The 2020 Lexus GS 350 is supported by a 3.5-liter V6 naturally-aspirated gas engine which is married to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The power is then supplied to the rear wheels as standard but you have an option to direct it to all wheels. And with the AWD GS 350 model, Lexus gives 6-speed automatic transmission.
With this arrangement, the Lexus GS 350 reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 5.7 seconds which is the least timing in the competition. It covers the quarter-mile distance in 14.5 seconds which is also the timing required by the Volvo S90. However, the latter one has a top speed of 145 mph whereas the former sedan has only 130 mph.
Model
|
2020 Lexus GS 350
|
2020 Acura RLX
|
2020 Volvo S90
|
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350
|
MSRP
|
$51,395
|
$54,900
|
$50,550
|
$54,050
|
Engine
|
3.5-liter V6
|
3.5-liter V6
|
2.0-liter supercharged/turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
|
Drivetrain
|
RWD
|
FWD
|
AWD
|
RWD
|
Transmission
|
8-speed automatic
|
10-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
9-speed automatic
|
Power (hp @ rpm)
|
311 hp @ 6400 rpm
|
310 hp @ 6500 rpm
|
316 hp @ 5700 rpm
|
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
|
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
|
280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
|
272 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
|
295 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
|
273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
|
0-60 MPH
|
5.7
|
6.0
|
5.9
|
6.1
|
Quarter Mile
|
14.5
|
14.3
|
14.5
|
NA
|
Top Speed
|
130
|
155
|
145
|
130
|
The Volvo S90 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have turbo engines, unlike the Acura RLX which is powered by the same engine as the Lexus GS 350. That being said, the E350 is the slowest sedan in the segment as it does the 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. At the same time, the RLX tries to sprint from 0 to 60 mph 0.1 seconds earlier than the E350 while the S90 jumps for the same goal 0.3 seconds faster compared to the E350.
How well does the 2020 Lexus GS 350 handle?:
The Lexus GS 350 is particularly a sports sedan and its smooth ride is the testimony of this fact. However, for a sporty experience, the GS 350 has its siblings to do the job. The engine is refined and has a good relationship with the gearbox since shifting in between the gears poses no problem.
Good outward visibility allows safer driving. The cabin is well insulated and you will barely hear the road or engine noise. Normal, Eco, and Sport will give you a chance to drive the GS 350 in different modes. Furthermore, the throttle response is smooth and the steering wheel offers decent feedback.
2020 Lexus GS 350 Braking Performance:
The 2020 Lexus GS 350 has 13.1-inch front brake rotors and 12.2-inch rear brake rotors. However, if GS 350 F Sport is selected then the front rotors will be replaced by 14-inch rotors. With the first set of rotors and various braking assistance features, the GS 350 stops from 60 mph over a distance of 113 feet as the unofficial data.
Model
|
2020 Lexus GS 350
|
2020 Acura RLX
|
2020 Volvo S90
|
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350
|
Brake Rotors Front (in.)
|
13.1
|
12.3
|
13.6
|
12.7
|
Brake Rotors Rear (in.)
|
12.2
|
12.2
|
12.6
|
11.8
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3276
|
3977
|
4819
|
NA
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
NA
|
126
|
NA
|
NA
|
Even though the Volvo S90’s braking distance data is not available at the moment, given its high curb weight, it won’t be performing any better than the GS 350. However, it does have the biggest pair of front and rear brake rotors. Meanwhile, the E350 and the RLX have the smallest rear and front brake rotors respectively.