Lexus GS350 EX Review

If you’re an executive and in the market for a new vehicle, the standard German trio of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW are the first brands to spring to mind. Understandably so, these three have been aspirational brands as they offer performance, luxury and make damn good cars. Nothing quite spells out success like owning a big executive sedan. However, there is an alternative to these three and it comes from Japanese luxury car maker Lexus whose GS wants a share of this market. Meet the Lexus GS350 EX.

Lexus GS350 EX Review by David Taylor

Underwhelming looks

First impressions count and in the visual stakes, the Lexus GS350 is a little underwhelming. In a market where looks and presence count for a lot, the Lexus feels a little too generic. This isn’t helped by the gunmetal grey paint scheme either. That said, there is a delicious F-Sport bodykit which is available for the higher-specced GS450 hybrid. Despite its overall visual shortcomings, there are some pretty touches such as the daytime-running lights, integrated exhausts in chrome surrounds and a suave-looking grille.

Power like a battleship

Thankfully the average looks are offset by a damn fine engine. Powering the Lexus GS350 is a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 233kW and 378Nm, which gives this big Japanese battleship plenty of firepower. It’s deceptively quick and without too much effort, can reach the wrong side of 160km/h in a few moments. The engine revs nicely which is what you’d expect from a big luxury car, but as it climbs towards the redline, it takes on a wicked tone which makes you want to drive with your foot flat all day long. The downside of this would be horrific fuel consumption which, let’s face it, isn’t going to be exceptional either given the mass of the Lexux GS350 and its powerful engine. During the seven day test period the GS350’s fuel consumption sat around the 10.5/100km mark.

A joy to drive

Forget hard acceleration and spirited driving, this is a Lexus and it was designed to be comfortable, quiet and civilised. It does just that and it’s an absolute joy. The automatic six-speed gearbox is smooth, although when put in manual override (using the steering wheel-mounted paddles) and combined with Sport mode, the gears change with a satisfying, mechanical action.

Well-kitted out and comfortable interior

The ace in Lexus’ hand is the interior and its features. The cabin of the Lexus is extraordinarily spacious, while the boot easily takes care of two sets of golf clubs and suitcases. In terms of features, the Lexus GS350 is bristling with high-tech goodness. The big display screen in the middle of the dashboard is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen and using a funky PC mouse-like controller, you can control the ventilation, audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and and and. The list of gadgets fitted to this car is astonishing. The satnav features live traffic updates, there are heated and cooled leather seats, reverse camera, front/rear park sensors, auto handbrake, auto headlights, auto wipers, and it can do the unthinkable: parallel park itself. I was scared to try this system out, but I can assure it works wonderfully well especially in tight confines of Cape Town CBD.

I can only speak highly of the audio system. It’s fitted as standard and boasts crystal-clear sound. You have the option of connecting an audio device through a USB port, an Aux jack or via BlueTooth. However, the entire Lexus GS350 interface is confusing and finicky. Don’t be put off though as it just takes time to learn how it works. Or, in my case use the voice command system and tell the car what to do when you can’t find the right setting.

Lexus GS350 – Conclusion

This is one of the finest Lexus models on the market as it combines luxury features, impeccable road manners with a small performance edge. It’s not meant to be a fast car which is luxurious, but the added performance is a bonus. It ticks all the boxes if you’re wanting something big, practical and reliable, thanks to parent company Toyota’s reputation. It’s not going to give any of the German car makers sleepless nights, but it’s refreshing to see a value-for-money offering reach this segment. I’m not the only one who thinks this is a flawless car, as the Lexus GS350 EX cracked the nod for a Car of The Year nomination.

Lexus GS350 – Conclusion

• Lexus GS350 price: R584 900
• Why you should: Value-for-money, comfortable, has every gadget under the sun, well-built.
• Why you shouldn’t: won’t turn as many heads as a German, the lure of a diesel engine which offers similar performance and much improved fuel economy could be strong, a little thirsty when pushing it.
• It would be better if: a simpler command system, a diesel version.
• View the car: New Lexus GS / Used Lexus GS
• Competitors worth checking out: BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-class