C ar S cene I nvestigation: Lexus GS 350 F-Sport

Indeed. This is a follow up from the previous post. With the GS now ready for sale in (most) dealers across the world, we take a second look.

· Design & Engineering:

Immediately, the difference from its predecessor is noticeable. On the previous GS, the whole car had a bubbly look, whereas the 2012 GS features tauter and crisper lines, while still managing to follow Lexus’ new philosophy of L-finesse. From the front, despite being the F sport model or not, the GS 350 has an aggressive look due to the angular grille. What’s more, with the use of LED daytime running lights, the GS fits in perfectly amongst executive saloons such as the A6, 5-Series, and the E-Class. At 4850mm in length, the new GS is only 20mm longer than the previous GS, though it looks slightly shorter when compared amongst the E-Class. Nevertheless, the added length provides the Lexus with a more muscular and mature feel. On the F-model, darkened rims are provided as standard. From the rear, this is where the sedan starts to grow on me. With its new design, the car has a wider stance, commanding more respect. Also, the chrome-outlined trapezoidal exhaust and under body diffuser manage to turn on one’s masculine hormones—definitely a plus sign.

· Interior

The engineers at Lexus challenged themselves to create an ergonomic and more spacious interior, while leaving the exterior dimensions virtually unchanged. This means that one can now experience more interior space from both the rear and front seats. In addition, the luggage area is longer and wider than the previous GS, making taking out golf bags an ease, also due to the wider boot lid. From the drivers’ perspective, one feels the need to enjoy sporty driving, thanks to the F-sport steering wheel with F1-style paddles, the sports pedals, and the brushed aluminium trim. And indeed, can one do so, thanks to the S+ (sport) button, which stiffens the suspension and quickens the throttle. I especially like the large 12.5in colour screen, with excellent graphics, navigation, etc. Coupled with the standard Mark Levinson & Dolby Digital sound system, listening to Milton Nascimento’s Mas Que Nada, seems like a live concert performance anywhere in the cabin. Again, the whole system is also very simple to use, via Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface (RTI), also found on the new RX and CT models. Luxury—an element always in the mind of Lexus engineers. Therefore, there is no cheap digital clock still found in the flagship LS model, but instead, there is a classy chrome analogue clock. Despite being under the tutelage of Toyota, the new GS uses very few interior parts from its parent company. Everything is solid yet soft, and good to the touch. Unlike its predecessor, an array of interior options, colour, and side paneling trim are available. Our test car had a heads up display, heating and cooling seats, duke blue leather, and brushed aluminium trim.

· Ride & Handlings

The GS 350 F-Sport features a direct injection V6, delivering a powerful 316 BHP, making it more powerful on paper than the E350, 535i and the A6 3.0TFSI. Keep in mind though, that Lexus has never produced any turbocharged engines (I’m fine with that). This means that it can feel a tad lazy (if I may) at lower revs and speeds. Nevertheless, Lexus claims that the GS 350 F-Sport devours the century sprint in a respectable 6 seconds, placing it in between the 535i and the A6 TFSI. Being the F-spec model, Lexus has tweaked the GS in noticeable ways, so that the V6 is tuned to sound sportier, hence making the drive more engaging and involving overall. Apart from that, Lexus has also inserted a resonator within its air intake, so as to produce a V6 rumble and roar when past 4000 RPM, or when the driver fully opens throttle. Thus, traditional Lexus fans might find it a tad to vocal. Despite the sportier handling, the new GS hasn’t at all lost the impressive ride quality of its predecessor, and feels even more controlled and well proportioned. As always, interior noise (at the usual speeds) is always kept at a minimal, allowing one to fully soak in the melodies from the unsurpassed Mark Levinson speakers.

· Verdict

Clearly, Lexus has its head back in the game. With the new GS, expect it to give tough competition against rivals such as the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, in terms of pricing, comfort and quality.