Vehicle Overview
Lexus redesigned its midlevel GS sedan last year, adopting the corporate grille that’s made its way across the CT 200h hatchback and LX SUV. The GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and the hybrid GS 450h gets a V-6 hybrid system. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on the GS 350. Competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CTS.
New for 2014
LED headlights are now available as are LED fog lights. A full-color readout is included with the available head-up display, and rear-wheel-drive GS 350 models get a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive GS 350 continues with a six-speed automatic. Other new features include rear cross-traffic alert and power-folding side mirrors for the blind spot warning system, and an available power trunk-lid opener. The GS 450h’s available Pre-Collision System now incorporates all-speed dynamic cruise control.
The GS now offers Siri Eyes Free mode for the iPhone 4S and 5, which enables various voice commands through Siri including placing a call, playing music from iTunes, listening to and composing text messages and emails, getting directions, performing a search, listening to notifications and calendar info, and adding reminders and appointments.
Exterior Highlights
- Spindle grille
- 17-inch alloy wheels; available 18- or 19-inch wheels
- High-intensity-discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights
- LED taillights
- Dual exhaust tips
- Power moonroof
- Available adaptive headlights
- Available rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Unique mesh grille, sport front bumper (F Sport)
- Available rear lip spoiler (F Sport)
Interior Highlights
- Seats five
- Leather upholstery
- Heated bamboo and leather steering wheel (GS 450h)
- Power front seats
- 8-inch dashboard screen; 12.3-inch screen available
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Push-button start
- Surround-sound stereo with MP3 jack, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth streaming audio
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated rear seats
- Available head-up display
- Available navigation system
- Available Mark Levinson premium stereo
- Available backseat climate, audio controls
- Available rear side window sunshades
- Available power rear sunshade
Under the Hood
- 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine (GS 350)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission (RWD) or six-speed automatic (AWD)
- Hybrid system features 3.5-liter V-6, electric motors and a high-voltage battery pack; 338 hp total (GS 450h)
- Hybrid is rear-drive only and has a continuously variable automatic transmission
- Both models use premium gas
- Available adaptive suspension; special tuning for F Sport
- Lexus Drive Mode Selector adapts drivetrain and in-car settings to: Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ (with adaptive suspension)
- Larger front brakes with high-friction pads (F Sport)
Safety Features
- 10 airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Seat-belt pretensioners on all four outboard seats
- Backup camera
- Available blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
- Available lane departure warning and mitigation
- Available Pre-Collision System
