Lexus GS 350 F Sport: Review, Specs, And Performance

by Alex Braham 53 views

The Lexus GS 350 F Sport is a mid-size luxury sedan that seamlessly blends performance, style, and comfort. For those seeking a sophisticated daily driver with a sporty edge, the GS 350 F Sport is definitely a contender. But what makes this car so special? Let's dive into the details.

Exterior Design: A Head-Turner

The Lexus GS 350 F Sport boasts an aggressive and athletic exterior design that sets it apart from the standard GS models. The most noticeable feature is the distinctive mesh grille, which gives the car a bold and assertive look. The F Sport also includes unique front and rear bumpers, side rocker panels, and a rear spoiler, all of which contribute to its sporty appearance. The exterior is further enhanced by the exclusive F Sport badging, which adds a touch of exclusivity. Available LED headlights and taillights not only improve visibility but also add a modern and sophisticated touch to the overall design. The aerodynamic enhancements aren't just for show; they also improve the car's stability and handling at higher speeds, making it a joy to drive on the open road.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Luxurious Experience

Stepping inside the Lexus GS 350 F Sport, you're greeted with a luxurious and well-appointed cabin. The sport seats, with enhanced bolsters, provide excellent support during spirited driving, while the premium leather upholstery adds a touch of elegance. The F Sport also features unique interior trim, including aluminum pedals and a black headliner, which further enhances the sporty ambiance. The instrument panel is well-designed and easy to read, and the controls are intuitively placed. The infotainment system features a large display screen, which can be controlled via a touchpad interface. While the touchpad can take some getting used to, it offers a wide range of features, including navigation, audio controls, and vehicle settings. The Mark Levinson premium sound system delivers exceptional audio quality, making every drive a concert-like experience. Overall, the interior of the GS 350 F Sport is a perfect blend of comfort, technology, and sporty design.

Performance and Handling: A Thrilling Ride

Under the hood, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and precise shifts. The F Sport also includes a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a firmer and more controlled ride. The combination of the powerful engine and the sport-tuned suspension makes the GS 350 F Sport a joy to drive on twisty roads. The steering is precise and responsive, and the brakes provide plenty of stopping power. The F Sport also features a unique drive mode select system, which allows you to choose between different driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. In Sport+ mode, the engine and transmission are tuned for maximum performance, and the suspension is firmed up even further. Whether you're commuting to work or carving up your favorite back road, the GS 350 F Sport delivers a thrilling and engaging driving experience.

Key Features of the Lexus GS 350 F Sport

To recap, here's a list of the key features that make the Lexus GS 350 F Sport stand out:

  • Aggressive Exterior Styling: Unique mesh grille, front and rear bumpers, side rocker panels, and rear spoiler.
  • Luxurious Interior: Sport seats with enhanced bolsters, premium leather upholstery, aluminum pedals, and black headliner.
  • Powerful Engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
  • Sport-Tuned Suspension: Provides a firmer and more controlled ride.
  • Drive Mode Select System: Allows you to choose between different driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+.
  • Advanced Technology: Large infotainment display screen, touchpad interface, and Mark Levinson premium sound system.

Diving Deeper: Engine and Performance Specs

Let's get down to brass tacks and really examine what makes the Lexus GS 350 F Sport tick, focusing especially on its engine and overall performance. The heart of this beast is its 3.5-liter V6 engine, which, as mentioned earlier, churns out a respectable 311 horsepower. But horsepower isn't everything, right? The engine's torque, at 280 lb-ft, plays a crucial role in how the car feels on the road. Torque is what gives you that immediate punch when you hit the gas, and the GS 350 F Sport has plenty of it.

The eight-speed automatic transmission is a marvel in itself. It's incredibly smooth during normal driving, but it can also snap off quick, precise shifts when you're pushing the car harder. The transmission also features paddle shifters, giving you even more control over the gear selection. This is especially handy when you're driving on a winding road and want to keep the engine in its sweet spot.

Now, let's talk about performance numbers. The Lexus GS 350 F Sport can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds, which is pretty quick for a mid-size luxury sedan. The car also has a top speed of 143 mph, although you probably won't be testing that on public roads. More importantly, the GS 350 F Sport feels confident and composed at all speeds. The engine is responsive, the transmission is smooth, and the chassis is well-balanced.

The F Sport Advantage: Suspension and Handling

Beyond the engine, what really sets the Lexus GS 350 F Sport apart is its sport-tuned suspension. This isn't just a matter of slapping on some stiffer springs and calling it a day. The F Sport's suspension has been carefully engineered to provide a balance between comfort and handling. The result is a car that feels both planted and responsive, without being overly harsh.

The F Sport's suspension also includes adaptive variable suspension (AVS), which automatically adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers based on road conditions and driving style. This helps to minimize body roll in corners and provide a smoother ride on bumpy roads. The AVS system is also integrated with the drive mode select system, so the suspension is automatically adjusted when you switch between different driving modes.

In terms of handling, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is surprisingly nimble for its size. The steering is precise and well-weighted, and the car feels eager to turn into corners. The brakes are also excellent, providing plenty of stopping power and a reassuringly firm pedal feel. Overall, the GS 350 F Sport is a fun and engaging car to drive, whether you're commuting to work or hitting the track.

Interior Aesthetics: A Comfortable Cabin

Moving inside, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport offers a cabin that's both stylish and comfortable. The sport seats are supportive and well-bolstered, keeping you in place during spirited driving. The premium leather upholstery feels soft and luxurious, and the aluminum trim adds a touch of sportiness. The black headliner is another nice touch that helps to create a more intimate and focused driving environment.

The dashboard is well-organized and easy to read, with all of the essential controls within easy reach. The infotainment system is controlled by a touchpad interface, which can take some getting used to. However, once you master the touchpad, it's a relatively intuitive way to navigate the system's various menus and features. The Mark Levinson premium sound system is a standout feature, delivering crisp and clear audio quality. Whether you're listening to music or podcasts, the Mark Levinson system will make your driving experience more enjoyable.

Summing It Up: Is the Lexus GS 350 F Sport Right for You?

So, is the Lexus GS 350 F Sport the right car for you? Well, it really depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, style, and comfort, the GS 350 F Sport is definitely worth considering. It's not the fastest or most luxurious car in its class, but it offers a well-rounded package that's hard to beat. It’s a great choice for guys who want a reliable and fun daily driver.

However, if you're looking for the absolute best in terms of performance or luxury, you might want to consider other options. Some of the GS 350 F Sport's competitors, such as the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, offer more powerful engines and more opulent interiors. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the GS 350 F Sport is right for you is to take one for a test drive and see for yourself.