2019 Lexus GS F Review: The Old School Is Still Cool

The Lexus GS F is back for 2019, now celebrating 10 years of F, the Lexus performance arm. Sharing the same powertrain as the RC F coupe, the GS F is Lexus' answer to the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63S; but, whereas those models focus on power wars amongst themselves, the Lexus refreshingly has more of an interest in being one of the best luxury sports sedans to drive. Not the fastest by any stretch of the imagination, but arguably the most sonorous and certainly the most engaging and enjoyable to take a corner in. The 5.0-liter V8 produces 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque, which it sends to the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto. Pricing starts at $84,600, with a more expensive 10th Anniversary Edition available with a bunch of cosmetic enhancements.

What's the Price of the 2019 Lexus GS F?

The GS F is a standalone model but a limited-run 10th Anniversary Edition package can be equipped if you're one of the first 100 people to ask for it. The GS F starts at $84,600, while the base price of a 10th Anniversary-equipped model is $89,350; both prices excluding taxes, a $995 destination charge, and other fees. Fully optioned, a regular GS F will clock $89,370, but the inclusion of the limited edition add-ons will send that figure to around $92,000.

2019 GS F Exterior

Dimensions

2019 GS F Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The GS F's magic trick lies in its chassis. Despite its weight, it moves with a fluidity and type of response normally reserved for more old-school machinery. Steering is direct without being sharp and still manages to be enjoyable and appropriately weighted whether at high or low speeds. The adaptive suspension provides just enough body roll to let spirited drivers know that the car is alive beneath them, but when pushing the limits, there's no drama - just a smooth transition to easily-manageable oversteer. Mid-corner bumps and elevation changes are handled well too, although heavily pockmarked tarmac is still noticeable. The brakes are a little less confidence-inspiring, as they work fine at normal speeds, but require a little more input than one would normally expect when you're really going at it. Overall, the GS F handles wonderfully while still maintaining the comfort levels required for a premium sedan, regardless of which driving mode you're in. It feels old-school, and that's no bad thing in a market dominated by digital, aloof computers with wheels.

2019 GS F Interior

2019 GS F Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2019 Lexus GS F A Good car?

The GS F is a unique offering in this segment. Lexus is well aware that its rivals make far more power and are therefore quicker. Yet they have still opted to stick with building a car that will appeal to the senses more than the ego. The GS F is very quick nonetheless, but it does its business in an engaging way, making the car feel alive and organic. The chassis is brilliant and forgiving, and the Lexus can be pushed hard before you get into serious trouble. It's not a perfect car, though. We highly recommend testing the infotainment system before signing up for the GS F, as it's exceptionally finicky and annoying. If you're used to ultimate luxury and blingy switchgear in your interior, some materials may also disappoint. However, as a driver's car with oodles of comfort and plenty of safety tech, the GS F will put a smile on your face every day.

What Lexus GS F Model Should I Buy?

Since the GS F is only available as one model choice, is well-equipped as standard, and the 10th Anniversary Edition package is a limited run with no performance gains and is likely to only appeal to a select number of people due to its bright interior coloring, we'd suggest a regular GS F with the $300 Brembo brake upgrade and $600 BBS wheels. The standard 12-speaker sound system is just fine, so we'd skip upgrading here. All in, the cost would be $85,500 before delivery and other fees, making the GS F competitively priced.

2019 Lexus GS F Comparisons

2019 Lexus GS F vs BMW M5 Sedan

The BMW M5 is one of those cars that just sits on top of the performance sedan throne and simply gets better with each new generation. The original fast sedan has kept evolving, and the new generation is even better. The F10 model was already quicker than the GS F, but the newer G30 has upped the power and added all-wheel-drive with rear-wheel-drive capability. In a straight line or around a track, the M5 will utterly decimate the Lexus. It also offers more trunk space and a far plusher interior. However, the M5 starts at over $110,000 and suffers worse fuel economy. The BMW is the better car overall, but the Lexus has character and is more fun to exploit. Where the M5 scares you and demands race-driver reflexes to be fully tested, the GS F is more chuckable and fun. For the price and the quality, we'd forgive the Lexus its poor infotainment system and rather have a car that can be played with every day.

2019 Lexus GS F vs Mercedes-AMG E63 Sedan

The other major German rival the Lexus has to contend with is Mercedes-AMG's E63S. Again, the GS F is a cheaper option but the difference in quality is even more evident here. The Merc is utterly luxurious and looks special from every corner. It has an understated class that few can manage, and with a smaller engine and an extra gear, it's barely less economical than the GS F, despite its 600-hp turbo output. Far more standard features are also equipped to the Merc, and there's a wider array of customization options too. The Lexus simply can't compete with the comfort and style of the Mercedes. The Lexus sounds better, and drives like a much smaller machine, so - again - if driving is your determining factor, the GS F wins for sheer interactivity and fun, but as an everyday car that you'd want to enjoy sitting in while having the capability of sticking with some supercars off the line, the Merc is a better choice.