2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport

2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport
 A Premium Ride!

By Charles Donaldson

Twenty-eight years ago, Toyota made a move that was a game changer, not only for Toyota, but also for the Luxury car industry with the introduction of the Lexus brand. Originally, the Lexus models were simply Toyota vehicles with luxury level features, however, thousands of dollars less than their new upscale competitors. As Lexus built a strong following, new models filled the showrooms with a look and style that differed from it’s Toyota cousins. Lexus became a true luxury marquee.

There are multiple GS trims available for 2017 as noted below, but for the purposes of this review I will be focusing on the GS350 F Sport model. When I slid into the driver’s seat I was immediately impressed with the styling and quality of the cabin. The exterior fit-and-finish was outstanding, and the ride quality was impressive.

Pricing and Trims
For 2017 the Lexus GS series is available in the following trim levels: GS200t ($47,305), GS350 (rear wheel drive - $51,360 and all-wheel drive- $51,690), GS200t F Sport ($54,975), GS350 F Sport (rear wheel drive - $55,805 and all-wheel drive- $557,550), GS450h Hybrid ($64,630), GS450h Hybrid F Sport ($69,675), and GS F ($84,935).

What’s new for 2017?
The 2017 GS F Sport models are pretty much a carryover from the 2016 version. The exception is that it does now come standard with the Lexus Safety System+, even better handling and ride control with thanks to the new Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension, and painted or Hand-Polished Forged Wheels and optional Heads Up Display.

Interior Highpoints
The 2017 GS350 F Sport interior blends comfort with an excellent fit and finish. It is warm and inviting and well-equipped with luxury touches and technologies. My test vehicle came with an impressive 12.3-inch navigation monitor featuring split screen multi-media display. The 10-way power adjustable leather seats featured both heated and cooling abilities. The F Sport is loaded with features including genuine wood trim, rearview camera, satellite radio, standard 12-speaker Premium Sound System, enhanced Bluetooth® capability, and Lexus Enform® App Suite, Enform Service Connect, Enform Destinations and Enform Remote.

Exterior Highlights
The 2017 GS350 F Sport features the Lexus “spindle” grille that aggressively and assertively identifies itself as a Lexus. The angled LED lighting shouts move-out-of-my-way! The intelligent high beams automatically switch to low when a car approaches. Both low and high beam LED headlights deliver very good visibility at night. The GS profile is strong and organic with a hint of BMWish lines. The roof line is smooth and doesn’t subtract headroom from the rear passengers.

Performance Specs
The 2017 GS350 F Sport is powered by Lexus’ 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. Attached to the V6 is a smooth 8-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that drives the rear-wheel drive. The F Sport-tuned-adaptive-variable suspension dispenses both a level of driving confidence and luxury yet sport handling. The combination furnishes the driver and passengers with an outstandingly-smooth ride and a velvety acceleration.


Cool Features:

·        Navigation system with 12.3-inch high-resolution display.

·       Climate Concierge automatically monitors the temperature of three separate climate zones and adjusts not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats and steering wheel individually.

·       Siri® Eyes Free

Safety Integrity
The 2017 Lexus GS F comes equipped as standard with Lexus Safety System+. Lexus Safety System+ includes, Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Other safety features include 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side airbags for outboard rear seats, and side curtain airbags. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) which uses radar to detect a vehicle in an adjacent lane as well as a vehicle traveling at a high speed approaching the driver’s blind spot.

In Summary – The 2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport seems to have gotten it right. It is loaded with performance and high-end elements that deliver both sport and luxury into one incredible vehicle. It was designed for the driving enthusiasts, by driving enthusiasts. From the aggressive grille to the sport-focused dash design to the uncompromising performance, the 2017 Lexus GS350 F Sport hits the mark and more.

Specifications

2017 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Base price:                   $54,810 as driven: $60,035 (including destination & optional features)

Engine:                          3.5-liter 6-Cylinder 

Horsepower:                311 hp

Torque:                         280 lb.-ft.

Transmission:               8-speed automatic

Drive:                             Front-Wheel Drive

Seating:                         5-passenger 

Cargo space:                14 cubic feet

Curb weight:                4,034 pounds   

EPA mileage:                City 19/Hwy 27/Comb 22 MPG 

Fuel Capacity:              17.4 gallons

Turning Circle:             36.8 ft.

Wheel Base:                112.2 inches 

Warranty:                    4 years/50,000-miles 

Also consider:             Acura RLX, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT6, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class