When shopping for a Lexus GS 350, you’ll find that some model years stand out from the rest. Specifically, the 2017 and 2018 models offer a perfect blend of luxury and sportiness, making them top picks. On the other hand, the 2013-2015 models prioritize sportiness over comfort, while the 2016 model lacks standard advanced safety features. As you weigh your options, you’ll want to ponder what matters most to you – and which models will leave you feeling satisfied or disappointed behind the wheel.
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Key Takeaways
- 2013-2015 models prioritize sportiness, while 2016-2020 models focus on luxuriousness, with advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
- The F Sport package offers sporty styling and handling upgrades but comes with trade-offs in ride quality, tire wear, and brake wear.
- 2017 models made advanced safety features standard, and 2018 models upgraded to 19″ ten-spoke wheels, making them desirable options.
- Ride quality varies by model year, with 2016-2020 models providing a smoother ride, and regional climates influence the appeal of certain packages.
- Determining the best Lexus GS 350 model year depends on personal preferences, with factors like radar cruise, gauge cluster, and total cost of ownership to consider.
Model Year Comparison and Features
When exploring the Lexus GS 350 model years, you’ll find distinct differences between them.
The 2013-2015 models prioritize sportiness, while the 2016-2020 models focus on luxuriousness.
From 2016, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist became available.
The 2017 models made them standard, and the 2018 models upgraded to 19″ ten-spoke wheels.
Later models added blind spot monitoring and parking assist.
Consider the Luxury package for its Sport+ mode, leather, and wood steering wheel.
ML Audio is also a desirable feature.
Each model year offers unique features, so choose the one that suits your preferences.
F Sport Package and Regional Considerations
As you consider the F Sport package, you’ll find it offers a great value in the luxury market, but it’s essential to weigh its sport-tuned features against regional preferences for sportiness and luxuriousness.
If you live in an area with four seasons, the AWD F Sport model might be a better fit, as it doesn’t compromise on staggered tires or brake performance.
F Sport Value
You’ll find the F Sport package offers a unique blend of sporty styling and handling upgrades, making it a compelling option for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.
As a GS owner, you’ll appreciate the F Sport’s sport-oriented trim, which provides staggered tires and high-performance brakes on rear-wheel drive models.
While it’s not a high-performance sports sedan, the F Sport package is considered the best value-priced sport option in the luxury market.
However, be aware that it comes with a trade-off in ride quality, tire wear, and brake wear.
Regional Preferences
Regional climates and driving habits can significantly influence the appeal of the F Sport package in the Lexus GS 350.
As a luxury vehicle owner, you may prioritize sportiness in regions with mild weather or opt for a more refined driving experience in areas with harsher conditions.
Your regional preferences will dictate whether the F Sport’s trade-offs in ride quality, tire wear, and brake wear are worth the sport-tuned suspension and aggressive styling.
Consider your driving habits and local climate when deciding between the F Sport and Luxury packages to find the best fit for your needs.
AWD Models
When considering the Lexus GS 350, your regional climate plays a significant role in determining the suitability of all-wheel drive (AWD) models, particularly those equipped with the F Sport package.
If you live in an area with four distinct seasons, an AWD model with the F Sport package might be the way to go.
- AWD models have a six-speed transmission, unlike most RWD models with an eight-speed transmission.
- The F Sport package is available on AWD models, but without staggered tires or high-performance brakes.
- Ride quality, tire wear, and brake wear may be compromised with the F Sport package.
- Regional preferences for sportiness and luxuriousness may vary, making the F Sport package a good balance for some.
Personal Preferences and Model Years
Determining the best Lexus GS 350 model year ultimately comes down to personal preferences.
You might prefer the sportiness of the 2013-2015 models or the luxuriousness of the 2016-2020 models.
If you’re looking for a refined driving experience, the Luxury package might be the way to go, with premium options like ML Audio.
On the other hand, if you want a sportier ride, the F-Sport model could be your best bet.
Consider what features matter most to you, like radar cruise or a better gauge cluster, and choose a model year that fits your needs.
GS 350 Models Comparison and Experience
You’ll find significant differences in the GS 350 models, particularly between the 2015 and 2019/2020 versions.
The 2015 GS350 AWD F Sport is a fabulous car with great styling and driving experience, but lacks radar cruise, a major negative.
In contrast, the 2019/2020 GS350 AWD F Sport has a better gauge cluster, ride, and interior noise.
When choosing a model, consider the following:
- The 6-speed transmission in AWD models is smooth and doesn’t hunt or change gears excessively when turning corners, making for a sporty driving experience.
- The Luxury package is a desirable choice, including premium options like Sport+, leather, and a wood steering wheel.
- The ML Audio feature is a desirable option, but its availability varies depending on the model year and trim.
- The F Sport trim offers a more aggressive look and sport-tuned suspension for a more engaging drive.
Advanced Tech Features and Cruise Control
As you step into the GS 350’s cabin, you’re surrounded by a suite of advanced tech features designed to augment your driving experience.
The dynamic cruise control system, for instance, allows you to set a desired speed and following distance, making long highway drives more relaxing.
Additionally, the blind spot monitoring system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot, enhancing safety on the road.
Other features include a premium sound system, navigation, and a rearview camera, all seamlessly integrated into the cabin’s design to provide a comfortable and connected drive.
Lexus GS 4th Gen (L10) Facelift (2016-2020)
In 2016, Lexus launched a refreshed GS 350, marking a significant midpoint update for the fourth-generation model.
This facelift brought notable improvements, including a more powerful 3.5L V6 engine producing 311 hp and an optional 2.0L turbo-four producing 241 hp for RWD models.
Most models came equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, except AWD GS 350s which retained six-speed transmissions.
- RWD and AWD options were available for most models, offering flexibility in driving conditions and preferences.
- Advanced safety features, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and brake hold, were introduced as standard or optional depending on the trim level.
- The interior and exterior design were updated to provide a more luxurious and refined driving experience.
- The hybrid model continued with 338 hp, unchanged from the previous generation.
Lexus GS 4th Gen (L10) Pre-Facelift (2006-2015)
You’ll notice that the Lexus GS 4th Gen (L10) Pre-Facelift (2006-2015) underwent significant changes throughout its five model years.
Comparing the model years, you’ll see that the engine options evolved, with a focus on increasing horsepower and introducing new technologies like direct injection.
As you delve into this generation, consider how the balance between sportiness and luxuriousness shifted, and how these changes impacted the overall driving experience.
Model Year Comparison
The Lexus GS 4th Gen (L10) Pre-Facelift, spanning from 2006 to 2015, underwent significant changes throughout its nine-year production run.
You’ll notice differences in engine options and power output across model years.
- In 2006, the GS launched with a 245-hp 3.0L V6 and a 300-hp 4.3L V8 engine.
- By 2007, the GS430’s engine was downrated to 290 hp, and a direct-injected 3.5L V6 with 303 hp was introduced.
- The 2008 model year saw the introduction of a 4.6L GS 460 V8 engine with 342 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Later model years offered a hybrid V6 model, producing 340 hp, and the 3.5L V6 engine remained available in the GS 350 model.
Sportiness Vs Luxuriousness
When it concerns the Lexus GS 4th Gen (L10) Pre-Facelift, buyers face a pivotal decision: prioritize sportiness or luxuriousness.
If you’re after a more dynamic drive, the 2013-2015 models are your best bet, offering a sportier experience. However, if luxuriousness is your top priority, the 2016-2020 models provide a smoother ride and advanced features.
You can also opt for the F Sport package for a sportier vibe, but be aware it may compromise on ride quality and tire wear. Alternatively, the Luxury package offers premium options for a refined drive.
Ultimately, your regional preferences will also play a role in this decision.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Lexus ES 330, Lexus IS 300, Lexus IS 350 and Lexus SC430. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
