Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD

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2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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Finally a little more power, a little more luxury and a little more pricey of a test car. It has been awhile since I have been in a luxury automobile, and I was beginning to forget what it was like. But I suppose this week’s tester is a little more than just a little more car, at nearly triple last week’s price, power output and luxury features, but from the same Toyota family.

So what do we have here? It is an all-new for 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD that has a starting price of $54,900. Of course, as expected, my tester is full-jam, with the Technology Plus Package added, for an additional $13,950… nearly the price of a small car on its own.

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So obviously this vehicle is all-wheel drive; there also is a rear-wheel drive variant available for $51,900. Both powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that outputs 306 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting and paddle shifters on the steering wheel; these offer the ability to downshift with an automatic throttle blip.

Standard features include an eight-inch display, Lexus Premium Audio, luxurious LED interior lighting, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, 10-way adjustable seats and more. Of course the Technology Plus package takes this Lexus to a whole new level. Included in the $13,950 package are far too many features to list without rambling on like a fool. But some of the notable ones include an upgraded 12.3-inch display with Navigation and backup camera, 18-way adjustable heated and cooled front passenger and driver’s seats, heated rear seats, rear sunshade, 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, radar-based cruise control, night-vision system, and a heated steering wheel.

Hopefully that will be enough of a luxury fix for me this week. It seems this car has nearly every feature I could want or desire, but I’m sure I’ll find something missing. The road leading to my home is a bumpy nightmare, so I’m looking forward to not being beat up this week!

2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD
MSRP as tested (including destination): $68,850

For more information on Lexus and the GS visit Lexus Canada

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Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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Where do I start with the interior of this week’s tester? From what I have experienced in the day I have had the car, I’m not sure I have fully experienced the entire interior yet. It took me until this afternoon to find the buttons for the HUD (Head Up Display), and I also realized I hadn’t reset the trip meter, and had to search for that button. The 18-way adjustable power seats are a day’s worth of fiddling themselves to get that perfect seating position; luckily there are three memory settings, so all is not lost if someone touches your settings.

I haven’t even had a chance to fully explore the 12.3-inch screen with navigation, backup camera and a multitude of other functions. The unique Lexus “mouse” control system has been updated for 2013 in the GS. It no longer has the side buttons, but instead the “mouse” itself pushes down; not sure I like it as much as it seems less consistent, but it does work well without the need to take your eyes off the road.

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As far as fit and finish in the GS 350, it is top notch (as one would expect) with supple leathers and comfortable seating. The centre armrest moves fore and aft and allows even short drivers to rest their elbow on a nicely padded surface.

All the controls are easy to reach and read, and the HVAC system (which is a 3-zone setup) can be controlled via the hard buttons on the dash or can be controlled using the centre screen and “mouse”.

Of course, the backseat is also a comfortable place to be. With audio controls for the rear occupants, an available sunshade and temperature controls and heated seating, those riding in the rear of the GS enjoy a limo like ride. Although legroom is not really limo-like, it certainly is sufficient for most passengers to stretch out a little and enjoy the luxurious and quiet surroundings.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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So, here I am driving a luxury car for the week, and I was looking forward to the quiet, serene kind of driving a car like this is usually good at: the lack of road noise, and the effortless acceleration. The GS 350 has all of this, but for some reason all I want to do is tromp on the gas pedal to hear the engine roar and be pushed back in my seat. What’s wrong with me?

The GS really is a “Jekyll and Hyde” car. On the highway, it is a quiet, comfortable luxury sedan that you could cruise into the country club with three of your retired buddies for a round of golf. Then, on the way home, you could take a detour through the scenic countryside, but not to smell the roses — no, to rip up some asphalt and carve some corners.

The steering is light, and this makes the GS feel nimble, but get up some speed and the speed sensitive steering responds with firm feedback to reduce bump steer. As expected from the 306-horsepower 3.5-litre V6, acceleration is smooth and effortless, but what is not expected is what happens when you downshift and floor it.

The V6 nearly sounds like a V8 as it snarls and you rocket away. Power keeps coming as the revs climb, with peak power around 5,500 rpm. Most of the power (70 percent) is sent to the rear wheels while the balance is sent to the fronts, making this sedan feel even more sporty than one may expect.

And the fun does not stop when a corner comes along. The brakes respond quickly and precisely; toss the large GS into a corner and somehow it hangs on and keeps hanging on as you power out of the corner in disbelief. If I could get myself to a racetrack, I have a feeling I’d be mighty impressed by what the GS is capable of.

But except for a rare few, buyers of this car won’t be tossing the GS into corners and rocketing out of them. They will be heading to shopping malls, golf courses and office buildings, and the GS does all of those things without breaking a sweat while ensuring its occupants are coddled.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

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I certainly was impressed by how easy the GS 350 is to drive, in spite of its sporty nature. This car GS gives you everything you may want, including power and comfort, in one well-balanced packaged.

I was expecting a little better than the 9.8L/100km I averaged, as the ES 350 I drove not too long ago managed 8.0L/100km on the highway. The GS also requires premium fuel, so it does sting a little at the pumps, but I suppose if the price of admission for this vehicle isn’t an issue, then the cost of fuel may not be much of a concern, either.

*Rating out of 5: