The 2018 Lexus GS 350 is a multitalented luxury sedan that artfully blends comfort, sophistication and performance. Despite its advancing age — the current generation has been around for five years — the GS still makes a compelling choice with a well-appointed interior, eager powertrain, sure handling and a smooth ride. All-wheel drive is available for those who often drive in wet weather, and there's even an F Sport model that ratchets up the sporting quotient without sacrificing much comfort.

The heart of the GS 350 is a 311-horsepower V6 engine. It lacks the dominating thrust found in rival sedans with turbocharged or supercharged six-cylinder engines but nonetheless impresses with a smooth power delivery. Recent tech and safety upgrades, such as a full suite of driver aids including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane control, make the GS a more compelling choice than ever.

There are no significant changes for the 2018 model, although Lexus now includes its roadside and emergency assistance program free for a full 10 years, which should offer additional peace of mind for the long road trips to which the GS is so well-suited. With its incremental upgrades year over year, today's GS is even more luxurious, smooth, comfortable and engaging than it was at the outset.

Trim levels & features

The 2018 Lexus GS 350 midsize luxury sedan comes in two main versions: base and F Sport. Both are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment for the rear-wheel-drive GS 350 includes a 3.5-liter V6 engine (311 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, ambient LED cabin lighting, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats (heated and ventilated), leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel and a power rear sunshade.

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. Various 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.

Note that on the all-wheel-drive GS 350, leather upholstery is optional by way of the Premium package, which also includes the heated and ventilated front seats and power rear sunshade. A six-speed automatic transmission is used on this model instead of the eight-speed.

The rear-wheel-drive F Sport ups the ante on handling with 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension 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. All-wheel drive is available, but it's not quite as sporty and doesn't have the option for four-wheel steering or the limited-slip rear differential.

On all GS 350s, key stand-alone options include parking sensors, a premium Mark Levinson sound system and a power-operated trunk.

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 | RWD).

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.

Driving

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 performance of 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

We found the optional four-wheel dynamic rear steering 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

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 2018 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 drivers found 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

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

Most 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 made it easy for a variety of drivers to settle in comfortably at the controls with a clear view out over the hood.

Roominess

The GS 350 is a sizable car, with an interior to match. Up front you'll find lots of shoulder room as well as hip-, head- and legroom. The story is much the same in the backseat, unless you and the person seated directly ahead are both quite tall.

Visibility

4.5

The 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. It has fantastic high-beam headlights for the open road, too.

Quality

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-size center console that opens wide. Front door pockets are a decent size, but they won't hold a water bottle; rear door pockets are small but will accept a bottle. The rear center armrest has a storage bin and cupholders.

Cargo space

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. The 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

Has two pairs of LATCH anchors at the bottom and three 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 have to scoot up some.

Technology

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

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

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.

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Lexus GS 350.

3 reviews

The unrecognized competitor of the A6 and 5 series

Renee,06/27/2018

The Lexus GS350 is the luxury sport sedan that gives you the best of both worlds if you are looking for comfort and performance. It may lack a few seconds on the 0-60 time at 5.7 seconds compared to some of its German competitors, but makes up for that with the luxury features and overall quality expected from a Lexus. The F-Sport package gives the vehicle a unique styling and sportier

The Real Deal

Stan,08/10/2018

Perfect sporty and sophistication mix, throw in athletic handling, top of the line luxury inside and out, more tech features than you'll use, awesome sound system, excellent safety features, comfy seats and quiet smooth ride, ample power, and last but not least... incredible reliability, and you have a car to own that will take you on journeys for many, many, and many more miles without

Very happy with Lexus GS350 f sport

Hari ganesh,08/24/2018

Most practical sport sedan that’s also an every day commute car, comfortable seats, great handling/ride, enough acceleration, great breaking and decent fuel economy

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$52,260

MPG

19 city / 27 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

311 hp @ 6400 rpm

MSRP

$54,005

MPG

19 city / 26 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

311 hp @ 6400 rpm

MSRP

$50,565

MPG

19 city / 26 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

311 hp @ 6400 rpm

MSRP

$50,895

MPG

20 city / 28 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

311 hp @ 6400 rpm

See all 2018 Lexus GS 350 features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite GS 350 safety features:

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Also known as adaptive cruise control, this standard GS feature works all the way down to a complete stop, which isn't always the case.
Pre-Collision System w/Ped. Detection: Warns about an imminent front collision, even with a pedestrian. Can automatically apply the brakes.
Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist: Warns the driver when the GS starts to leave its lane unintentionally. Can automatically apply steering to help stay in the lane.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

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More about the 2018 Lexus GS 350

Slotting between the less sporty Lexus ES and LS models, the 2018 Lexus GS 350 takes aim at drivers who crave a bit of performance from their luxury sedan.

With a firmer ride and crisper handling than you'll find in the ES and LS, which tend to favor pure comfort over performance, the GS turns up the excitement when the road turns winding. That's not to say the GS is any less a luxury car, because it isn't — you'll still find all the features and options you'd expect from a Lexus.

The company offers a slightly confusing roster of GS models for 2018, including everything from a fuel-efficient hybrid to a roaring V8. The GS 350, with its 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, might be the best all-arounder for buyers looking to balance performance and comfort. Lighter and more nimble than the hybrid (GS 450h) yet with a more compliant ride than the more aggressive F Sport trims (and definitely cushier than the all-out high-performer GS F), the Lexus GS 350 stands out as a luxury sedan that doesn't sacrifice speed or handling. It even manages to return an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway).

Lexus' luxury amenities include heated and ventilated leather seats, automatic wipers, LED headlights, the Remote Touch infotainment system, and a trick climate system that recognizes where people are seated in the car and optimizes airflow based on that information. Buyers seeking even more performance can upgrade to the F Sport trim, which adds more aggressive wheels and tires, adaptable suspension, bigger brakes and either all-wheel steering or a limited-slip differential. The GS 350 is also available with all-wheel drive.

The upscale interior, available with optional wood accents, is spacious, quiet and comfortable. All but the tallest passengers should have no complaints about leg- or headroom in either the front or rear seats. Rear passenger comfort can be upgraded even further with optional independent climate control and audio controls.

Peace of mind comes standard: Not only does Lexus have a reputation for making reliable cars, but the GS 350 comes with a host of safety features and excellent crash test ratings. Optional forward collision mitigation with automatic braking and pedestrian detection is also available.

With impressively precise and nimble handling, powerful acceleration, and a big helping of quality and comfort, the Lexus should be on the list of any buyer interested in a luxury sports sedan. If the 2018 Lexus GS 350 is on your list, let Edmunds help you figure out which trim and features will make it the perfect car for you.

2018 Lexus GS 350 Overview

The 2018 Lexus GS 350 is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), and 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A).

What do people think of the 2018 Lexus GS 350?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Lexus GS 350 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 GS 350 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 GS 350.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Lexus GS 350 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 GS 350 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2018 Lexus GS 350?

2018 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

The 2018 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $57,499. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $6,378 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $6,378 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$51,121.

The average savings for the 2018 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is11.1% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2018 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

The 2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $57,580. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $6,399 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $6,399 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$51,181.

The average savings for the 2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is11.1% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 3 2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2018 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) 2018 Lexus GS 350 for sale near. There are currently 8 new 2018 GS 350s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $57,399 and mileage as low as 7 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Lexus GS 350. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $6,401 on a used or CPO 2018 GS 350 available from a dealership near you.

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Find a new Lexus GS 350 for sale - 8 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $25,156.

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 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.

2018 Lexus GS 350

New

Used

2018 Lexus GS 350 pricing

Which GS 350 does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Trim levels & features

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Features & Specs

Safety

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2018 Lexus GS 350 for Sale

Get more for your trade-in

2018 Lexus GS 350 Overview

What do people think of the 2018 Lexus GS 350?

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Our Review Process

What's a good price for a New 2018 Lexus GS 350?

2018 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Which 2018 Lexus GS 350s are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2018 Lexus GS 350s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Compare prices on the New Lexus GS 350 for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Lexus GS 350?

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