Dan is a mechanical engineer by trade and spent 16 years developing new cars for two automakers before coming to Edmunds as its director of vehicle testing.
Pros
Smooth V6 engine is simultaneously strong and efficient
Comfortable and spacious interior is richly appointed
All-wheel-drive versions of standard and F Sport models are available
Cons
Entertainment and navigation system controller is hard to use
Trunk not expandable because rear seatbacks do not fold down
Rear-wheel-drive F Sport summer tires not compatible with cold weather
What’s new
The 2017 Lexus GS 350 makes formerly optional driver safety aids standard equipment. This includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with mitigation and automatic high-beam control. Performance-minded buyers can now add an optional limited-slip rear differential to the rear-wheel-drive F Sport model. And the all-wheel-drive GS 350 now has the lowest cost of entry because it alone comes standard with simulated-leather upholstery, with leather optional.
Vehicle overview
The current generation of the GS 350 first hit the market as a 2013 model, and after a full year in one, we came away mighty impressed by its well-appointed and accommodating interior, willing powertrain, sure handling and smooth ride. But Lexus did not rest on its laurels. In 2014, the 3.5-liter V6 was treated to a new fuel-injection system, and rear-wheel-drive versions received a new eight-speed transmission. Just last year, a lower-priced GS 200t turbocharged four-cylinder model was added one rung lower in the GS lineup, and the GS 350 received a mild V6 engine power increase and an infotainment system upgrade.
In other words, the fourth-generation GS 350 has been incrementally improved year over year from its strong initial starting point. Today, it's even more the luxurious, smooth, comfortable and engaging midsize luxury sedan it was at the outset.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds' editorial team purchased and lived with a Lexus GS 350 for a year. In that time, we drove the GS for more than 20,000 miles and came to appreciate its high-quality interior as well as its smooth road manners over long distances. Since our ownership experience, Lexus has added new features, but most of our observations remain relevant. Check out our long-term GS 350 test page for a more detailed look into our ownership experience.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
4.0 / 5
The Lexus GS 350 is a multitalented luxury sedan that offers equal helpings of comfort, sophistication and performance. The F Sport model ups the ante on the sporting side, and it doesn't sacrifice much in the way of comfort. Recent tech upgrades make this 2017 GS more compelling than ever.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test and an extended yearlong test of the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport (3.5-liter V6; 6-speed automatic).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the GS 350 has received some upgrades, including an eight-speed automatic transmission for the rear-wheel-drive models, a more sophisticated fuel-injection system, engine upgrades that added 5 horsepower, LED headlights and more capable entertainment system software. Our initial findings remain broadly applicable to this year's GS 350.
Scorecard
Overall
4.0 / 5
Driving
4.0
Comfort
4.5
Interior
4.5
Utility
3.5
Technology
4.0
Driving
4.0
The Lexus GS 350 F Sport is nimble and moves out nicely, but it's also effortlessly smooth and poised. We have mixed feelings about the rear steering, but at least it's only an option. Our F Sport's summer tires are not meant for cold climates, but an all-wheel-drive version is available.
Acceleration
4.5
The 3.5-liter V6 packs considerable punch across a wide range, it's ultra smooth, and it makes great noises when you rev it. Before the recent power and transmission upgrade, we measured a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, which lags slightly behind the class leaders.
Braking
3.5
The GS 350's firm and sure brake pedal tends toward jumpy, but you'll readily get used to it. The car tends to exhibit some nosedive during harder stops, and our measured 0-60 mph panic-stop distance is about average for premium sedans with three-season summer tires.
Steering
4.0
We found the optional four-wheel steering (DRS) to be quick and precise yet very light, which added up to an overeager feeling that may not be for everyone. That said, our GS still cruised arrow-straight on the open road, and it could make exceptionally tight U-turns.
Handling
5.0
In F Sport trim, the GS 350 drives like a much smaller and lighter car. It feels nimble and delivers impressive cornering response, but there's also a good deal of grip and overall stability.
Drivability
The six-speed automatic shifts with incredible smoothness. Sport and Normal driving modes offer drivers a choice of steering effort and throttle response maps. (Note: We have not yet evaluated the 2017 model's eight-speed transmission.)
Comfort
4.5
Though the Lexus GS 350 F Sport bills itself as a sport sedan, it doesn't abandon comfort in the pursuit of achieving that title. The F Sport seats are comfy, the ride is smooth, and the cabin is generally quiet and well-ventilated.
Seat comfort
4.5
The F Sport leather sport seats proved to be a highlight: sufficiently bolstered for sporty driving, but still comfortable and easy to get out of. The seat bottoms deliver excellent thigh support, though some did find them a bit flat. And they're heated and ventilated.
Ride comfort
4.5
An adaptive variable suspension system helps this GS 350 split the difference between sport sedan and proper Lexus. The ride is generally smooth and controlled with little harshness on rough roads.
Noise & vibration
4.0
A bit of road noise emanates from the large (and optional) summer performance tires, but it stops short of being bothersome. And there's precious little wind noise, even at elevated highway speeds.
Climate control
4.5
Dual-zone climate controls are prominently located, clearly marked and easy to understand. The air vents put out a nice volume of air, and rear passengers have a pair of their own. The F Sport package adds heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel is optional.
Interior
4.5
The GS is blessed with a fairly roomy and comfortable interior that oozes quality and refinement. There's very little to complain about apart from one thing: the unique but awkward mouse-style interface that controls the entertainment and navigation system.
Ease of use
3.5
The majority of the GS 350's switches, buttons and knobs are easy to use and understand without cracking open the owner's manual. But there is one prominent sore spot that takes points off: the mouse-style infotainment system controller. It's novel but demands too much attention.
Getting in/getting out
4.5
There's a lot to like in this category. The doors open wide, the sills are narrow, and as sedans go, the seats are comfortably high. It's generally very easy to get in or out without the need to stoop or do deep knee bends.
Driving position
4.5
Numerous seat adjustments and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with a fairly generous adjustment range make it easy for a wide variety of drivers to settle in comfortably at the controls with a clear view out over the hood.
Roominess
4.0
The GS 350 is a sizable car, with an interior to match. Up front you'll find lots of hip, leg, head and shoulder room. The story is much the same in the backseat, too, unless you and the person seated directly ahead are both quite tall.
Visibility
4.5
Generous glass area gives the GS excellent forward and side visibility, and the rear three-quarter blind spot is minimal because of the carefully sculpted rear roof pillar. Front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera take care of the rest. Fantastic high-beam headlights on the open road, too.
Quality
4.0
Everything you touch in the Lexus GS F Sport looks and feels high-quality and purpose-built. The important pieces such as the steering wheel, shifter and even the knee side of the center console offer extra padding and quality leather.
Utility
3.5
The GS' trunk is usefully shaped and quite big, but you may not like it if you're the sort who folds down the rear seats to carry larger items now and then; the GS can't do that. The interior provides a reasonable but not memorable amount of storage, and it plays well with most child safety seats.
Small-item storage
3.5
Has a useful glovebox, two cupholders ahead of the shifter and a medium-sized center console that opens wide. Front door pockets are decent-sized, but they won't hold a water bottle; rear door pockets are small, but they will accept a bottle. The rear center armrest has a storage bin and cupholders.
Cargo space
4.0
The trunk is quite spacious because it is wide near the mouth, deep along the floor and accessible through a broad opening. Hidden hinges won't crush bags. Thing is, the rear seatbacks do not fold down to expand the space except for a slender ski pass-through that seems like a consolation prize.
Child safety seat accommodation
3.5
Has two pairs of LATCH anchors at the bottom and three top-tether anchors along the top. Bottom LATCH anchors are tightly recessed between the seat cushions, though. Rear legroom is generous enough for most rear-facing seats to fit, but tall front occupants might still have to scoot up some.
Technology
4.0
This year the Lexus Safety System Plus suite of driver aids is now standard on all trims. We have not yet tested recent improvements in voice controls and phone-pairing software, but the performance of the original makes us confident. We're still not fans of the audio and navigation controller.
Audio & navigation
3.0
The Mark Levinson sound system sounds great, and it has simple volume and tune knobs. Higher audio functions and the navigation system require the use of a quirky interface that's not that easy to use without diverting attention away from driving. The wide screen permits tri-zone image display.
Smartphone integration
New changes to the software are said to improve Bluetooth pairing and hard-wired USB connection speed. We have not yet tried out this latest version, but we expect good performance because the older iteration performed reasonably well.
Driver aids
5.0
The previously optional Lexus Safety System Plus is now standard. It includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent high-beam control, and lane departure warning with mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert is standard, too.
Voice control
New voice control software has been introduced, but we have not yet fully tested it. The last version was stilted and left room for improvement. Those with an iPhone still have the option of holding the voice button longer to directly engage Siri on their phone and make calls that way.
Which GS 350 does Edmunds recommend?
Our money is on the base rear-wheel-driveGS 350 because it comes very well equipped and has the highest fuel economy of the bunch. And unlike the AWD version, the Premium package and its leather seats are standard. The only option that we feel strongly about is the head-up display, which proved especially useful on long road trips. If you in live an area with cold and snowy weather, though, the GS 350 AWD with the added Premium package is the all-weather version of the same car.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2017 Lexus GS 350 models
Choice is something the GS 350 lineup provides in abundance. At its core, it's a well-equipped rear-wheel-drive luxury machine powered by a 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, and that's what you get when you buy the base GS 350. Step up to the F Sport for a sportier look and sharper handling. Those in snow country can buy all-wheel-drive versions called the baseAWD and the F Sport AWD.
Oddly enough, the base AWD version is the price leader this year because the formerly standard leather interior is now optional on this one model. Also, all-wheel-drive models retain the six-speed automatic transmission.
Eighteen-inch wheels and all-season tires are standard, as are LED headlights and heated, power-folding mirrors. The interior is very comprehensively equipped with things such as keyless ignition and entry, a sunroof, power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, and an automatic climate control system that optimizes airflow based on where passengers are seated. Standard tech content includes Bluetooth, the Remote Touch infotainment interface, a navigation system, voice controls, smartphone app integration, a 12.3-inch display screen and a 12-speaker sound system. A variety of driver safety aids (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and the Lexus Safety System Plus suite of advanced active safety features) are also included.
Leather is optional by way of the Premium package, which also includes heated and ventilated front seats, automatic wipers and a power rear sunshade.
Next up the price ladder is the base GS 350, which is a rear-wheel-drive machine that is otherwise identical except that it comes standard with leather seats and the other Premium package items, and it has variable gear ratio steering and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-season tires are once again standard, but stickier summer tires are a zero-cost option.
The rear-wheel-drive F Sport ups the ante on the handling front by adding 19-inch, staggered-width wheels and summer performance tires, a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension (AVS) and bigger front brakes. It offers the option of four-wheel steering or a limited-slip rear differential. The F Sport has more aggressive front and rear bumper and grille styling, power sport seats and different interior trim pieces.
Finally there's the F Sport AWD, which is identical to the F Sport on the inside but reverts to a six-speed automatic transmission. Its 19-inch wheels are the same width all around, and they are shod with all-season tires that are better suited to snow and cold weather. For similar reasons, the bigger brakes are absent, and the steering ratio is fixed instead of variable.
Those who are not interested in the F Sport but like some of its appointments may want to consider adding the Luxury package to a GS 350 or GS 350 AWD. This option pairs 19-inch all-season tires with the AVS suspension and outfits the interior with wood trim, upgraded power front seats, premium leather, heated rear seats, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat climate and audio controls.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Illinois.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus GS 350 from 2008-2022.
$429/yr
vs. $729/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.96x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
7.3%
vs. 14.7% for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
As a previous owner of BMW, I think Lexus GS 350 AWD has the right balance of luxury, performance, and reliability. Its cabin is quiet and made of high quality materials. Its ride is plush and comfortable. Its performance, although not quite as good as BMW, but is pretty close. On top of that, you get the excellent reliability of Lexus, which is far better than its German competitor.
Very pleased with our GS
5 out of 5 stars
SK, 05/10/2016
2016 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
In addition to a nice look from outside, the interior is really nice. The quality of the build, and quality of the interior finishing are completely "lexus-like" and expected from them...and they deliver. Car's quiet, handles great, has amazing safety and convenience features. Has some real pep and on the highway we just got 32 MPG. We considered an Audi, BMW and MB but think the … ride's at least as good, the quality better and the anticipated reliability over the top of the others. We have a Nebula Gray, tinted, and this car is flat out classy looking. Very pleased.
2014 and now 2016 GS Fsport owner
5 out of 5 stars
Steve, 04/25/2016
2016 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Owned 2014 and recently traded in, got $2k equity for 2016 fsport. Excellent power, handling, luxury, infotainment, and all safety features (precollision system, lane departure, pedestrian alert). Love 4 wheel steering, heads up display and drive modes. Gas mileage could be better but for he money, you get lot of car. My 2014, just changed oil, filled gas and enjoyed ride. never … changed tires or brakes and it was Lexus reliable!!
Superb car
5 out of 5 stars
dogsoldier, 07/05/2015
2015 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I am very pleased with my new Lexus. I am a previous Cadillac owner. I was very satisfied with the two Cadillac STSs I drove, but after the STS was discontinued that model and I found the CTS small in comparison, I opted for the Lexus. Another advantage is the Lexus dealer, compared to the nearby Cadillac dealer. A more accurate depiction of the Cadillac dealer is a mid-service level … Chevrolet dealer who also happens to sell Cadillacs. The Chevy dealer team has a difficult time delivering a service experience consistent with a luxury vehicle purchase.
1/6/'18 update - I've now driven the car 31 of the 36 months of the lease. It may be the most trouble-free car I've had. The quality, fit and finish and reliability have been excellent. There are three minor points about the car I don't like, and their minor nature points to the quality of the car: 1) the three "stops" on the door hinges are at distances that often make it difficult to exit the car or easily reach the door to close it when seated in the car, 2) the turn signal lock does not operate conveniently and efficiently, and 3) the heights on the door armrest and the center console arm rest are not at the same height (the door armrest is too low) so on long trips the places where my elbows rest can be uncomfortable . . . clearly a first-world person's problem.
I would characterize the dealer experience as an 85 on a 100 scale. One of the service writers would get an A, two of the others would get a B. Otherwise the dealer experience has been excellent - but to be fair remember I am comparing to a Chevrolet dealer who sells Cadillacs.
Two sources tell me these cars may be discontinued, which would be a shame. I will likely buy it out of the lease because of that, and because I like the styling better than the car they are selling now after the 2016 update.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Lexus GS 350, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 350 since its last redesign.
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Scorecard
