LEXUS GS 350

Offering a mix of performance, luxury and technology, the Lexus GS 350 is the V6-powered version of Lexus' GS line. For the GS, Lexus typically puts more of an emphasis on performance and handling than most of its other models. This is especially true of the all-new GS 350, which makes the most compelling case yet to opt for a Lexus rather than a European midsize luxury sport sedan. The previous-generation GS 350 wasn't quite as appealing, but it could still work out well as a used sedan choice. Current Lexus GS 350 The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is an all-new model. Compared to the car it replaces, it is slightly wider and taller, much stiffer and has vastly improved steering feel. The design is a little more dynamic inside and out, while Lexus' latest electronics features have been fitted. Its engine gets slightly more power and better fuel efficiency. The GS 350 is a midsize luxury sedan available in a single trim level, though there is a GS 450h hybrid model reviewed separately. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift paddle control is the only available transmission, but buyers can opt for either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Standard features are generous and include xenon headlights, a power-closing trunk, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an iPod interface and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system. There is also a wealth of optional luxury, convenience and technology features, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a night vision camera, adaptive cruise control, a navigation system and a Mark Levinson premium sound system. In reviews, we've found the latest GS 350 to be surprisingly rewarding to drive. It dispenses with the soft, undulating motions of past Lexus sedans and instead stays planted to the road and boasts an alert feeling. This sense of athleticism is increased with the optional F Sport Performance package. In terms of just regular driving in the city and on the highway, the GS is still plenty comfortable. Nor does the GS disappoint in terms of interior quality and construction, two areas Lexus is known for. Space is what you'd expect from this class of luxury sedan, with abundant room for four passengers and just enough for five. Technology is also a strong point. Although the number of features is par for this class, Lexus controls many of them with its Remote Touch multimedia controller, a mouselike devise adjacent to the gear selector that controls menus on a high-mounted screen. It works well, but some may find a touchscreen easier to use at first. It total, the Lexus GS 350 is one of the more appealing midsize luxury sedans. It may not have the prestige associated with its German rivals, but for those willing to forsake that for exceptional quality, generous features and a rewarding driving experience, the GS makes a lot of sense. Used Lexus GS 350 Models The previous-generation Lexus GS 350 was produced from 2007 through 2011. However, this third-generation GS sedan actually debuted for 2006 as the GS 300. With the exception of their engines, the GS 350 and 300 are identical. In 350 guise, this GS came with a.3.5-liter V6 rated for 303 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission was standard, and buyers had a choice of the standard rear-wheel-drive setup or an optional all-wheel-drive system. Notable standard equipment on the Lexus GS 350 included 17-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker sound system and memory settings for the driver and front passenger. Major options include a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, a navigation system, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control and an adaptive suspension. Models produced for 2010 and onwards received USB/iPod connectivity and streaming Bluetooth audio as standard equipment. With the 3.5-liter V6, this Lexus GS was pretty quick, and most drivers will find its power reserves more than adequate in any situation. Upholding Lexus' reputation for finely crafted interiors, this GS 350's cabin surrounded occupants with supple leather and rich wood and aluminum trim. Average-size adults will fit comfortably, but taller passengers may desire a bit more headroom. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a midsize luxury sport sedan offered in a single, well-appointed trim level. The related GS 450h hybrid is reviewed separately. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, a power-closing trunk lid, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 10-way power front seats with driver memory. Standard electronics features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an 8-inch control display with touchpad interface and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio and a USB/iPod interface. The Luxury package adds 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlamps, adaptive suspension dampers, upgraded leather, an 18-way power driver seat, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and rear climate and audio controls. The Premium package builds on those features with heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and a power rear sunshade. A Cold Weather package includes a heated steering wheel, headlamp washers and a wiper de-icer. The F Sport package offers the most performance bite, adding 19-inch wheels, special steering and suspension tuning, larger front brakes, a rear spoiler, a 16-way power sport driver seat and unique interior and exterior styling treatments. Stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, blind-spot detection, a head-up display, heated rear seats, parking assist, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, dynamic rear steering, a night vision camera, adaptive cruise control (with a pre-collision mitigation system), a premium Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround-sound audio system, and a hard-drive navigation system with a 12.3-inch display, voice recognition, real-time traffic and Lexus Enform smartphone-connected apps and services. Powertrains and Performance The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift paddle control is the only available transmission, but buyers can opt for a GS 350 with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In Edmunds testing, a rear-drive GS 350 with the F Sport package accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a swift 5.8 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version rates a bit less at 19/26/21. Safety Standard safety features on the 2013 Lexus GS 350 include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a rearview camera. Safety Connect, a traditional telematics service with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance button, is also standard. Adding the optional adaptive cruise control includes a pre-collision system that detects impending collisions and responds by pre-tensioning the seatbelts and activating brake assist. In Edmunds brake testing, a GS 350 with the F Sport package stopped from 60 in a short 112 feet. Interior Design and Special Features Complementing its physical and dynamic makeover, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 also gets a revised cabin. In the best Lexus tradition, it's a finely crafted interior marked by soft leather and rich wood and aluminum trim. Befitting this caliber of luxury sport sedan are seats that are firm and cosseting in equal measure, and limited only by the degree of power adjustments you choose. The cabin also offers more space, with slightly more head- and shoulder room. Rear seat passengers will appreciate, however, nearly 3 more inches of hip room compared to the previous model. Trunk space is no longer an issue either, with the revised rear suspension design allowing 14.3 cubic feet for golf clubs and luggage. The Remote Touch multimedia controller -- a small mouselike device adjacent to the gear selector -- is now in its second generation. It works quite well and helps navigate the menus and apps of the extensive infotainment system, displayed on the standard high-resolution 8-inch screen or the impressively large 12-inch display that comes with the optional navigation system. The optional Mark Levinson sound system sounds fantastic. Driving Impressions The 2013 Lexus GS 350 delivers punchy V6 power with traditional Lexus ride comfort. But the new GS dispenses with the soft, undulating motions of its predecessor when driven hard. Instead, improved steering and suspension design make the new GS feel alert, planted to the road and ready to change direction on a whim -- characteristics amplified when equipped with the F Sport package and optional features like variable steering ratio and rear wheel steering. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the extra leash afforded by the non-intrusive stability control system. Our only major gripe is with the automatic transmission's shift points. Even set in manual shift mode, the gearbox releases revs too early, upshifting at 6,400 rpm -- rather annoying when you want power to leap out from a nice, quick corner.