2020 Lexus GS

Pros: Strong, refined drivetrains; surprisingly nimble handling, particularly with the F Sport package

Cons: Back seat is more cramped than exterior size would suggest; some drivers dislike interface of Lexus Remote Touch system; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not offered

CG Says: The 2020 Lexus GS line drops its entry-level 4-cylinder GS 300 models. The Lexus GS is comfortable, reasonably sporty, and tastefully finished sedan. The base GS 350’s 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is smooth and strong. The high-performance GS F has a 467-hp 5.0-liter V8. The rear-wheel drive GS 350 and GS F are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the all-wheel drive GS 350 uses a 6-speed automatic. Standard safety features include the Lexus Safety System +, which includes pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure mitigation. Prices are steep, particularly as options are added, but overall the GS 350 holds its own well in the premium-midsize class. It strikes a decent balance between the sporty character of the BMW 5-Series and coddling of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but the fact that it doesn’t really stand out in any one area might put the GS at a disadvantage among discerning luxury-car buyers. The GS F is a high-performance version of the GS sedan designed to compete with BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG E63.