For the most part, Jason Cammisa’s Automobile Magazine review of the camouflaged 2013 Lexus GS 350 is another excellent preview of the fourth-generation sports sedan — these quotes really stood out to me:
The driving position is very BMW (i.e. perfect), with all primary controls easily reachable and the steering wheel positioned perfectly to hold at nine and three o’clock. Though overall length remains the same, an all-new platform gives the GS twenty-five percent more trunk space and a larger back seat. Additional width assists in both elbow room and handling, and headroom has been increased thanks to a lower seating position.
Can’t wait to get the full details on how Lexus squeezed more space out of the same overall length — all this extra room is very impressive.
An optional sport package called Lexus Dynamic Handling System, or LDHS, contains active dampers and four-wheel steering with variable-ratio rack. With or without the system, the GS shows exemplary body control and a smooth ride. The old GS’ harsh ride is gone without a trace — though again, our drive was confined to smooth roads. The V-6’s exhaust is audible from behind almost all the time, but fades away into the background under leisurely cruising. Under load, a surprising amount of intake noise combines with the exhaust making lots of pleasant music.
First real impression I’ve read of the GS’ sound, which I’ve been expecting to show some hint of what Yamaha did with the LFA’s exhaust.
Cammisa also has some complaints, including an interesting detail about the new interior controls:
First up is the BMW-style turn signal stalk (the stalk always returns to the center rather than staying where you left it; a computer controls the cancel function). The GS’ chief engineer defended the system saying that European customers want it, but we find conventional turn signals work better — especially in the case of Lexus’ first attempt: the GS forces you to actuate the turn signal in the wrong direction to cancel a signal. (BMWs now allow you to cancel by actuating the switch in the same direction.)
Overall, it’s an insightful and fully-balanced review — too bad that it ends with some rambling about the RX, ES, LFA, and how Lexus is the new Buick.
Read the full 2013 Lexus GS 350 Review from Automobile Magazine
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