Autos.ca Test Drive: 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD Luxury Car Review

2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD. Click image to enlarge

Just as the sound incited pleasure, the power invited further aggression or needless downshifts on the paddle shifters, bringing the engine up into its peak power range, where it makes a maximum of 306 hp at 6,400 rpm. Peak torque arrives at 4,800 rpm, a total of 277 lb-ft available. These high-rpm peaks mean you can floor the go-pedal and the all-wheel-drive system and 235/40R19 tires bite and launch as the power builds. There is no squealing rubber or dancing tail, and the acceleration gently plants you in your seat, and Lexus estimates the 0–100 km/h at 5.9 seconds for the GS 350 AWD, not bad for this 1,805-kilo heavyweight, and I never felt the want for more speed.

While the engine hits all the right notes, the six-speed transmission seemed ordinary — smooth, but ordinary. It does offer manual mode with paddle shifters, but I far preferred leaving it in standard drive mode, but dialing up the intensity by shifting the whole car into Sport+ mode, which sharpens transmission, throttle response, the adaptive variable suspension, and engine. I think one sign of the successful makeover of this car is the fact that I kept going back to Sport+ mode, whereas I was happy driving the 528i around in Eco Pro mode — bit of a paradigm shift, there, if you ask me. Also impressive was the discernible shift in comfort and handling between normal and Sport+ mode; the mid-level Sport setting only adjusted throttle and engine response. And apparently there was an Eco mode that I never used… I just couldn’t resist the growl of the engine and the responsiveness in every performance aspect.

2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD. Click image to enlarge

On the go, the GS 350 also offered more athleticism than I ever felt comfortable exploring on public roads. Turn-in was always crisp and sharp, braking natural and linear, and steering was just weighty enough to feel purposeful without being irritating when parking, and it firms up even more when you are really going hard on acceleration and braking. Steering feedback was also right there for this class of vehicle, matching the BMW 528i I drove recently, although I’d have to save the best-in-class tag for a head-to-head comparison with its European and Japanese competitors.

It seems to me that the GS has finally outgrown its awkward teenage years and is hitting its performance prime, and offers a perfect contrast to the luxurious and mellow LS, and at a price that makes mockery of the German brands’ pricing and packaging strategy. Perhaps they can afford to use exclusive pricing, but the Lexus will turn heads on price alone, and reel in shoppers with looks and a new reputation for performance. Whether or not it is best in class, it is a fully matured sport sedan that defines its own character in style and luxury, while matching or exceeding the performance of the benchmark German sedans.

Pricing: 2012 Lexus GS 350 AWD
Base Price: $54,900
Options: F-Sport Package $4,800 (Drive Mode Select with Sport+ mode, 3-spoke F-Sport steering wheel, front and rear adaptive suspension (AVS), P235/40R19, 19-inch F-Sport alloy wheels, F-Sport 16-way power adjustable leather driver seat, 10-way power adjustable leather passenger seat, F-Sport front grille, F-Sport rear spoiler, metallic accents, Aluminum sport pedals with rubber inserts, F-Sport shift knob, F-Sport scuff plates, delete fog lights)
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $1,950
Price as tested: $61,750

Specifications
Buyer’s Guide: 2013 Lexus GS