2011 Lexus GS 350 Reviews

The Lexus GS 350 is a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with a powerful V-6 engine and available all-wheel drive. A brake override system is now standard.

Exterior
The Lexus GS 350 has a long hood, a short rear deck and wide, tapered rear pillars that flow back to the car's rear.
17-inch wheels
Optional 18-inch wheels
Available moonroof and power rear sunshade

The 2011 Lexus GS 350 carries over mostly unchanged from the previous year.
There is also a V8-powered GS 460 for more power-hungry drivers and a slightly more fuel-efficient GS 460h hybrid (both of which are covered in separate reviews). Among the 2011 Lexus GS 350's competitors, the most appealing ones come from Germany. The 2011 Lexus GS 350 is a midsize luxury sport sedan offered in a single, well-appointed trim level. The related Lexus GS 460 is reviewed separately.

Other options include an adaptive suspension, 18-inch wheels with summer tires, adaptive cruise control (includes a pre-collision system), adaptive headlights, automatic wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade and a wood-trimmed steering wheel.

Powertrains and Performance
Powering the 2011 Lexus GS 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 303 hp and 274 pound-feet of torque. In Edmunds testing, a rear-drive Lexus GS 350 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 5.7 seconds.

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2011 Lexus GS 350 include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Upholding Lexus' reputation for finely crafted interiors, the 2011 Lexus GS 350's cabin surrounds occupants with supple leather and rich wood and aluminum trim.

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Lexus GS 350 delivers sufficient V6 power to please the majority of drivers as well as a comfortably smooth ride and respectable handling.
Primarily rear-wheel drive, the GS models aren't as roomy inside as the comfort-oriented, front-wheel-drive Lexus ES 350. Instead, the Lexus GS models' strengths their sporty driving feel, along with convenience- and safety-oriented tech features.

The 2011 Lexus GS sedans move authoritatively, no matter whether you get the 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 in the Lexus GS 350 or the 342-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine in the GS 460. The 2011 Lexus GS has inspiring performance, a plush but well-controlled ride, and a tight, quiet interior. The otherwise inspiring performance in the 2011 Lexus GS sedans, however, is marred by limited headroom inside the cabin—even in the front seats—and a surprisingly tight backseat. In looking through the feature sets for the GS 350, GS 460, and GS 450h, there's plenty of standard luxury and comfort with a little more tech than is typical.