Pros: Strong, refined drivetrains in both regular and hybrid form; 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; steep price premium for hybrid model
CG Says: For 2015, the Lexus GS 350 and its hybrid sibling, the GS 450h, see a number of minor updates. Eighteen-inch wheels are now standard, the available multimedia and navigation systems are upgraded, and the GS 450h is now available in athletic F Sport trim. The Lexus GS 350 is comfortable, reasonably sporty, and tastefully finished. Its powertrain is smooth and strong, and the brand’s traditionally top-notch customer care appeals as well. 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 450h is smooth, quiet, surprisingly fun to drive, and returns excellent fuel economy (more than 30 mpg in our testing). The notion of being luxuriously green comes at a cost: more than $10,000 over the conventional Lexus GS 350, and it’s a chasm that grows wider as you add costly stand-alone and packaged options.
Class | Premium Midsize Car |
Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Lexus |
Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
Base Prices | GS 350: $48,600 AWD GS 350: $50,850 GS 450h: $61,330 |
Base Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
Horsepower 306 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic (RWD) |
Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic (AWD) |
EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-29 |
Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6/electric |
Horsepower 338 |
Std. Transmission CVT |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 29 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 34 |