The Lexus GS incorporates the convenience of a midsize, four-door sedan with sporty handling, giving the Japanese luxury car builder a competitor to the BMW 5 Series and Cadillac CTS. After a redesign in 2013, the GS finally had the looks to compete with the higher-class models in its segment. What's more, the addition of an optional F Sport package makes the GS 350 and even more fun car to drive.
What's New for 2015
Only a few years removed from a full redesign, the GS 350 carries over into the 2015 model year with limited changes. These include a new multimedia system that is accessed through an eight-inch screen and standard 18-inch wheels in place of last year's 17-inch rollers.
Choosing Your GS 350
Lexus has a rather simple selection process for its GS 350, as there are no traditional trim levels to choose from. Rather, there is a single trim level and five option packages to choose from, ranging from $190 to $5,745.
Under the hood of all GS 350s is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The sedan comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive system is available. In rear-wheel drive guise, the GS 350 starts out at $48,600; its all-wheel drive variant starts at $50,850.
As standard, the GS 350 comes well-equipped with 18-inch wheels, HID headlights, walnut interior trim, leather seating, 10-way power front seats, an eight-inch central control screen, Bluetooth, push-button start, Siri Eyes Free Mode, and a 12-speaker audio system. Options for the GS include blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, heads-up display, Intuitive Park Assist, a power trunk lid and a Mark Levinson audio system with 17 Green Edge speakers and 835 watts.
On top of the standalone options, the GS 350 is available with four optional packages:
Cold Weather Package
The Cold Weather package adds in all the goodies needed to handle cooler climates, including a heated steering wheel, a heavy-duty heater, headlight washers, water-repellant door glass and wiper deicers. This package adds $290 to the MSRP of rear-wheel drive models and $190 to all-wheel drive GS 350s.
Premium Package
The Premium Package adds a little more class to the GS 350 with heated and ventilated seats with Climate Concierge, a power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers. This package tacks $1,400 onto the GS 350's base price.
Navigation Package
The Navigation package costs $1,735, and it includes a navigation system with a 12.3-inch split-screen multimedia display and Lexus Enform App Suite.
Luxury Package
As if the GS 350 isn't luxurious enough, the Luxury Package steps in with key features like 18-way power front seats, adaptive front lighting, Variable Suspension with Sport S+ Mode, espresso wood trim, semi-aniline leather, and a wood-and-leather steering wheel. The Luxury Package costs $5,595 with the rear-wheel drive GS 350 and $5,745 with all-wheel drive.