Redesigned for 2012, the GS luxury sedan is
notably improved inside and out. Those upgrades helped boost its overall
road-test score to 84, up significantly from the 75 of its 2006 GS 300
predecessor. The GS 350 now goes head to head with the Mercedes –Benz E 350 and
BMW 535i, but it still trails the best-in-class Audi A6 and Infiniti M37.
Lexus
GS 350
The difference is easily felt from the
driver’s seat. The ride is supple and controlled, handling is responsive, and
the 306-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers quick acceleration and plenty of power
for passing and merging. We measured 21 mpg overall, which is very competitive
for this class. One blemish: In contrast to the silky-smooth engines we’ve come
to expect from Lexus, this V6 has a raspy edge when it’s revved. It’s supposed
to sound sporty, but it just sounds gruff.
The
ride is supple and controlled, handling is responsive, and the 306-hp,
3.5-liter V6 engine delivers quick acceleration and plenty of power for passing
and merging.
Inside, occupants will find a quiet, nicely
finished cabin. The driver has plenty of room, unlike in the cramped cockpit of
the previous GS. Our biggest complaint with the interior is that it’s marred by
a newfangled control system that relies on a giant video display and mouse-like
controller that’s distracting and complex.
Reliability is above average based on our
latest subscriber survey.
Poise and grit
The GS sails placidly over road flaws, and
handling is just a notch behind its German competitors. It’s steady and
surefooted in corners. Steering feels quick and well weighted, but it can be a
bit vague on center. Still, the GS feels engaging to drive, on the road and on
the track. When pushed to its handling limits at our test track, the GS
instilled confidence in our drivers and threaded our avoidance maneuver at a
commendable speed.
A small 37-foot turning circle helps with
parking. And an optional $500 radar-guided park-assist system lets the car
parallel park itself. It works well but requires patience.
A
small 37-foot turning circle helps with parking; The V6 is mated to a smooth
and responsive six-speed automatic transmission
The V6 is mated to a smooth and responsive
six-speed automatic transmission. Most competitors have more speeds, which aids
in their efficiency. There are sport, eco, and snow modes that alter steering
and throttle response. All-wheel drive is an option. A hybrid version, the GS
450h, is also available and pairs the V6 with an electric motor for a combined
338 hp. That drivetrain is offered as an alternative to an optional V8. Like
most luxury sedans, the GS takes premium gas.
Inside you’ll find rich materials and
impressive fit and finish. A power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel has
generous adjustment, and optional 18-way adjustable seats help drivers dial in
a customized fit. The rear is comfortable for two people, but the center
position is narrow, making things tight for three.
Not
clicking: We found the mouse-like controller for some cabin functions to be
complicated.
Gauges are brightly lit and simple, and an
optional $900 heads-up display projects the vehicle speed onto the lower
windshield. The giant center screen is also clear, with large fonts. The Lexus
Enform infotainment system lets you control some smart-phone apps onscreen. And
voice commands can be used for many common functions. Otherwise, it can be hard
to navigate through the plethora of onscreen buttons with the controller, which
we found to be complicated and fussy to use.
The GS’s trunk is spacious, but the rear
seatbacks don’t fold down to increase cargo space. There’s only a small center
pass-through for longer objects.
How they compare
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Tested vehicle
·
Highs: Quietness, ride, powertrain, front-seat
comfort, fit and finish, visibility.
·
Lows: Fussy controls
·
Trim line: 350
·
Drivetrain: 306-hp, 3.5-liter V6; six-speed
automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
·
Major options: Navigation with split display,
heads-up display, 18-inch alloy wheels, 18-way power front seats, stereo upgrade,
blind-spot monitor, park assist.
·
Tested price: $58,858
The GS line
·
Other trims: 350F, 450h
·
Other engines & drivetrains: 338-hp,
3.5-liter V6 hybrid; continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
·
Base prices: $46,900-$58,950
More test findings
·
Braking: Very good overall
·
Headlights: Bi-xenons perform well, but low
beams have a sharp upper cutoff. Headlights swivel to illuminate curves, a
distracting motion.
·
Access: easy to the front, despite a wide
sill. The steering wheel and driver’s seat can power out of the way for
easier access. Rear access is slightly harder.
·
Visibility: Thin roof pillars and plenty of
glass aid the forward view. The rear view is slightly impeded. Large mirrors,
a rear camera, and a blind-spot detection system help.
·
Cabin storage: Moderate
·
Head restraints: The center-rear restraint is
too low for an adult, even when it’s raised.
·
Child seats: It may be tough to secure
a child seat in the center-rear. Lower LATCH anchors are easy to access, and
there are three top-tether anchors.
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