What's New
- The 2020 Lexus GS carries over unchanged for 2020
Pros & Cons
- Classy, spacious cabin and long standard features list
- Comfortable ride and lithe handling
- Potent engine lineup
- Distracting infotainment controller
- Many class rivals are more fuel-efficient
- Expensive base price
Lexus GS Overview
Though the Lexus GS mid-size luxury sedan is historically one of Lexus’ most avant-garde models, it is losing its edge. It is the oldest sedan in the Lexus lineup, last redesigned back in 2012 and last refreshed for 2015.
Today, the lineup has been pared down to two decently equipped models powered by the same 311-horsepower V6, both with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The super high-performance GS-F model that is far faster and far more expensive remains the flagship of the line. Like the smaller IS and larger LS sedans, the GS is confident on twisty roads and eminently composed on the highway, and acceleration is respectable, if not class-leading. The same is true of its cabin, which is nice enough but pales in comparison to most of its competition.
Lexus’ decision to carry over the GS essentially unchanged lends some credence to the rumors of its demise that have been circulating for the past few years. Still, if a proven, familiar design is high on your list of requisites, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a mid-level luxury sedan that has changed less in the last decade.
Trim Specifications
With 2019’s price-leading GS300 model discontinued for 2020, the GS350 has become the new base model, equipped more or less identically to the slightly more expensive, ostensibly sportier F-Sport model. Heated front seats, navigation, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated exterior mirrors are all standard.
The F Sport model–not to be confused with performance-focused GS-F–rides on 19-inch staggered-width wheels and tires (compared to the 18s on the non-F Sport model) and wears zoomier bodywork. Curiously, the all-wheel-drive version of the standard GS350 is $330 cheaper than the rear-drive model, though with the F-Sport model all-wheel drive costs $1,745, a normal surcharge for the feature.
All-wheel-drive and a sonorous, 467-horsepower V8 comes standard with the fast, if pricey, GS-F.
Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles
6 Years/70,000 Miles
6 Years/Unlimited Miles
4 Years/Unlimited Miles
1 Years/10,000 Miles
Specs & Safety
Lexus GS Specification
Lexus GS Safety
NHTSA: Not Rated