Lexus GS
Lexus GS 300
Lexus GS 300

2017 Lexus GS 200t

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 2017, Lexus GS gains more standard safety features. Lexus Safety System + (which includes pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure mitigation) becomes standard on GS 220t and GS 350. Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension is now available on GS F. The Lexus GS is comfortable, reasonably sporty, and tastefully finished sedan. GS powertrain choices range from a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder up to a 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8. The mid-range GS 350’s 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is smooth and strong. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission—except for the all-wheel drive GS 350, which uses a six-speed automatic. 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, Mercedes-Benz AMG E63, and Cadillac CTS-V. The GS 450h hybrid is smooth, quiet, surprisingly fun to drive, and returns excellent fuel economy (more than 30 mpg in our testing). The 450h pairs a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for a combined 338 horsepower. The 450h has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 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.

The Facts
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: $46,310
GS 200t F Sport: $53,980
GS 350: $50,695
AWD GS 350: $50,395
GS 350 F Sport: $54,810
AWD GS 350 F Sport: $56,555
GS 450h: $63,635
GS 450h F Sport: $68,680
GS F: $83,940

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (200t)
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 (350)
Horsepower
311
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic (RWD)
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic (AWD)
EPA City Range (mpg)
19-20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
26-28

Optional Engine
5.0-liter V8 (GS F)
Horsepower
467
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
16
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
24

Optional Engine
3.5-liter V6/electric (450h)
Horsepower
338
Std. Transmission
CVT
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
29
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
34

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