD Mark Levinson stereo system can change that in a second. Boasting tremendous punch and vibrantly clean sound delivery, it happily belts out anything from Clapton to Fifty all day long.

A semi-sporty cruiser
A hint of excitement is apparent in the GS 460's ride, though the reflexes from its steering and brakes lack the sharp and precise reactions that characterize sportier machines. Brakes are hugely powerful and employ cooling ducts for fade-resistant operation, though the pedal lacks the instantaneous bite and feel some shoppers may be after.

Brakes are hugely powerful and employ cooling ducts for fade-resistant operation.