Automatic Sport Cars

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Lexus GS350
On its own merits, the 2011 Lexus GS 350 is a fine choice as a luxury sport sedan. It delivers performance, prestige, comfort and plenty of upscale features to please some of the most discerning of shoppers. Pit the GS 350 against some of the competitors from Europe, however, and its appeal fades, as those sedans seem to do most things just a little bit better.

The GS 350's drawbacks, as minor as they are, include a bit less headroom and a less responsive suspension. For average-sized drivers with little desire for athletic handling, these faults are easily forgiven, since the Lexus excels in nearly every other category. The quiet and calm cabin delivers segment-leading comfort while enveloping occupants in top-notch materials and expert craftsmanship.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces an ample 303 horsepower to give the GS 350 relatively swift acceleration, which should satisfy the vast majority of luxury sedan buyers. 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). Regardless of which GS model you might be interested in, you can expect an abundance of standard features and state-of-the-art safety systems.

Among the 2011 Lexus GS 350's competitors, the most appealing ones come from Germany. The BMW 5 Series offers more cabin space and higher performance. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is hard to beat in terms of style and prestige, while the Audi A6 presents a well-rounded and understated alternative. Luxury sedans hailing from Asia are also worth a look, with the Hyundai Genesis representing a relative bargain, as does the Infiniti M37 with an added dash of performance. Even though the 2011 Lexus GS 350 might not be a front-runner in this segment, its reputation for reliability and quality should not be overlooked.

INTERIOR
Interior amenities for the 2011 Lexus GS 350 include regency leather-trimmed power front seats featuring heat and optional ventilation functions. Dazzling wood trim, polished metal and leather are draped around every corner to create a delightful visual experience. Once you are comfortably situated, listen for the Lexus Premium Audio System with its ten speakers, six-CD changer and USB media device connectivity. An available 11-channel, 330-watt Mark Levinson Premium Sound System delivers a euphoric aural experience through 14 speakers, and the seven-inch display screen can play DVD movies when the vehicle is parked.

A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard, as are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power and heated front seats and Bluetooth support for hands-free calling. The standard sound system is a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System with an in-dash 6-disc changer and auxiliary iPod / MP3 / WMA port.

Upholding Lexus' reputation for finely crafted interiors, the 2011 GS 350's cabin surrounds occupants with supple leather and rich wood and aluminum trim. Average-size adults will fit comfortably, but taller passengers may desire a bit more headroom -- at least compared to other sedans in this class. This is especially true for those relegated to the center rear seat, which is slightly elevated compared to the outboard seats.

Our gripes are minor and include less-than-intuitive audio controls and a distracting glare from the highly polished wood trim. The GS reclaims some points for its optional high-resolution touchscreen and easy-to-operate navigation system.


EXTERIOR

The Lexus GS combines proven chassis systems with advanced dynamic handling technology to provide fairly agile handling and the Lexus trademark smooth ride. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, standard on the GS 460 and available on the GS 350, provides two settings, normal and "sport" for tighter, more precise control. AVS can automatically select appropriate suspension damping for driving conditions.

The GS comes amply equipped, with only a navigation system and Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system package and a list of stand-alone options.

Standard fare includes electronic traction and stability control (both with a cut-off switch), dual-stage front airbags, side seat-mounted airbags front and rear, side curtain airbags and knee airbags, four wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution.

The more noteworthy options include electronically adjustable suspension damping, a radar-enforced Pre-Collision System and dynamic cruise control, an electronic parking assist and a backup camera, a choice of three 18-inch wheel and tire combinations, and a choice of Sirius or XM satellite radios.

ENGINE 
 A 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 powers the 2011 GS 350, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. If you require more power or enhanced fuel economy, V-8 (GS 460) and hybrid models (GS 450h) are also available. The GS 350’s V-6 features direct injection and variable valve timing technologies, sending its power to the rear wheels or an all-wheel drive system. The 2011 GS 350 receives 18-19 mpg in the city and 25-26 mpg on the highway. Horsepower and fuel economy ratings are competitive with six-cylinder offerings from the Cadillac STS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series.

Available Adaptive Variable Suspension offers the driver Normal and Sports settings, so you can choose between a smooth ride and a stiffer, more responsive and performance-oriented ride.

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. Safety Connect, a traditional telematics service with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance button is also standard. Adding the optional adaptive cruise control includes a pre-collision system that detects impending collisions and responds by pre-tensioning the seatbelts and activating brake assist.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the GS 350 its highest rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions. In Edmunds brake testing, a GS 350 with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires came to a stop from 60 mph in an excellent 114 feet.
reference:ww.leftlanenews.com,www.edmunds.com,www.newcars.com