Model Tested: Lexus GS 350 F Sport — All Wheel Drive
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 w/Both Direct and Port Fuel Injection
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic w/Paddle Shifters
Horsepower: 311 • Torque: 280 lb-ft
EPA Rating: 19/City 26/Highway 21/Combined
Base Price: $54,105
As Tested: $60,749
Performance:
Strong acceleration and power.
Smooth, pleasant highway ride — but a bit noisy on some surfaces.
Eco/Normal, Sport and Sport+ drive modes.
Handles well — light and quick. Torque vectoring adds to responsiveness.
Decent fuel economy.
19″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels w/dark graphite finish.
Interior:
Comfortable, supportive, heated/ventilated front seats — 16-way power driver’s seat, 10-way passenger seat.
Leather seating and genuine wood trim.
Instrumentation features big gauges that are clear and easy to read, along with a huge 12.3-inch high-resolution infotainment display.
Color Head-up display.
835-watt, Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio with 17-speakers and Sirius-XM satellite radio.
Handsome, contemporary styling.
Black headliner w/decent headroom.
Good driver and front passenger legroom.
Somewhat cramped second row seating. The middle position, while supportive, is typically not comfortable enough for a long trip.
Power tilt/telescopic steering column w/heated, textured leather steering wheel.
Utility:
Large center console with decent storage.
Rain-sensing wipers.
Locking, medium size glovebox.
Auto-dimming inside/outside rear-view mirrors.
WOW Factors:
All-weather package
The Mark Levinson sound system kicks butt
One-touch, tilt-slide power moonroof
Rear power sunshade
Impressive safety features
Capable AWD system
Triple-beam LED headlights
Whines:
The Remote-touch Interface Controller is WAY too sensitive. Trying to use it to change anything and keep your eyes on the road is nearly impossible — and perhaps dangerous.
Bottom Line:
The Lexus GS 350 F Sport is fun to drive, handles well, and is a worthy super-sport sedan that holds its own against same-segment European competitors.
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