Is the 2013 Lexus GS 350 FWD or RWD?
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is offered in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations; there is no front-wheel drive (FWD) option for this model year.
Drivetrain options for the 2013 GS 350
In the U.S. market, Lexus sold the GS 350 with a choice of rear-wheel drive as standard or all-wheel drive as an option. The availability of the all-wheel-drive setup extended to various trim levels, including the sporty F Sport variant, depending on the configuration. This dual-offer approach aimed to balance sports sedan dynamics with year-round practicality.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
When equipped with RWD, the GS 350 emphasizes traditional sporty handling and a direct sense of acceleration from the 3.5-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Standard drivetrain: rear-wheel drive.
- Engine and transmission: 3.5L V6 with 6-speed automatic; about 306 horsepower in 2013 models.
- Performance feel: sharper handling characteristics typical of traditional luxury sport sedans.
- Availability: RWD was the base configuration; AWD was available as an option.
In summary, RWD provided the classic Lexus sport-sedan driving experience with the option to add AWD for extra grip.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
All-wheel drive adds traction benefits, especially in adverse weather, by sending power to all four wheels and adjusting torque distribution as needed.
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option on the GS 350, including some F Sport configurations.
- Performance: improved traction, particularly in rain and snow, with a slight penalty to fuel economy and weight.
- Market availability: AWD was offered for GS 350 models; specifics vary by trim and market.
AWD offered enhanced stability without sacrificing the GS 350’s luxury and performance balance.
About the GS 350 F Sport
The F Sport variant of the GS 350 added a sport-tuned suspension, revised steering, and aesthetic upgrades. For the 2013 model year, the F Sport package could be paired with either RWD or AWD, depending on the configuration and market. The drivetrain choice did not introduce a front-wheel-drive option, but it did influence the car’s dynamics and traction characteristics.
In practice, buyers could select either RWD or AWD while enjoying the F Sport enhancements; the choice primarily affected handling feel and grip rather than power output, which remained tied to the V6 engine.
Summary
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is not a front-wheel-drive car; it is offered with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. RWD serves as the standard configuration, with AWD available as an option across most trims, including the F Sport variant. This gives shoppers flexibility between a traditional sport-sedan feel and improved all-weather traction.
Notes for prospective buyers
When evaluating a used 2013 GS 350, confirm the drivetrain via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the window sticker, as drivetrain availability varied by market and trim. Driving impressions can differ between RWD and AWD models, particularly in terms of steering feedback, throttle response, and winter performance.
