Lexus GS 350 F Sport: Review, Specs, And Performance
Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the Lexus GS 350 F Sport, a car that perfectly blends luxury with a sporty edge. If you're looking for a sedan that offers both comfort and thrilling performance, this might just be the ride for you. We'll cover everything from its design and features to its performance and overall driving experience. Buckle up, because we’re about to explore what makes the GS 350 F Sport a standout in its class.
Exterior Design: Sleek and Sporty
The Lexus GS 350 F Sport makes a bold statement with its aggressive and aerodynamic design. The signature spindle grille, a hallmark of Lexus's modern design language, is prominently featured, giving the car a distinctive and recognizable front fascia. The F Sport variant enhances this with a unique mesh pattern and a more pronounced lower spoiler, adding to its sporty appeal. Flanking the grille are sleek LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights, providing excellent visibility and a modern aesthetic. The sculpted hood and sharp lines flowing along the sides contribute to the car's dynamic profile, making it look fast even when it's standing still.
Moving to the rear, the GS 350 F Sport continues to impress with its LED taillights and integrated rear spoiler. The dual exhaust outlets, finished in a sporty chrome, add to the car's performance-oriented look. The overall design is cohesive and well-executed, balancing elegance with aggression. The F Sport model also includes unique badging and specific wheel designs, further setting it apart from the standard GS 350. These subtle yet impactful details make the F Sport a head-turner on the road.
Available exterior colors range from sophisticated shades like Obsidian and Nebula Gray Pearl to more vibrant options like Ultrasonic Blue Mica and Matador Red Mica. Each color choice enhances the car's design in its own way, allowing buyers to personalize their GS 350 F Sport to their liking. The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident, making the Lexus GS 350 F Sport a visually stunning vehicle that commands attention.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside the Lexus GS 350 F Sport, you're greeted with a luxurious and well-appointed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, wrapped in high-quality leather with contrast stitching. The F Sport seats offer enhanced bolstering, keeping you secure during spirited driving. The interior design is driver-focused, with all controls and features easily accessible. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a large 12.3-inch infotainment display taking center stage. This screen is crisp and clear, providing access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings.
The infotainment system is controlled via Lexus's Remote Touch Interface, a joystick-like controller located on the center console. While it may take some getting used to, the system is intuitive and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing seamless connectivity with your smartphone. The GS 350 F Sport also features a premium Mark Levinson sound system, delivering exceptional audio quality throughout the cabin. With 17 speakers and 835 watts of power, this system provides an immersive listening experience.
In terms of technology, the GS 350 F Sport is packed with features. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These safety features provide added peace of mind on the road. The GS 350 F Sport also offers optional features such as a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Overall, the interior of the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is a comfortable and technologically advanced space, making every drive a pleasure.
Performance and Handling: A Thrilling Ride
Under the hood, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive acceleration. The GS 350 F Sport can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds, making it a quick and engaging sedan. The engine is refined and quiet at cruising speeds, but it comes alive when you put your foot down, providing a satisfying burst of power.
The F Sport variant includes a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances the car's handling capabilities. The suspension is firm yet compliant, providing a comfortable ride while also minimizing body roll in corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you confidence and control behind the wheel. The GS 350 F Sport also features selectable drive modes, allowing you to customize the car's performance to your preferences. Choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes, each offering a different driving experience.
In Sport+ mode, the car's throttle response is sharpened, the steering becomes heavier, and the suspension firms up even further. This mode is perfect for spirited driving on winding roads. The GS 350 F Sport also offers available all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions. Whether you're commuting to work or tackling a twisty back road, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport delivers a thrilling and rewarding driving experience. The combination of a powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and precise steering makes it a true driver's car.
Fuel Economy: Balancing Power and Efficiency
When it comes to fuel economy, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport strikes a reasonable balance between power and efficiency. The rear-wheel-drive model achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets slightly lower figures at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. These numbers are competitive for a V6-powered sedan in this class. While the GS 350 F Sport isn't the most fuel-efficient option on the market, it offers enough efficiency to make it a practical daily driver.
Real-world fuel economy can vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you spend most of your time in the city or have a heavy foot, you may see lower numbers. However, on long highway drives, it's possible to achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. The GS 350 F Sport also includes features like Eco mode, which optimizes the car's performance for maximum fuel efficiency. By using Eco mode and driving conservatively, you can further improve your gas mileage.
Overall, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport offers acceptable fuel economy for its class. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option, it provides a good balance between power, performance, and efficiency. If fuel economy is a top priority, there are other sedans on the market that offer better numbers. However, if you're looking for a car that delivers both thrills and reasonable gas mileage, the GS 350 F Sport is worth considering.
Pricing and Value: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Lexus GS 350 F Sport is positioned as a premium sedan, and its price reflects that. The starting MSRP for the GS 350 F Sport is around $52,000, which is competitive with other luxury sedans in its class. However, the final price can vary depending on the options and packages you choose. Adding features like all-wheel drive, a head-up display, or the Mark Levinson sound system can significantly increase the price.
When evaluating the value of the GS 350 F Sport, it's important to consider what you're getting for your money. This car offers a compelling combination of luxury, performance, and technology. It's well-built, comfortable, and packed with features. The GS 350 F Sport also has a strong reputation for reliability, which can save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. Additionally, Lexus offers excellent customer service and a comprehensive warranty, providing added peace of mind.
Compared to its competitors, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport offers a unique blend of attributes. Some rivals may offer more advanced technology or a more luxurious interior, while others may provide better performance. However, the GS 350 F Sport strikes a balance between these factors, making it a well-rounded and appealing choice. Ultimately, whether or not it's worth the investment depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value luxury, performance, reliability, and a strong brand reputation, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is definitely worth considering.
Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Luxury Sport Sedan
In conclusion, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is a well-rounded luxury sport sedan that offers a compelling package of style, comfort, performance, and technology. Its sleek exterior design, luxurious interior, and powerful V6 engine make it a joy to drive. The F Sport variant enhances the car's sporty appeal with its unique styling cues and sport-tuned suspension. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient or technologically advanced option in its class, the GS 350 F Sport strikes a good balance between these factors.
If you're in the market for a luxury sedan that delivers both thrills and refinement, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is definitely worth considering. It's a car that you can enjoy every day, whether you're commuting to work or taking a weekend road trip. The GS 350 F Sport offers a rewarding driving experience, a comfortable and well-appointed interior, and a strong reputation for reliability. With its combination of attributes, it's a standout in its class and a testament to Lexus's commitment to quality and innovation. So, go ahead and give the GS 350 F Sport a test drive – you might just find your next dream car!