Lexus GS 350 0-60 times

The Lexus GS comes with typically the best performance and handling features found in any other Lexus model. The GS 350, in particular, comes with a V6 engine that allows the car to combine exemplary technology and cutting-edge performance with luxury. It offers quite the competition when reviewed against other European luxury sports sedans.

The GS comes with any of the 3 powertrains: a V-6 hybrid, a V6 or a turbo-4. The turbo-4 exhibits features that you’d easily find in a competing model. It comes with an inline-4, 2.0-liter engine that generates 258 lb-ft of torque and 241 hp. It also runs on a typical 8-speed automatic transmission. Where it falls behind is in its lack of direct fuel injection. This causes it to behave indecisively prior to a transmission kick in full throttle.

The transmission also behaves unruly in uphill driving. Downshifts are prone when there’s even the slightest pressure on the throttle. The GS is also not that quick. It takes 7 seconds more to hit the 60mph mark.

The GS 350 features a better performing 3.5-liter V6 that churns about 280 lb-ft of torque and 311 hp at 3,000 rpm. The engine has direct fuel injection, changeable valve timing, 4 cams and 4 valves per cylinder. The 8-speed automatic transmission is impressive and allows the vehicle to hit 0-60mph in just 5.7 secs. Toyota has managed to channel the engine and exhaust sounds into the cabin, creating an impressive soundtrack. Despite the engine being the best in the line, it still falls short when compared to other turbos from competing models.

The Lexus GS’ owes its agile character to its fine-tuned front and rear suspensions. Combined with a stiff body and lightweight components, the car offers composed driving with little fuss. There’s also good and reliable feedback from the electric-assisted power steering.

The F Sport package comes with tightly damped ride control, instantaneous steering and crisp handling. It is highly recommended as it improves on the base model without feeling too “techy”. The only problem is that it vigorously pounds those on board when riding through potholes. More agile is the rear-wheel F Sport which comes with 2 degrees of opposite steering angle that allow for accurate navigation at high speeds and driving along sharp corners.

The GS 450h has an electronic variable transmission that features the following modes: Eco, Sport, Normal, EV and Sport+. The difference in these modes is noticeable. However, the lighter steering, lower and smaller resistance tires might take away the feeling - even with the F Sport package. Typical of hybrids, the braking is regenerative in stiffness and offers very little braking sensation.

The exterior is characterized by a spindle grille, horizontally marked tail, LED eyeliners for the headlights and an undulating sheet metal. These bring out the curves in the GS 350. The interior features a horizontally themed dashboard, LED ambient lighting, big attractive gauges, and a high-resolution display.

The GS tries to compete hard with its rivals from Europe with a calm ambiance and smooth driving even over the worst of road conditions. All-wheel drive is optional. The F Sport and hybrid models come with sport-tuned suspensions, but their infotainment system is somewhat backward.