Is Lexus GS a v8?
The short answer is nuanced: the Lexus GS has featured V8 engines in some generations, but the most recent GS models used V6 power, and the line was discontinued after 2020. For buyers seeking current V8 power from Lexus, other models are available.
Engine options across generations
Here is a concise look at how the GS lineup has been powered over its history.
- GS 300: powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine.
- GS 430: offered a 4.3-liter V8 engine.
- GS 460: used a 4.6-liter V8 engine (appeared later in the V8 era).
- GS 450h: a hybrid variant combining a 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors.
- Later generations: most GS models used a 3.5-liter V6 (badge-equipped GS 350), with no V8 option.
Taken together, the GS has spanned both V8 and V6 configurations, but the latter years leaned toward V6 and hybrid power, culminating in the model’s discontinuation after 2020.
Current status and options for buyers
With the GS retired from Lexus’s new-car lineup, buyers looking for V8 power must consider other current Lexus models.
V8 alternatives within the Lexus lineup
For those specifically seeking a V8-powered Lexus today, these models are commonly cited as options in recent model years.
- LC 500: a luxury coupe powered by a 5.0-liter V8.
- RC F: a high-performance coupe with a 5.0-liter V8.
- LS (historically): V8 variants have existed, though current LS models increasingly feature a twin-turbo V6 in many markets.
Availability varies by market and model year; confirm current engine options with a local Lexus dealer.
Summary
The Lexus GS is not defined by a single engine, and its history includes V8 variants such as the GS 430 and GS 460. In its final years, the GS shifted fully to V6 and hybrid power, and the model was discontinued after 2020. Those seeking V8 power from Lexus today should look to other models like the LC 500 or RC F, among possible alternatives.
