2020 Lexus GS 350

The 3.5L V6 under the hood of the 2020 GS 350 is capable of producing 311 horses; and when coupled with paddle shifters and AWD, accounts for a very exhilarating drive. Taking performance to the next level is the F SPORT trim which features a track-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and exclusively available on the rear-wheel drive.

The exterior shell is finely curated which is evident in the intricate detailing in the grille and overhang. The interiors only add to the elegance of the GS 350. The cabin space is generous and draped in high-quality materials. The trunk is well equipped to handle all of your daily needs. However, non-folding rear seats restrict the utility of the GS 350.

2020 Lexus GS 350 is available in two trim levels: GS 350 RWD and GS 350 F Sport RWD. These trims are equipped with a 3.5 L V6. For an additional expense of $1000, you can get the GS 350 F Sport trim which adds larger wheels, sport suspension, and LFA inspired instrumentation. Interior is also treated with perforated leather trim and a sport focused black headliner.

The base trim is equipped with a great appointment of luxury features. It all starts with tastefully designed 17-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels. Bi-LED headlamps are a standard feature, the dual exhaust outlets add to its appeal. Features like a 12 speaker audio system, dual zone front climate control, and 10-way adjustable driver seat make it a cabin befitting a luxury sedan.

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For most buyers, we would suggest buyers choose the base trim for its high-value offering. The base GS 350 RWD trim is a good choice if you are shopping for a reasonably priced luxury sedan. The F Sport trim brings in features that do not complement the GS 350 as a luxury sedan.

The 3.5-liter V6 packs a decent punch across a wide range. It's ultra smooth, and it makes great noises when you rev it. But it lags behind other V6-powered luxury sedans in terms of acceleration.-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Lexus GS 350 is offered with a 311-hp V6 motor which comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels. This V6 engine puts the GS 350 in a sweet spot of performance and luxury. You will miss the low-end grunt of GS 300\u2020s twin-scroll turbocharged engine. The surge of low-end torque makes the GS 300 a competent sedan in stop and go traffic scenarios.

But the bigger V6 engine embodies refinement to its core. From rolling on from a cold start to effortlessly gliding in a stop and go city traffic. Refinement is the greatest virtue of this engine. Yes, it wouldn\u2020t offer exhilarant acceleration or lightning-quick 0-60 times. But day in and day out, you will love this character of the engine. If you are looking to use the GS 350 for something beyond the usual home to office commute, then its highway characteristics will be a major standout.

Among the competitors, Infiniti Q70 has impressive raw power output. The 330 hp output is easily the best in this comparison. Compare the torque output, the Genesis G80 makes a whopping 293 ft-lbs, of torque but to extract that you need to sit at the mountain of 5000 rpm which is not possible in real-world conditions. When we consider real-world driving scenarios, the turbo-four from Jaguar has an edge over normally aspirated engines.

Acceleration

2020 Lexus GS sedan completes the zero to sixty mph run in 6.6 seconds. In its bare bones avatar, the GS sedan is more work than fun. The mid-size sedan won\u2020t feel sluggish. This engine belts out 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque.

The Jaguar XF with its 2.0-liter four-banger is the quickest of this lot \u2013 it does naught to sixty in 5 seconds. Jaguar is followed by Infiniti\u2020s 5.6 second time. Lexus GS 350 sedan takes the longest to reach the coveted 60mph marker.

Ride and Handling

GS follows the traditional formula, it is rear-wheel drive. If you forget the numbers from the spec sheet, the GS sedan has been one of the engaging drivers in the Lexus lineup. The GS sedan is nimble around the corners and has good straight-line stability. The gains are more profound in the F Sport trims which receive an adaptive variable suspension. It allows the driver to select different settings for the suspension from Normal to Sport +.

Engage the Sport mode, and the steering ratio is reduced. Although the gains aren\u2020t immediately noticeable to the eye it makes for a good feel through the F-Sport\u2020s steering wheel.

Braking

Under emergency braking, Lexus GS 350 comes to a standstill from 70 mph within 173 feet. The braking performance is average for the mid-size luxury segment. You will need some time to get used to modulating the brake pedal. If you want to add more stopping power, then the F Sport trim comes with larger brakes and a staggered tire setup for more traction.

Infiniti Q70 and Genesis G80 offer a similar braking performance, taking an identical 167 feet to stop from 70 mph. The Jaguar XF takes 170 feet to achieve similar performance. Lexus GS covers the most distance while stopping from 70 mph.

The GS 350 trim does an average job of running efficiently. 2020 GS sedan scores 22 mpg of combined mileage. The GS offers a smaller tank capacity than most competitors. 2020 Jaguar XF leads the pack with a combined mpg of 28. The aging V6 engines from Infiniti and Genesis score 21 and 22 respectively.

The GS boasts top-notch materials and first-class styling, and Lexus' attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin. You can boost the opulence with upgrades such as perforated leather trim, Naguri aluminum accents, and open-pore walnut inlays.-Cars.USnews

Seating and Comfort

Space is good for passengers in front and rear. It is undeniable fact that GS looks like an expensive Toyota but for the beautiful fit and finish, you wouldn't be complaining a lot. As you enter the cabin you will be greeted by high-quality materials. Everything is purposefully built, important touchpoints are finished in quality leather. Even the base GS trim gets a 12-way adjustable seat for the driver. The Lexus Memory System would gladly remember your seating position. So, finding and keeping your favorite driving position wouldn't be a hassle at all.

Infotainment System
Lexus GS is offered with an 8.0-inch color display screen. The standard system comes with a 12-speaker system. If you want a more immersive audio experience then pick the optional Mark Levinson audio system. You can upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch screen by opting for the Navigation package. Some important features available with the GS 350 sedan are:

• 5.1 surround sound
• Advanced voice recognition
• AM/FM/DVD with HD radio and WMA/MP3 capability
• Aux and iPhone/USB input plugs
• Bluetooth streaming
• Digital signal processing with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL)

Cargo volume

The trunk opening is well designed, it is broad and offers easy access for luggage. The only major downside rear seats don't fold down. The interior has decent space for small items. The glove box is useful, the center console opens wide. The rear armrest also offers two cup holders and a storage bin for miscellaneous items.

Interior Features

The GS sedan offers a well-appointed interior trim. Some of these features are mentioned below:

• Contrast stitching on soft vinyl wrapped upper I/P, seats, door panels and shift boot
• Aluminum alloy Lexus stamped scuff plates on all door sills
• LED ambient lighting integrated into door ornamentation and RTI surround area
• Lexus Analog clock with GPS time zone functionality
• Optitron analog instrument cluster with color 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display

Not for the shy, the Lexus GS luxury-performance sedan is a boldly styled piece of road-going art. It leads with an aggressive front-end treatment with an oversized grille, deep chin spoiler and intense expression. Distinctive headlights and LED taillights fit its sporting image, as do its muscular lines, highly defined shapes and low stance.-KelleyBlueBook

Design and Dimensions

Lexus GS 350 measures 192.1-inches from one bumper to another. It has a moderate ground clearance at 5.1-inches. At 112.2-inches, it is equipped with the shortest wheelbase in this comparison. The GS sedan commands attention with its spindle grille. It looks really angry and breaks off from the conservative design tone set by the German competitors.

The Genesis G80 is the heaviest of the lot and it tips the scales at 4195 lbs. The G80 sedan also steals the crown for the longest sedan in this comparison. It also offers a good interior room due to a 118.5-inch wheelbase. The Infiniti sedan follows the G80 sedan closely. The 2020 Lexus GS doesn't fare well in the proportions game.

GS stands out from its German rivals, thanks to a neat work on the spindle grille. Due to the design, GS sedan looks fast even when standing still. It's for sure, the GS isn't meant for the shy. Unlike the ubiquitous white, black and silver, the GS is available in a bright palette of colors. The aggressive headlights enhance the front fascia. The rear lights also add some visual depth to the design. If you want to stand out then take a good look at the F Sport trim. With its pronounced bumpers and exquisite nine-spoke alloy wheels is nothing short of a piece of automotive art.

2020 GS sedan is factory fitted with Lexus Safety System+ that shows the manufacturer's commitment to offering best in class safety features. GS sedan offers the following safety features:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist
• Electronic traction control
• Stability control
• 4 wheel abs brakes
• Front airbags
• Front side airbag
• Side head curtain airbag
• Side-impact door beams
• Daytime running lights

Lexus GS 350 vs Jaguar XF

The 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is a good offering in the mid-level luxury sedan segment. Even in the base trim, the XF packs a decent punch with this engine. But in matters of raw power, the Lexus GS 350 ahead of the Jag. The XF blends practicality and when pushed hard doesn\u2020t fail to show its fun to drive nature. The XF has been designed and built well and it provides a tough time for the Japanese and German competitors.

Lexus GS 350 vs Genesis G80

Genesis G80 offers a luxurious interior with a generous list of safety features, and the latest smartphone integration technology. It has a very powerful engine lineup, like the GS 350 its average fuel economy isn't what we call efficient. But it also has a below-class-average starting price, which makes the G80 a good value and deserving of a high spot on your list.

Lexus GS 350 vs Infiniti Q70

Infiniti Q70 takes an old school approach here \u2013 there are 2 mills on offer. A 330 hp V6 and 416 hp V8. The bare-bones 3.7 Luxe trim will cost you $50,300. If you need the extra legroom in the back, the price will jump to $51,800. Lack of features restricts you from having a premier luxury sedan experience But if we talk about value per dollar, then Infiniti Q70 sedan shines in a different light. It can easily pass off for a $75,000 car. If you are going to be behind the wheel a lot, the V8 engine will make you grin ear to ear.

The 2020 GS 350 presents a very strong case for itself as an alternative to the German rivals. The beautiful exterior shell is finely highlighted with tasteful details. The interiors are sculpted using premium materials and filled with features to the brim. The top-notch ride quality only adds to the overall experience. The only drawback, if you have to point out one, would be the constricted cargo space of the GS 350. Therefore, to sum it all up, if you are looking for a luxury sedan and don’t want to spend your money on a German brand, the Lexus GS 350 is a very viable option for you.