Lexus GS350 F-Sport 2012 Review

A near-death experience has finally breathed some heart and soul into the Lexus GS. The GS came very close to extermination after three unsuccessful attempts with cars that looked best at a retirement home, but now the mid-sized Lexus is genuinely worth c

It has a more macho look, a cabin that's not just a cushy lounge room, and the sort of driving enjoyment that's likely to make the F Sport models a real hit.

Lexus still has to overcome buyer resistance when the new GS lands in Australia in April, but provided it can undercut the Germans on price - which means a basic bottom line just below $80,000, well under the $95,000 of the current car.

The lineup is based on the GS350 with V6 engine that produces 28 per cent more power in a mid-sized five-passenger cabin, and the GS450h hybrid that also uses a 3.5-litre V6 but with a continuously-variable transmission and Prius-style powertrain.

No-one at Lexus is talking about prices yet but it's fair to expect a pricing spread from just below $70,000 - for the GS250 (still to be confirmed for Australia) and $79,990 for the cooking-model GS350 and something around $115,000 for the GS450h.

Work on the GS has produced a long list of innovations - a variable driving mode system, a 3.5-litre V6 engine that uses an Atkinson combustion cycle in the hybrid, a 'stacked' battery pack in the hybrid, and a dynamic rear steering on the hybrid.

The four-generation GS is certain to be a five-star ANCAP car and also has the usual suite of safety stuff you expect on an $80,000 car. There are no fewer than 10 airbags, including knee protection, as well as everything up to a blind-spot monitor, tyre

The new GS is way, way better than the previous models and a real tribute to the development team that broke it out of death row. It's one of the most impressive cars to wear a Lexus badge and is going to make BMW and Benz buyers think twice in 2012.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

This is the all singing, all dancing new generation medium large Lexus sedan that ushers in a raft of new technology as well as the new Lexus family look. We drove the GS350 F-Sport - about three from the top but unequivocally the best in the range.

How much?

Pricey at $99,400 but better value than before when comparing standard equipment levels and everything else.

What are competitors?

Numerous; BMW 5-Series, E-Class Benz, Audi A6, Jag XF, Infiniti M, HSV, FPV.

What's under the bonnet?

This one gets a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre petrol V6 with variable valve timing good for 233kW/378Nm output. It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sports automatic transmission.

How does it go?

Really well, performance is not an issue at all because there's heaps of kick across a wide operating range. Puts away a 0-100kmh sprint in 6.0 flat. Excellent paddle shift, flat torque curve gives instant response.

Is it economical?

Not really at 9.7-litres/100km - premium preferred.

Is it green?

OK on the carbon dioxide, clever air-conditioning system. Should crack around three green stars.

Is it safe?

Full five star car with 10 air bags, dynamic safety systems and even driver assessment systems to make sure you are on the job and not goofing off.

Is it comfortable?

Super comfy even with the sporty flavour and adaptive suspension. Full array of goodies inside like premium audio, heated and cooled seats, premium satnav. But not as quiet and smooth as we can remember earlier mid-size Lexus models.

What's it like to drive?

Really liked driving this car for a whole range of reasons, not the least being the rear wheel steering system that transforms it into a super responsive sports sedan with possibly the smallest turning circle in the class.

F-Sport not only brings the look, it also brings the feel which is filtered through to the driver through the steering, (bigger) brakes, ride quality, transmission function.

Is it value for money?

One hundred grand - ouch. Good if it's a company car or in a "package"...as they all are.

Would we buy one?

See above. It is different, handsome, well equipped, crammed with goodies and technology, wonderful interior, super big touch/info screen. Sumptuous interior. Hmmmmm.

Lexus GS350 F-Sport

Price: from $99,400
Warranty: 4 years roadside assist, 100,00km
Weight: 1740kg
Engine: 3.5-litre 6-cyl, 233kW/378Nm
Transmission: 6-speed sports auto, RWD
Thirst: 9.7L/100Km, CO2 225g/km

Lexus GS350 2012: F Sport

Engine Type	V6, 3.5L
Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency	9.7L/100km (combined)
Seating	5
Price From	$16,940 - $21,780

Range and Specs

Vehicle	Specs	Price*
gs350 F Sport	3.5L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC	$16,940 - $21,780
gs350 Luxury	3.5L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC	$12,430 - $16,610
gs350 Sport Luxury	3.5L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC	$15,840 - $20,350

See all 2012 Lexus GS in the Range

*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

Lexus GS350 F-Sport 2012 Review

Lexus GS350 2012: F Sport

Range and Specs

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Lexus GS350 F-Sport 2012 Review

Lexus GS350 2012: F Sport

Range and Specs

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