Lexus GS 350 Review

2008 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD Shown

Until recently, six-cylinder versions of the Lexus GS midsize luxury sedan had never been known for their straight-line performance. Many people considered the lack of under-hood excitement in the GS a significant shortcoming in a class populated by comparatively athletic, European-brand sedans. But fortunes changed in 2007 when the midsize Lexus sedan dropped its GS 300 badge and became the Lexus GS 350.

As its name implies, the GS 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 under its hood. With a 303-horsepower output, it outdoes its predecessor by 60 hp. Yet the GS 350 remains a luxury sedan first and foremost. It's a beautifully built car furnished with plush seating and high-tech amenities, but sport-sedan reflexes simply aren't within its grasp. Still, for consumers in the market for a fast, elegant highway car, the Lexus GS 350 should easily satisfy.

Current Lexus GS 350

Although the GS 350 name dates to 2007, the third-generation GS sedan actually debuted for 2006 as the GS 300 and GS 430. With the exception of their engines, the GS 350 and 300 are identical.

Every Lexus GS 350 comes with a sophisticated all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and variable valve timing on both its intake and exhaust valves. This V6 is rated for 303 hp and 274 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and buyers have a choice of the standard rear-wheel-drive setup or an optional all-wheel-drive system.

With the 3.5-liter V6, the Lexus GS is seriously quick, and most drivers will find its power reserves more than adequate in any situation. Overeager throttle response off the line is our only complaint about this drivetrain. Lexus claims the rear-drive GS 350 will accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds -- identical to the company's estimate for the V8-equipped GS 430.

Consumers have rated the GS 350 highly thus far, noting that it combines the high levels of luxury Lexus is known for with the kind of brisk acceleration typically found in sportier midsize luxury sedans. "Whether you feel like gliding along, city traffic or otherwise, or you feel like screeching away, this is the car," wrote one consumer reviewer.

Notable standard equipment on the Lexus GS 350 includes 17-inch wheels, xenon HID headlamps, a moonroof, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker CD audio system, Bluetooth and various memory settings for the driver and front passenger. Major options include a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, DVD navigation, a rearview camera, the Pre-Collision accident preparedness system, adaptive cruise control and various wheel/tire upgrades.

Past Lexus GS 350 models

The Lexus GS 350 is still too new to have much of a presence on the used car market. Because of the power increase on this model, though, prices on GS 300s are apt to be a bit lower, making them a solid value for buyers unconcerned by straight-line performance.

SELECT A SPECIFIC LEXUS GS 350 MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.