2017 Lexus GS F

2017 Lexus GS F Review

“The most intense Lexus sedan yet, the 2017 GS F offers high performance with comfort and style.”
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by Jason Kavanagh
Edmunds Editor

Edmunds expert review

The GS F elevates Lexus' sport sedan game to its highest level yet. By borrowing the high-performance V8 from its RC F coupe and revising its brakes and suspension, Lexus has infused plenty of attitude into the 2017 GS F.

Now that the GS F has received continuously variable dampers, one of its primary needs has been addressed. It now promises the kind of latitude in ride quality that it lacked last year. The only other areas of improvement that continue to stand out are the Remote Touch interface and the few ways to tailor the look and feel of the GS F to your liking.

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What's new for 2017

The Lexus GS F gets continuously variable dampers for 2017.

We recommend

The choice of trim level for the 2017 Lexus GS F is easy because there is only one. In fact, the only decision you have to make is which of its four options to choose. We say go for the Mark Levinson premium audio system if you enjoy music other than the V8 engine. The other options — polished wheels, orange brake calipers — are cosmetic, and the head-up display is simply unnecessary.
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Trim levels & features

Because Lexus has made the GS F its range-topping model, it comes equipped with a long list of standard features. In fact, the only optional features are premium audio, orange-painted brake calipers, polished wheels and a head-up display. All of the performance-related stuff is covered in the base price, including its fancy new continuously variable dampers, known as F-Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) in Lexus-speak.

The GS F is equipped with a non-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 (467 horsepower, 389 pound-feet of torque) that is backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the RC F coupe, the GS F is offered exclusively with an electronically controlled differential. (The RC F offers this unit as an option over a mechanical Torsen differential, which we prefer.)

Among its long list of standard equipment are 10-way power-adjustable seats, automatic wipers, forged 19-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, Lexus Enform Remote (a smartphone app that includes a vehicle finder, remote unlocking and starting, and climate control operation), a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, a backup camera, a 12-speaker audio system and navigation.

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Driving

The GS F is the quickest GS you can buy, and our experience with the non-F variant as a solid performer with a rewarding driving character bodes well for the even higher-performing GS F.

Acceleration

With 467 horsepower, the GS F is no slouch, though its competition offers even more firepower.

Braking

The GS F has larger brake discs with big six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers to better deal with repeated stops from the higher speeds it is capable of attaining.

Steering

We've found the non-F's steering is decent, though feedback is minimal. We expect the F to improve on this.

Handling

Rather than an out-and-out performance car, the GS F is expected to shine better on the road than on the track, as is the case with the similar RC F coupe.

Comfort

The addition of continuously variable dampers this year promises to balance comfort and handling better than ever.

Seat comfort

Shared with the RC F, the GS F's seats are exquisitely comfortable and offer decent support for hard driving.

Ride comfort

Active, adaptive variable dampers help the GS F deliver improved ride quality and more control for fast driving.

Interior

A large, highly functional interior with very good materials and high assembly quality is slightly offset by a unique but awkward infotainment control setup.

Ease of use

The highlight and downfall of the GS' otherwise-logical interior is the mouse-based infotainment system. It's a novel approach, but it's confusing and inconsistent and demands too much attention.

Getting in/getting out

In traditional Lexus fashion, the GS is built for real people. The doors are wide, the sills are narrow and the seats are relatively high. It's an easy performance sedan to get in and out of.

Roominess

The GS is a big car, and the interior reflects the size. Front passengers will enjoy lots of hip-, head- and legroom as well as shoulder room. The story is the same in the back unless you are very tall.

Visibility

Excellent forward visibility thanks to small pillars and minimal blindspots. Front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera take care of the rest. Fantastic high-beam headlights on the open road.

Quality

Lexus cars are built to a high standard, and the GS F is no exception. Interior materials are stunning, and the controls feel precise and solid in your hands. Body panels are well matched, and gaps are consistent.

Utility

A useful variety of interior storage options is offset by a small trunk and a backseat that doesn't fold down.

Small-item storage

The cabin has plenty of storage cubbies.

Cargo space

The rear seatbacks don't fold, which limits your ability to haul long objects.

Edmunds expert 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.

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