Is Lexus GS a smooth ride?
Yes. The Lexus GS is widely considered to deliver a smooth, refined ride, especially with adaptive suspension and in comfort-focused settings. However, ride quality varies by model year, trim, tire/wheel setup, and road conditions, and the GS lineup ended production after the 2020 model year, so current buyers are mostly shopping used examples.
This article explores what contributes to the GS’s comfort on the road, how different configurations affect the ride, how it stacks up against key rivals, and what to check if ride quality is a priority when buying a used GS.
What makes the GS ride smooth
The combination of Lexus engineering and tuning designed the GS to prioritize comfort, with several factors directly influencing how smoothly it glides over pavement.
- Adaptive or variable-damping suspension (AVS) that adjusts ride stiffness to road conditions and driving style.
- Comfort-oriented suspension tuning across most trims, which cushions potholes and rough surfaces more effectively than sport-focused setups.
- Wheel size and tire choice strongly affect comfort; smaller wheels and taller tires generally provide a plusher ride, while very large wheels with low-profile tires can feel harsher on rough roads.
- Powertrain smoothness, including the V6 in conventional GS models and the GS 450h hybrid, which tends to operate with minimal vibration and quietness at low speeds.
In practice, most testers and owners report that the GS delivers a serene cruising experience, with the strongest advantage in Normal and Comfort modes and on well-maintained highways. The sport-oriented variants can feel stiffer, especially when paired with large wheels.
Ride quality by trim and option
GS 350 and Luxury trims
These models typically emphasize a plush, comfortable ride. With standard or optional AVS and commonly available mid-range wheels, they balance refinement and daily usability, soaking up modest road imperfections with minimal fuss.
GS 450h hybrid
The hybrid version adds weight but often enhances smoothness at low speeds due to electric assist, contributing to whisper-quiet operation in city driving. The overall ride remains comfortable, though handling may feel slightly less taut than some non-hybrid configurations.
F Sport and other sport-oriented variants
Sport-tuned suspensions and larger wheels are designed to sharpen handling, but they typically reduce ride comfort. If ride smoothness is the priority, these trims tend to be noticeably firmer than non-F Sport versions, especially on rough pavement.
How the GS compares with rivals on ride comfort
Against its key mid-size luxury competitors, the GS generally holds up well for ride comfort, though there are areas where rivals may edge ahead depending on configuration and personal preference.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Often regarded as one of the softest-riding luxury sedans, especially with air suspension options, which can deliver an exceptionally plush highway feel.
- BMW 5 Series: Strong all-around balance, with the ride smoothing out on Comfort mode, though some trims with larger wheels can feel firmer than the GS.
- Audi A6: Known for quietness and refined damping; adaptive suspensions help maintain comfort without sacrificing composure in corners.
- Jaguar XF: Comfort-oriented but sometimes less predictable in road surface translation; can feel rail-light on certain road textures depending on setup.
Overall, the GS remains competitive in comfort if you avoid the sport-focused configurations and opt for a model with AVS and appropriate wheel/tire sizing.
Ownership and current status
As of the latest model-year discontinuation, Lexus stopped new GS production after 2020. For buyers today, the market is limited to used examples, which means buyers should pay attention to wear in suspension components, tires, and alignment, as well as the condition of the AVS system and hybrid elements where applicable.
When shopping used, test-driving multiple trims is essential to gauge ride feel, since the difference between Comfort and Sport modes, wheel sizes, and tire types can be substantial. A professionally inspected example with a well-maintained suspension will typically deliver the smoothest experience.
Summary
The Lexus GS is, by design, a comfortable, highway-friendly sedan with a reputation for quiet operation and refined power delivery. Its smoothness is most pronounced in non-sport configurations equipped with adaptive damping, and it remains a strong choice for buyers prioritizing ride comfort—provided they consider the impact of wheel size and the model’s used-market status after production ended in 2020.
