Lexus GS 350 2020 Review

Most luxury cars offer a wealth of customization options, allowing buyers to specify exactly which features they want. But if the thought of poring over an options list for hours on end sounds as enticing as filling out a mortgage application, the 2020 Lexus GS 350 could be for you. This upscale sedan comes with a robust set of standard features and a mercifully small selection of add-ons.

The GS 350 should meet most of your expectations for a luxury sedan. The cabin is quiet and roomy, the ride is comfortable, and the seats are properly plush. While not the most fuel-efficient or powerful sedan in the class, the GS 350 does offer a satisfying amount of thrust when needed. We're also won over by its value proposition. Features such as leather upholstery, navigation and ventilated seats are often optional on a luxury sedan, but Lexus makes them standard on the GS.

On the downside, this Lexus GS generation is getting on in years. Lexus introduced this model in 2013, a long time to go without a full redesign. It's most apparent in the GS' mouselike infotainment controller. Time has not been kind to this interface, which is distracting to use while driving. Nearly every other competitor does better. Cabin design is also quite dated, lacking the wow factor of newer rivals.

What you make of the 2020 GS 350 largely comes down to your priorities. While we appreciate the GS 350's value and easy buying experience, shoppers willing to put in a little more time will find more appealing and fresher options such as the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. You might even like Lexus' ES 350. Recently redesigned, the ES is surprisingly sporty and offers a fresher look and feel than the GS.

What's it like to live with the GS 350?

MatoCar' editorial team purchased and lived with a Lexus GS 350 for a year. In that time, we drove the GS for just over 20,000 miles and came to appreciate the high levels of fit and finish as well as its smooth road manners over long distances. Since our ownership experience, Lexus has added new features, but many of our observations remain relevant. Check out our long-term test page for a more detailed look into our ownership experience.

Which GS 350 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2020 Lexus GS 350 comes in two main versions: base and F Sport. Both use a 3.5-liter V6 (311 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel is optional, but it comes with a six-speed automatic instead of the eight-speed.

Standard equipment for the base GS 350 with rear-wheel drive includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery. You also get a navigation system, a 12.3-inch display screen and a 12-speaker sound system. Advanced driving aids include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and mitigation, a blind-spot monitor, and pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.

The rear-wheel-drive F Sport ups the ante on handling with more aggressive styling, 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and bigger front brakes. It offers the option of four-wheel steering or a limited-slip rear differential. All-wheel drive is available, but it's not quite as sporty. It also doesn't offer the option of four-wheel steering or the limited-slip rear differential.

On all GS 350s, key stand-alone options include an automated parking system, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a power trunklid, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.