Buying a luxury car can be daunting, with a wide variety of choices to fit your taste and preferences. Lexus has been offering the GS sedan for years now, and it hasn’t changed very much, but that’s just fine.
The car is very user-friendly, without much of a learning curve to operate all the systems. There are simple knobs for the radio volume and station tuning. The interior is well put together, with high quality materials. The GS 350 features a reserved look, with leather and wood trim. It isn’t flashy on the inside, but it’s very welcoming. The gauges are simple, with a straightforward analog speedometer and tachometer that are easy to read but, again, not flashy or futuristic like other luxury sedans.
In a turbocharged world, the regular V6 is a nice change of pace. The car provides 311hp and an even power delivery with a throaty soundtrack when you plant your right foot. The ride is geared to easy, hushed motoring with a suspension that soaks up the imperfect roads nicely. I switched it to the sport mode and enjoyed a few back roads as well. While there is some body lean, the AWD system instills confidence in the bends and in different weather conditions.
Cost: $51,065; as tested $58,335
MPG: 19 MPG City; 26 MPG Highway (sticker). I managed 21.3 mpg in 250 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $1,380 Mark Levinson premium surround system; $280 all-weather package; $660 19” split five-spoke wheels; $400 one-touch power trunk; $500 intuitive park assist; $1,760 premium package; $800 heated steering wheel & open pore trim; $25 key gloves; $430 paint protection film by 3M
Safety: Lexus Safety System; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; all-speed dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure alert with steering assist & lane keep assist; intelligent high beam headlights; blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert
Things to know: The GS sedan is a luxury sedan that remains a bit analog in a digital world. It’s easy to use and comfortable, with just enough technology to keep it relevant in 2021.
Pros:
- A well put together car with a spacious interior
- V6 engine provides good power and a nice soundtrack
- Everything is easy to use with big buttons and knobs
Cons:
- V6 engine and AWD isn’t very fuel efficient
- Not as trendy and modern as some other luxury sedans
- Using the joy stick controller for some of the car functions can be frustrating
