When it comes to sedans, most look alike.
Yes, there are differences, such as placement of along the sides, angles to headlight assemblies or the number and placement of rear tailpipes.
For the most part, the design is bland as the manufacturer can do little with transforming a shoebox, which is the basic look of a sedan, into an exotic carriage on four wheels.
That is why other essentials, such as powertrain, comforts and safety matter. They make all the difference in the appeal and character of a sedan.
The
2015 Lexus GS 350 four-door, five-passenger midsize luxury sedan possesses high-quality character. It was noticeable at the outset of a recent test week in a GS350.
New for this year, the GS 350 offers a new multi-media system, standard 18-inch wheels and an available F Sport package that includes adaptive variable suspension.
The steering wheel automatically tipped up and out of the way when entering or exiting the car. That was a mild hint of luxury goodies in this sedan.
The hint becomes more pronounced after the driver again enters that same vehicle and is seated comfortably, and a memory control returns the seat and steering wheel to preset positions.
There is memory for three drivers including positions of the power driver's seat, steering wheel and heated and power exterior mirrors.
Consumers can choice their GS 350 equipped with available "Premium," "Luxury" or "F SPORT" packages for greater personalization. The '15 models wear the brand's signature spindle grille, new deep-set headlights and L-shaped LED daytime running lights.
Pricing starts at $48,600 ($900 increase from 2014) for the rear-wheel-drive version of this sedan. The tested GS 350, though, was all-wheel-drive model which has a starting price of $50,850 ($1,000 increase from 2015).
The steering wheel does more than make room for the driver. It also tilts and telescopes into a position most comfortable to the driver. Behind the leather-clad wheel are paddle shifters if one wants the thrill of a shiftable automatic transmission.
Besides the usual power features on a luxury sedan (express windows, foldable and heated exterior mirrors, heated front perforated leather seats and door locks), there is a power one-touch tilt and slide, open and close moonroof.
The cabin's trim is plush (lots of leather) and the ride is on the order of living in a cocoon. A self-leveling suspension system detects road imperfections in nanoseconds and responds accordingly.
This adaptive suspension system means the bumps and bruises of rough highways are not felt in the cabin. The cabin is tightly wrapped making conversations between front and rear seat passengers doable. This is a very quiet car. All models provide 14.3 cubic feet of luggage room in the trunk.
The independent suspension system on this welded steel unibody car includes double wishbone with coil springs, gas shocks and a stabilizer bar in front with multilinks with coil springs, gas shocks and a stabilizer bar in the rear. There is electronically modulated damping.
A 12-speaker Lexus Premium sound system will not disappoint and highlights are high definition radio with iTunes tagging, voice recognition and simplicity of controls for AM-FM-satellite radio, compact disc and MP3 players, USB audio port and Bluetooth connectivity to iPods and other personal devices. A 17-speaker, 835-watt Mark Levinson sound system is an option. A unique touch in all GS 350 models is an analog clock carved from a single ingot of aluminum and uses LED indicators.
Navigation with a 12.3-inch screen is in a $2,000 package that includes eight million points of interest and can display information in English, French and Spanish. The optional nav system also has up-to-date traffic and weather, projects speed of vehicle on the windshield for the driver, offers 3D city views and will automatically display nearby fuel stations if running low on premium gasoline.
The powertrain is no slouch. The advanced 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine can propel the 3,891-pound GS350 with AWD from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about six seconds. The RWD version has been tested in 5.7 seconds, and reached a top speed of 142 miles per hour. An athletic car, the GS350 can make nifty sharp turns at high speeds and keep its balance. Debuting for 2015 is a new eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters for the rear-wheel drive model. The AWD continues with a six-speed sequential-shift automatic. During the test week in combined city and highway driving, fuel usage averaged 23.3 miles per gallon with two adults aboard. The 17.4-gallon fuel tank should be filled with unleaded premium gasoline.
Brakes are discs, 13.1-inch ventilated in front, 12.2-inch ventilated in the rear. They are capable of stopping this car from a speed of 60 miles per hour in a distance of less than 115 feet. This puts the GS350 in the elite category as far as stopping power is concerned. Brakes have two piston calipers in front and single piston sliding calipers in the rear. More braking power is offered in an option package that includes 14-inch brake rotors, each controlled by four calipers.
This year standard P245 tires are mounted on 18-inch alloy wheels. Last year they were 17-inchers.
Safety features include traction and stability controls, antilock brakes, brake assist and brakeforce distribution, airbags in front, on the sides and overhead. The side airbags are for both rows of seats, not just the front. There are separate knee airbags, too. At last count there were 10 airbags.
For owners, the first and second scheduled maintenance services are free. Lodging is provided for emergency breakdowns more than 100 miles from home. Roadside assistance continues for four years or 50,000 miles.
FAST FACTSVehicle: 2015 Lexus GS 350
Type: all-wheel-drive, four-door, five-passenger midsize luxury sedan
Price: $50,850
Engine: 3.5-liter, 24-valve, double overhead cam, 306-horsepower V6
Transmission: six-speed shiftable (paddles) automatic
Wheels: 18-inch, twin five-spoke alloy
Tires: 235 all-season
Brakes: discs, 13.1-inch ventilated front, 12.2-inch ventilated rear
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 190.7 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Weight: 3,891 pounds
Fuel tank: 17.4 gallons
Fuel: premium
Trunk: 14.3 cubic feet
Legroom: 42.3 inches front, 36.8 inches rear
Turning circle: 37.4 feet
Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles with roadside assistance, five years or 70,000 miles powertrain, free first and second scheduled maintenance, lodging for emergency breakdown more than 100 miles from home
Assembly: Japan
Information: www.lexus.com