Is Lexus GS 350 V6 or V8?
The Lexus GS 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine, not a V8.
To understand where the GS 350 sits within Lexus’ mid-size sedan lineup, it helps to map out how the GS family has evolved over different generations. This article explains the GS 350’s engine configuration, how it compares with other GS models, and why Lexus separated these powertrains in its lineup.
Current GS 350 engine specifications
Overview of the engine used in the latest GS 350 models, including displacement, drivetrain options, and typical power characteristics.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (commonly referred to as a V6 3.5)
- Power delivery: designed to balance smooth highway cruising with brisk around-town acceleration
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on trim and market
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Notable distinction: the GS 350 lineup remains V6-powered, unlike some other GS variants that used V8s or hybrid systems
The GS 350’s mid-size V6 setup is tuned to deliver refined performance with better everyday usability and efficiency compared with V8-powered predecessors, while still offering strong gear-shifting and responsive acceleration when required.
Historical context: GS lineup and engine options
While the GS 350 is built around a V6, the broader GS family has ranged from V8s to hybrids in various generations and markets. The following highlights give context to how engine choices have evolved.
- GS 430 (earlier generation): 4.3-liter V8 used in the GS lineup before the switch to the V6
- GS F (high-performance variant, later generations): 5.0-liter V8 designed for sport-tuned performance
- GS 450h (hybrid option available in certain markets): hybrid configuration combining a 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors
In practice, the GS 350 sits in the middle of the lineup as the V6-powered choice, while the V8-equipped GS models and the hybrid GS variants offer alternative performance and efficiency profiles. Market availability and model year can influence which powertrain options were offered, but the GS 350 itself remains a V6 model in its primary, most recent configuration.
Why the naming reflects the engine choice
Lexus uses a numeric naming convention that often signals engine displacement or family characteristics. The GS 350 name points to the 3.5-liter V6 engine, while other GS variants (such as those with V8 or hybrid powertrains) carry different designations to reflect their distinct drivetrains.
Bottom line
The Lexus GS 350 is a V6-powered sedan, specifically a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or AWD options depending on trim and market. Other GS models historically offered V8 engines (and hybrid powertrains), but the GS 350 itself is not a V8.
Summary: Across its generations, the GS 350 has consistently used a 3.5-liter V6. If you’re after a V8 setup, you would be looking at GS 430 (older models) or the higher-performance GS F variant, while the hybrid GS 450h offers a different powertrain approach within the same family.
Is Lexus GS V6 or V8?
The GS featured six-cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive, with V8 engines offered for all generations.
Is the Lexus 350 a V6 or V8?
LEXUS RX 350 PERFORMANCE SPECS
Every 2022 RX 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, which is mated to an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but you can opt for available Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive (AWD) for improved traction on wet or snowy roads.
Is the 2014 GS 350 a V6 or v4?
The 2014 Lexus GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel-drive models are only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission that's new this year.
Is the Lexus GS 350 a V8?
The GS 350 offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower on tap. It goes from 0-60 MPG in 5.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 143 MPH.
