2019 Lexus GS Review
As one of the more affordable midsize luxury sedans on the market, the GS range has been designed with performance and luxury in mind. What the 2019 Lexus GS manages to offer, which many rival vehicles falter in, is a car that effectively strikes a balance between strong performance capabilities and luxury, in-cabin comfort. There are two powertrain options in the lineup, with the GS 300 and 300 F Sport equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque - it is only available in rear-wheel-drive and features an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GS 350 and 350 F Sport boast a bigger 3.5-liter V6 engine that yields 311 hp and 280 lb-ft, sent through either an eight-speed auto transmission to the rear wheels or a six-speed auto as an all-wheel-drive. Though the GS range manages to deliver quintessential midsize sedan luxury without too many sacrifices, its subpar infotainment system and non-folding rear seats set it back in comparison to big-name rivals such as the BMW 5 Series. Both the BMW and Lexus' other excellent sedan, the ES, offer the same strong points as the GS but have better tech and practicality.
What's the Price of the 2019 Lexus GS?
The rear-wheel-drive GS 300 is the most affordable option in the range, with a starting MSRP of $46,860. Along with the rear-wheel-drive GS 300 F Sport, which costs $51,450, the 300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine mated to an eight-speed auto gearbox. The GS 350 selection has a 3.5-liter V6 engine installed, and the rear-wheel-drive model is priced at $51,245. Models configured with the all-wheel-drivetrains cost a little less, at $50,915. The F Sport edition of the GS 350 in rear-wheel-drive has an MSRP of $52,610 while the all-wheel-drive model is listed at $54,355. All prices are excluding tax, licensing, registration, individual dealership incentives, and Lexus' delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,025.
2019 GS Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 192.1 in | 112.2 in | 57.3 in | 72.4 in | 62.0 in | 62.6 in | 3,805.0 lbs |
2019 GS Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
All models in the range offer similar handling and driving impressions, save for the F Sport courtesy of its performance-based enhancements. With the standard GS models, ride comfort is soft, effortlessly smooth and poised thanks to the potent engine options and highly capable auto transmissions. The GS 300 and GS 350 maintain a stable ride composure over rougher road surfaces and undulations. It is the adaptive variable suspension in the F Sport that impresses though, affirming the precise balance of sport and luxurious comfort characterized in the GS range.
Steering is responsive and precise; on the open road, the GS cruises effortlessly and sharp turns are taken with ease. The optional four-wheel dynamic rear steering, although quick and precise, is very light and exhibits marginal oversteer at the limits. Brakes in the GS are firm and receptive, but require some anticipation from the driver. The GS models are agile, and cornering is met with an impressive response and a good deal of grip and stability. The cabin is exceptionally well insulated from outside road, tire and wind noise, and the well-cushioned seats are supportive and comfortable.
Activating Sport S mode alters transmission responses for faster gear changes and more dynamic throttle mapping. The Sport S+ mode on F Sport model goes a step further by tightening the suspension and increasing the steering response on those variants equipped with variable gear-ratio steering. In both modes, the transmission's shift points are automatically altered going into and coming out of corners to optimize acceleration. Normal mode optimizes efficiency, so acceleration is less enthusiastic but still adequate.
2019 GS Interior
2019 GS Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Lexus GS A Good car?
At its market price point, and with a modest level of base vehicle features, the GS is a good midsize luxury sedan to consider in this segment. It offers an effective balance between sporty appeal and luxury-comfort and allows buyers to lean more toward either element with the selection of various additional packages as well as the optional performance-oriented F Sport models. Both the base 300 and 350 offer comprehensive features and driver aids and maintain an excellent overall build quality. According to JD Power, this is a superbly reliable vehicle and along with good safety rankings and a variety of advanced driver-assist features, places the GS ahead of many rivals in this class. Hindered only by its dated and clumsy infotainment system, the GS delivers adequately in every crucial area expected from a luxury sedan. The GS caters to multiple tastes too, as the rear-wheel-drive models offer sportier dynamics for more energetic drivers, while the all-wheel-drive models are available for those who want extra traction for rougher weather conditions.
What Lexus GS Model Should I Buy?
If you're looking for optimal efficiency, with the comfort and luxury benefits that come with the GS, then the base rear-wheel-drive GS 300 would be your best buy. Its powertrain setup is the most fuel-efficient of the range, and still comes standard with essential features such as a power moonroof, heated and power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings and an automatic climate control system.
Should performance be your priority, opt for the RWD GS 350 F Sport. It delivers the fastest speeds and highest power outputs as well as having the sportier aesthetic. It also boasts more progressive vehicle features as standard.
2019 Lexus GS Comparisons
2019 Lexus GS vs BMW 5 Series Sedan
Overall, the GS and the BMW 5 Series have relatively similar economy numbers, although with 24/34/29 mpg the base BMW 530i betters the entry-level rear-wheel-drive GS 300's 22/32/26 mpg. The BMW 530i is the most affordable trim option in the 5 Series lineup, which comes within $1,000 of the fully-loaded GS model. Pricing of each 5 Series trim increases exponentially, making the GS significantly more affordable. Despite this, the pricier BMW offers a more refined and efficient 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo engine with superior performance. Technology in the 5 Series puts the GS' to shame, including wireless Apple CarPlay and a high level of device integration. It also delivers far greater infotainment and tech feature quality overall. The 5 Series dominates in pretty much all other luxury sedan aspects and is the obvious choice when compared to the GS, despite its exorbitant price tag.
2019 Lexus GS vs Lexus ES
There are not too many differences between the ES and GS models other than the better handling and sportier driving dynamics offered by the GS range. Both Lexus models have the F Sport renditions available, and both are equipped with the aging 3.0-liter V6 engine; the GS range does, however, offer the more fuel-efficient and more refined 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The ES lineup is slightly more affordable than the GS lineup, while still maintaining a good range of standard vehicle and safety features, along with advanced driver-assist elements. The ES also has a slightly larger trunk and a somewhat more spacious interior. With a better balance of performance-feel and luxury-comfort, we'd opt for the GS over its ES sibling.