2016 Lexus GS 350 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
- Capable handling with refined ride comfort
- high-quality interior.
- Tech interface can be distracting to use.
What’s new
The 2016 GS lineup ushers in the new GS 200t with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GS 350 gains a modest power increase. Front and rear fascias have been revised, and navigation is now standard on GS 350. A new driver assistance package, Lexus Safety System +, is optional, and the Lexus Enform Service Connect infotainment system has also been added across the lineup.
Edmunds says
Boasting a refined interior, plenty of high-tech features and class-competitive performance, the 2016 GS 350 can go toe to toe with the historically strong competitors from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
Vehicle overview
While the 2016 Lexus GS is still fundamentally the same car as last year, an additional engine choice and a cosmetic face-lift fleshes out its presence this year. This midsize luxury sedan remains a feature-rich, comfortable and competent performer. For 2016, the new GS 200t is the most affordable GS of them all. It has the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine that Lexus has installed in its smaller IS sedan and RC coupe this year. With 241 horsepower, it's still suitably powerful for the larger GS, and it helps return an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined.

The 2016 GS gets an aggressive face-lift that brings it in line with the rest of Lexus' offerings.
The four-cylinder engine is offered with rear-wheel drive only, so buyers in need of all-wheel drive will have to turn their attention to the traditional GS 350. It's offered in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations with a 311-hp V6. Either way, though, this is a sedan that strikes a well-considered balance between comfort and performance, and is equally well-suited to daily commute duty or long road trips. Nor is the GS afraid of tight turns — it's actually one of the better cars in this class, and its performance cred can be dialed up a tick on all models by opting for the F Sport package. Top it off with a cabin that packs class, style and a long list of technology and the GS is a compelling alternative to the familiar German models.
The GS faces off squarely against the 2016 Audi A6, 2016 BMW 5 Series and 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But the midsize luxury sport sedan is a crowded segment, with Cadillac CTS and Jaguar XF also vying for your attention. You're really not going to go wrong here with any of these sedans, but certainly the 2016 Lexus GS distinguishes itself as a fine all-around performer.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2016 Lexus GS 200t is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that's rated at 241 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. It drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is not available for the 200t. The GS 350, meanwhile, has a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. With rear-wheel drive, the GS 350 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but on all-wheel-drive models, the GS 350 gets a six-speed auto.
An automatic engine stop-start function is standard for the 200t and 350. The EPA estimates the GS 200t will deliver 26 mpg combined (22 city/33 highway). The rear-wheel drive GS 350 returns 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway), and the all-wheel-drive variant is slightly more thirsty at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway). Fuel economy for F Sport variants slips to 24 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway) for the GS 200t and 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway) for the GS 350.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2016 Lexus GS include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear side airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera and front-seat active head restraints. The standard Enform Safety Connect system includes automatic collision notification, stolen-vehicle location and an emergency assist button.
Optional safety features include front and rear parking sensors and the Lexus Safety System Plus package, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and intervention and a forward collision warning system that includes pedestrian detection as well as forward collision mitigation with automatic braking.
In Edmunds testing, a GS 350 with the F Sport package came to a stop from 60 mph in 112 feet, which is average for a car in this class with summer tires. In crash testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the GS earned the highest score of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact test. It also earned a "Good" score for the side-impact, roof strength and seats and head restraints (rear-impact whiplash protection) tests.
Driving
The 2016 Lexus GS delivers a convincing blend of comfort and performance. Cabin noise, in typical Lexus fashion, has been effectively banished on every front, save for a muted engine note when you accelerate hard. Its ride quality is very comfortable yet has enough control that nobody will get seasick.

The GS 350 delivers a comfortable ride, along with sporty handling around turns.
The 2016 GS offers a range of power levels to suit the pocketbooks and sensibilities of more buyers than ever. We've been impressed with the GS 200t's turbocharged four-cylinder's refined zest as found in the NX 200t crossover. As for the GS 350, its normally aspiratedV6 has been with us for a decade now, but we still find it strong and satisfying, though it does lack the eager thump in the back that you get with torque-rich turbocharged alternatives. It delivers the goods if you're willing to rev it high.
Sure-footed and a reasonably willing partner on a winding road, the GS 200t and 350 have good manners when it comes to handling performance. If that's not enough, the F Sport package elevates its road-holding prowess with variable-ratio and rear-wheel steering systems. The package's larger 19-inch wheels, stiffer suspension and performance-oriented summer tires do degrade comfort a bit, though, but not enough to spoil the experience.
Interior
Lexus vehicles typically boast well-crafted interiors with materials to match, and the 2016 GS is no exception. The supple leather and tasteful wood and aluminum trim adorning the cabin rivals the ambiance found in its German competition. Up front, the seats have a wide variety of adjustments to suit many body types and offer support to suit hours of comfortable motoring. The F Sport package provides increased lateral support with its adjustable side bolsters and enhanced thigh support. Though it will seat five, the GS (like many of its competitors) is best with just two rear passengers, but once they're back there adults will enjoy ample head- and legroom.
The navigation system gains full-screen capability this year, but unfortunately Lexus' Remote Touch interface remains the only way to control the infotainment system. This controller is the one notable foible in the cabin. Inspired by a computer mouse, it is the primary method for making audio and navigation selections, and it's far from ideal. Although the display screen is sharp, cursor control with the device is jerky, particularly when you're on the move. Lexus has added some welcome menu shortcuts this year, but overall most rival infotainment controllers are less distracting to use.
The trunk's 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity is on par for the segment, but the rear seats do not fold to expand the cargo volume. Instead there is a center pass-through in the backseat to swallow longer objects.
2016 Lexus GS 350 models
The 2016 Lexus GS luxury sedan is offered in GS 200t and GS 350 variants. Equipment is similar between them, with a few exceptions noted below. The GS 450h hybrid stablemate is covered in a separate review.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels (17-inch wheels on GS 200t), LED headlights, heated auto-dimming side mirrors, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, driver-selectable drive modes, leather upholstery in GS 350 models (synthetic leather in GS 200t), eight-way power front seats (with two-way power lumbar), driver seat memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, matte wood trim and ambient lighting.
Standard technology features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; Lexus' Remote Touch interface; an 8-inch central display (GS 350 comes with a 12.3-inch screen with navigation, voice controls and smartphone app integration); a rearview camera; and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system with a CD player, satellite and HD radio, a USB interface and an auxiliary audio jack. Also included is Siri integration for select iPhones.
A number of options packages are offered, although availability can vary depending on the region in which you live. Bundled options include the Cold Weather package (a heavy-duty heater, headlight washers, water-repellent front door glass and a wiper de-icer) and the Premium package (heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade and automatic wipers).
The Luxury package is optional for GS 350 and includes the Premium package plus 14-way-adjustable front seats, four-way power lumbar, adaptive headlights, an adaptive suspension, passenger seat memory functions, LED foglights, 19-inch wheels, glossy interior wood trim, rear-seat climate and audio controls, manual rear door sunshades, upgraded leather upholstery and a wood-trimmed steering wheel. Heated rear seats can be added to the Luxury package.

All 2016 GS 350s come standard with leather upholstery and the upgraded infotainment display.
The performance-focused F Sport package also includes the Premium package and adds 19-inch wheels with summer tires (all-season tires for AWD models), unique exterior styling and interior trim, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, a variable-ratio steering system, upgraded brakes on RWD models and 12-way-adjustable sport seats with four-way power lumbar.
Available notable options include a heated steering wheel, upgraded LED headlights with automatic high beams, 18-inch wheels for GS 200t models, lane departure intervention, a head-up display, a Dynamic Handling system with rear steering, a power-closing trunk lid, the Safety System Plus package (detailed below) and a 17-speaker premium Mark Levinson sound system. The Navigation system (optional for GS 200t) adds, beyond the obvious, voice controls, a larger 12.3-inch display and Enform smartphone app integration.
Infotainment options include Enform Remote, which can remotely start the engine, adjust climate control, monitor the vehicle's position and set limits and receive alerts for speed, distance and curfew. Meanwhile, Enform Service Connect provides access to vehicle status and maintenance alerts via a smartphone app.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Lexus GS 350.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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Used 2016 Lexus GS 350 Overview
The Used 2016 Lexus GS 350 is offered in the following submodels: GS 350 Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Pre-owned Lexus GS 350 models are available with a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 311 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2016 Lexus GS 350 comes with all wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 8-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2016 Lexus GS 350 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2016 Lexus GS 350?
Price comparisons for Used 2016 Lexus GS 350 trim styles:
- The Used 2016 Lexus GS 350 Base is priced between $26,998 and$38,990 with odometer readings between 11735 and93332 miles.
- The Used 2016 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT is priced between $35,999 and$38,990 with odometer readings between 20219 and52690 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2016 Lexus GS 350S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2016 Lexus GS 350 for sale near. There are currently 18 used and CPO 2016 GS 350S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,998 and mileage as low as 11735 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2016 Lexus GS 350.
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Should I lease or buy a 2016 Lexus GS 350?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Lexus lease specials
Check out Lexus GS 350 lease specials
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