Review: 2014 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Midsize sedans are the bread-and-butter models of many luxury automakers’ lineups, but the latest Lexus GS almost didn’t get the chance to see the light of day.

During the height of Toyota’s annus horribilis (horrible year) with its unintended acceleration woes, company CEO Akio Toyoda almost cancelled the entire fourth-gen GS range to free up resources for other projects. That was until Lexus’ U.S. and European product planners managed to give their two cents to the big boss. Were their efforts worth it? Read on.

What is it?

Now in its second year on the market, the fourth-generation GS slots between the LS flagship and IS sport sedan. Underpinned by a rear-wheel-drive platform, it rides on a suspension composed of double wishbones, coil springs, gas-filled shocks, and a stabilizer bar in front, with an independent multilink setup in the rear.

We sampled the GS 350, which utilizes a direct- and port-injected 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. That kit is mated to a new-for-2014 eight-speed automatic transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers and five drive modes ranging from ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Snow settings. Those in more weather-challenged regions can opt for an available all-wheel-drive package that carries over with last year’s six-speed automatic.

Our tester was equipped with the performance-minded F Sport package, which features firmer springs, larger (14-inch) brakes, thicker stabilizer bars, new bushings and a variable geared and speed-sensitive steering system. Lexus’ Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with driver-controlled damping is also included.

Outside, the F Sport boasts a unique front bumper and rear lower valance, a trunklid spoiler, and model-specific grille. On the back porch, a diffuser-styled rear bumper with aero fins helps to trim underbody airflow. Rounding things out is the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system.

Unfortunately, the engine received none of the F Sport massaging that would move the car upwards where acceleration is concerned. For those who want more power and efficiency, Lexus offers the GS 450h hybrid with 338 horsepower and 31 combined mpg.

What’s it up against?

The GS 350 F Sport’s competitors come in the form of the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti Q70, Cadillac CTS, BMW 5-Series and even the Jaguar XF. Available in numerous trim levels, these midsize sedans can be tarted up with kits like Audi’s S-line and BMW’s M-Sport packages.

How does it look?

Crisper than the model it replaced for 2013, the GS 350 F Sport resembles a stretched IS 350 with a higher greenhouse and more steroidal lines. The by-now familiar spindle grille gives a more aggressive appearance with its smoke-like insert, and bolder scoopage underneath lends a decided performance air to the overall vibe.

Despite the faux-performance doodads, the F Sport’s look is nicely confrontational overall. Kudos to the designers for the inclusion of the polished grey alloy wheels, that in addition to looking positively badass, also manage to hide the dreaded brake dust residue, or at least mask the presence of the same.

And on the inside?

The F Sport’s interior is dressed up with several driver-focused elements, including a black leather F Sport-badged steering wheel and aluminum pedals that look like they were boosted right from the IS-F’s parts bin. These details are set against the backdrop of a conservative but well-done black leather dashboard that contributes to the appearance.

The Marquis de Sade-themed black leather interior continues with perforated seating in the front row to better accommodate the heated and ventilated feature that makes driving in desert heat or sub-freezing temperatures tolerable. The driver is able to adjust his position in any of up to 16 (sixteen!) different ways, while those in the rear seat will find more than adequate seating and legroom.

Our tester was equipped with a navigation system with a generously-sized 12.3-inch color display, as well as a Lexus premium stereo with HD and SiriusXM capabilities in addition to Bluetooth and audio streaming features. On the infotainment front, Lexus’s Enform system is newly joined by Apple’s Siri Eyes Free for 2014. Compatible with iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 and onward, it allows drivers to have a relationship almost like (but not quite) the one depicted in the movie Her, where it can call contacts, play from iTunes playlists and get turn-by-turn navigation, among other items. Siri will also allow users to update notifications, calendar appointments, notes and reminders.

A notable downside to the otherwise excellent interior was the Lexus Remote Touch joystick, an excessively fiddly system that leaves us joyless.

But does it go?

Our time with the F Sport totally changed our perception of this mid-level Lexus. While the previous generation GS didn’t exactly raise our pulse, the 2014 version impressed us with its get up and go – this is a cruiser that is barely breathing at 80 mph. Out of the box, the sedan holds on extremely well, and displayed very little side-to-side sway. If you prefer your ride as firm as a butcher block, that’s easily accomplished by a twist of the drive control mode dial, which also results in a throttle remap to take advantage of more dead dinosaurs.

We found the variable electric steering system to be very well modulated, transmitting good road feel and even encouraging a little tail-wagging. If you need to make a course correction, a gentle touch of the wheel will move you over. There is no wishy-washy sloppiness as seen in less adequate rack and pinion setups.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission doesn’t improve acceleration compared with the old six-speed unit – zero-to-60 mph comes in a claimed 5.7 seconds with either unit – but it does increase mileage to 19/29 city/highway mpg, a gain of 1 freeway mpg.

Lexus engineers revisited a clever piece of engineering with the addition of a sound chamber from the intake manifold that directed a provocative growl back to the cabin. Don’t get us wrong, though: the ride is Lexus quiet, but we did notice a small degree of road noise from the staggered size 19-inch tires themselves when traveling on some of our test route’s coarser road grades.

Leftlane’s bottom line:

In the past, Lexus’ relentless pursuit of perfection has led to some vehicles that, while technically accomplished, came up decidedly short in terms of charisma and soul. With that in mind, we were steeling ourselves for an encounter with another capable yet bland ride.

Instead, we find ourselves eating crow, having come away from the GS 350 F Sport impressed with a fun car that manages to break some perceptions without breaking the bank (at least by segment standards).

2014 Lexus GS 350 base price, $47,700. As tested, $57,675.

F-Sport package with cold weather kit, $6,130; Navigation with 12.3-inch screen and Lexus Enform with Destination Assist and Sirius XM NavTraffic and NavWeather; $1,735; Intuitive Park Assist, $500.