In the 2013 model year, Lexus introduced the fourth-generation effort of the driver-friendly GS sedan, first unveiled twenty years earlier in March of 1993.
Lexus U.S. sales in the 2014 calendar year totaled 311,389, up a heathy 13.7 percent from 2013's 273,847 and ranking as the division's second-best sales year ever. Of that, 22,198 counted as GS sales, up from 19,742 a year earlier.
During the past several years, Lexus easily outsold Asian upscale rivals Acura (Honda's upscale brand) and Infiniti (Nissan's luxury answer) in the U.S. Toyota debuted its upmarket Lexus label in 1989.
The 2015 Lexus sedan lineup includes the entry-luxury ES, full-size V-8 powered flagship LS and two mid-size choices: the IS sports sedan and higher-volume ES, competing competently in price and performance with the Mercedes-Benz E-Series, BMW 5 Series and recently introduced mid-size Infiniti Q50.
The mid-size GS four door arrives standard with performance-minded rear-wheel drive and for us upper Midwesterners, an optional all-wheel drive, seamlessly splitting front-rear torque for optimal traction and ride quality.
Much of what's new for GS 350 in 2015 centers around the in-dash multi media center and all it now encompasses through a high-resolution eight-inch center screen. Upgrade to the navigation package and screen size swells to 12.3 inches. Also new in 2015; standard 18-inch split five-spoke wheels.
One decently-equipped trim level eases decision making, although all-wheel vs. rear-wheel drive needs answering. Many stand-alone options fall into the high-tech safety sphere including rear cross traffic alert with blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, pre-collision warning and park assist. Several option bundles are also available.
The sole gasoline engine powering the GS 350 is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter (thus the '350' suffix) V-6 cranking out 306 horses. Lexus retired a V-8 GS family engine option during the fourth-generation debut since V-6s accounted for a majority of Gen three transactions. With rear-drive, the V-6 teams with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Opt for all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic comes along for the ride.
Because Lexus offers the most gas-electric hybrid vehicles of any luxury brand, it's no surprise GS steps up to the plate with the rear-wheel-drive GS 450h (h denotes hybrid) requiring no nightly plug in as the on-board nickel-metal hydride battery self charges during driving hours.
Our black, all-wheel-drive tester checked in at $50,850. Options included a $900 windshield projected heads-up display, $2,000 pre-collision warning, $700 blind-spot monitor $170 cargo net/truck mat and $4,640 F Sport package brining the bottom line to $60,185 with $925 destination charge. The lowest-priced 2015 GS 350 starts at $48,600 with rear-drive.
The optional F Sport package includes wide side bolsters for driver seats, adaptive variable suspension, larger front brakes (rear-wheel editions), special side and rear badging, 16-way power driver's seat and sports plus drive mode. Also thrown in are Premium option package items of rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade and heated and ventilated front seats.
The all-wheel-drive 2015 GS 350 experienced real-world testing during 2015's largest snowfall to date, Super Snow-Bowl Sunday. After selection of a 'snow' button, the all-wheel-drive GS gripped immaculately, without slip during a 20-mile drive through semi-plowed suburban pavement trails. The GS 350 performed predictably better than Seattle's end-of-game effort. Expect sure-footed handling whether on snow or dry pavement and a suspension more tilted toward smooth, not harsh.
Lexus set the benchmark for quite interiors and GS 350 carries on this library-like interior, muffling wind and road sounds. Drivers enjoy multi-adjustable, supportive leather seats. With a vertical floor hump traversing the middle, two adult passengers fit with optimal comfort in back; three for short-term maneuvers. An arm rest pass through allows truck access.
Push-button start comes standard as does a three-month satellite radio subscription. An easily digestible flat instrument panel, backlit with white lighting contrasts nicely with a circular, elegant center-dash analog clock.
Between front buckets; a chrome twist dial for choosing among normal, sport, eco and sport plus driving modes and aforementioned snow selection. The well-executed arm rest/storage bin includes several 'stop' points allowing the cover to slide back and halt at given extensions. This allows access to portable electronic plug in and power ports below the leather top, which also lifts up when slid all the way back.
The power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel motors up and inward automatically while the supportive and comfy driver's bucket seat scoots back several inches when touching off the ignition, making exiting GS 350 that much easier. As with most Toyota family vehicles, a small square steering wheel 5 o'clock appendage operates cruise control. Our tester's high-quality interior's noir theme of black dash, doors and seats got accented with brushed aluminum F-sport highlights and white stitching.
A second-generation remote touch interface worked in tandem with up-sized 12.3-inch color multi-purpose screen snuggly set deep within the wide top center dash. The screen itself is not touch-sensitive, but remotely operated from a square, mouse-like wiggle pad between the buckets commanding between map, audio, temperature and Bluetooth screen options. A rearward narrow arch cushion acts as a rest pad easing right-hand wrist fatigue and potential carpel tunnel flare ups. Often-summoned 'map' and 'menu' buttons reside ahead of the wiggle pad reachable via fingertips. This all may sound cumbersome, but workable after a couple dry runs and an improvement over the Generation One version.
Besides commanding temperature settings through the in-dash screen interface, push pads along the lower center dash allow driver and shot-gun rider to operate dual temperature controls, fan speed and direction.
During the fourth-generation intro, GS incorporated new family badging; a 'spindle' front grille, with centered circular Lexus logo, soon to grace all Lexus family members; adding a talking point to otherwise conservative styling cues prominent in Asian luxury offerings. The F Sport option package adds mesh influencing to the spindle and 19-inch split five-spoke wheels.
Flanking this bold statement are arrow-shaped, LED daytime running lights and high-intensity discharge headlights. A power moon- roof comes standard. Ten exterior colors include a new-for-2015 Atomic Silver. F Sport packages include a rear trunk lip spoiler and 19-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels.
At Detroit's 2015 North American International Auto Show last month, Lexus unveiled a track-ready GS 'F,' another addition to the high-performance 'F' line not to be confused with optional F performance package option available in Lexus models (the key distinction found under the hood).
The GS F boasts a 5.0-liter V-8 cranking out 467 horses. Lexus launched the high-performance 'F' sub category in 2008. About 1,600 GS F editions are on tap for delivery in 2016. Get close up and personal with the GS F at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show Saturday, Feb. 14 through Sunday Feb. 22 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The fuel tank holds 17.4 gallons of required 91-octane premium fuel. Our all-wheel-drive tester projected fuel economy of 19 miles per gallons city and 26 mpg highway. Add three miles more per gallon highway for rear-wheel-drive. The truck accommodates a mid-size average 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space with space tire stowed under the flat floor.
At a Glance
2015 GS 350
Price as tested: $60,185
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 306
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Overall Length: 190.7 inches
Overall Width: 72.4 inches
Curb Weight: 3,891 pounds
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: 70,000 miles/72 months
Assembly: Japan
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