For my Lexus GS 350 review roundup, I have to start with Inside Line, who went the extra mile and collected actual data while the rest of us were just hooning it up on the autocross course at the El Toro Airport — I’d love to quote the entire review, but here’s just a few choice quotes:
A few runs later and the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport had done nothing less than tie the smaller and more singularly focused 2011 Lexus IS F with a speed of 69.7 mph through the slalom. That’s 4.5-mph quicker than the last GS 350 we tested in 2008. The new car also generated 0.88g on the skid pad.
Not surprisingly, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport puts up similar acceleration numbers to the 2008 GS 350 we last tested. Zero to 60 comes in 5.8 seconds (5.6 seconds with a 1-foot rollout as on a drag strip) and it does the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 99.9 mph. That keeps it on par with the 2011 BMW 535i (zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds) but a good bit slower than the supercharged 2012 Audi A6 Quattro at 5.2 seconds.
What was the final verdict?
The 2013 Lexus GS 350, F Sport in particular, is an impressive redesign. It’s a Lexus that driving enthusiasts can get excited about. More than just promises, it’s actually fun to drive. And unlike the IS F, the GS 350 F Sport’s adjustable suspension won’t punish you for the performance it brings. It can do smooth and quiet, or serious and sporty: your choice.
It’s a little early to say for sure, but this may end up being the best review of the GS — Inside Line always puts that extra effort into their reviews, and this is definitely one worth reading in full.
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