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: The Lexus GS line expands for 2016 with the addition of GS 200t and GS F. The GS 200t is a new base model powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GS F is a high-performance version of the GS sedan designed to compete with BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz AMG E63, and Cadillac CTS-V. GS F packs a 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. All of the GS line gets revised front-end styling that now includes bi-LED headlights. The GS 350’s V6 gets a modest horsepower increase from 306 to 311. A safety package includes new features such pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert and mitigation, and self-dimming headlights. 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 200t: $45,615 GS 200t F Sport: $53,285 GS 350: $50,000 AWD GS 350: $50,470 GS 350 F Sport: $54,115 AWD GS 350 F Sport: $55,860 GS 450h: $63,080 GS 450h F Sport: $68,125 GS F: $84,440 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 241 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21-22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-33 |
| Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 311 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic (RWD) |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic (AWD) |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
| 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 |
