2013 Lexus GS 350 Review

This redesigned luxury sedan is enhanced inside and out

Consumer Reports magazine: December 2012

Redesigned for 2012, the GS luxury sedan is notably improved inside and out. Those upgrades helped boost its overall road-test score from that of its 2006 GS 300 predecessor. The GS 350 now goes head to head with the Mercedes-Benz E350 and BMW 535i, but it still trails the best-in-class Audi A6 and Infiniti M37.

The difference is easily felt from the driver’s seat. The ride is supple and controlled, handling is responsive, and the 306-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers quick acceleration and plenty of power for passing and merging. We measured 21 mpg overall, which is very competitive for this class. One blemish: In contrast to the silky-smooth engines we’ve come to expect from Lexus, this V6 has a raspy edge when it’s revved. It’s supposed to sound sporty, but it just sounds gruff.

Inside, occupants will find a quiet, nicely finished cabin. The driver has plenty of room, unlike in the cramped cockpit of the previous GS. Our biggest complaint with the interior is that it’s marred by a newfangled control system that relies on a giant video display and mouse-like controller that’s distracting and complex.