A CAR planning to conquer the tough executive saloon market must tick two key boxes.

It has to look the business and possess the power to perform - much like the high-earners it is aimed at.

If it isn't German it also has to overcome the engineering reputation and brand cache boasted by the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi.

On to this battlefield steps the Lexus GS 250 F Sport - and Toyota's luxury arm has produced a worthy adversary.

Sitting in a car park minding its own business, the car has a knack of making people stop for a closer look. This is down to the seriously sporty lines, silky shape and muscular stance which gives the GS250 a real presence on the road.

There's an eye-catching grille sporting a big ‘L' - no prizes for guessing what it stands for - plus a natty bodykit and unmissable 19-inch alloys which come with the F Sport trim.

It is just the job for those wanting something different from the executive saloon norm.

Power is provided by the muscular 2.5-litre V6 engine which completes the 0-62mph sprint in a shade over eight seconds.

Allied with a comfortable ride it allows the Lexus to eat up motorway miles with ease leaving you fresh at the end of a long journey for that all-important business meeting.

The GS 250 can be driven in Eco, Normal or Sport modes, which tweak throttle, suspension and steering response. There is also a snow setting which is handy in this rear-wheel driven motor.

The Eco mode helps improve a fuel economy figure that can be a tad thirsty in other settings.

The interior is superb, featuring great leather seats which are worth a review all on their own coming as they do with heating, air conditioning and electric adjustment.

They are the highlight of a cool cabin which sports a modern piano black trim and a dial to control the many gadgets and gizmos designed to increase the GS 250's levels of comfort and convenience.

And make no mistake, Lexus has left no stone unturned when it comes to packing this motor full of goodies.

A price-tag in the region of £40,000 can never be described as cheap but in comparison to its German rivals there is a shed-load of kit on board the GS 250.

As well as cruise control, dual-zone climate control and an electric rear sunshade - I told you no stone was unturned - the F Sport also gets sat nav, a DAB digital radio and CD player with 12 speakers, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, plus a push-button ignition.

A big information screen is positioned to the left of a digital dash and is home to the images from the rear-view reversing camera which, together with front and rear parking sensors, make manoeuvring into and out of tight spots a cinch.

Steering wheel-mounted controls give the driver easy access to audio and phone systems and there are gear changing paddles should you feel the need to over-ride the efficient six-speed automatic transmission.

The only extra you will have to pay for is £610 for metallic paint.

The boot is cave-like and can be opened off the key fob or via a hidden button while five adults can be accommodated without too much fuss in the comfortable cabin.

Bearing in mind the business people likely to buy this car are, in many cases, also mums and dads, the GS 250 makes every effort to protect the families it transports on our dangerously over-populated roads.

It is jammed full of fancy electronics to help with braking as well as traction and vehicle stability control.

There is also an array of driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags plus knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger. Even the folding, heated, auto dimming mirrors, have illuminated warning signals if another vehicle is in your blind-spot.

The GS 250 is one of the best Lexus's I've driven and it will be interesting to see if it can make an impression on the market principals.