Is the Lexus GS 350 a sport car?
No — the Lexus GS 350 is a luxury sport sedan rather than a true sports car, offering a refined ride with sport-inspired options rather than a dedicated, lightweight, two-seat performance machine.
What defines a sports car?
Sports cars are typically characterized by a focus on performance, handling and driver engagement, often with a two-seat or 2+2 configuration, lighter weight, rear-wheel drive or a performance-oriented drivetrain, and a chassis tuned for agility over comfort. The following criteria are commonly used to categorize a car as a sports car:
- Two-seat or 2+2 seating configuration to maximize footprint and balance
- Low weight and a high power-to-weight ratio for quick acceleration and agile handling
- Rear-wheel drive or a performance-oriented drivetrain with precise, responsive steering
- Track-focused suspension and braking systems for edge-of-seat grip and braking performance
- A driver-centered interior with a strong emphasis on performance-oriented controls
By contrast, the Lexus GS 350 sits in the luxury sedan category, prioritizing comfort, refinement and everyday usability, though Lexus offers sport-oriented adjustments in the F Sport variant.
Where the GS 350 fits into the Lexus lineup
The GS 350 sits as a mid-size luxury sedan in Lexus’s lineup, combining a smooth interior, a capable 3.5-liter V6, and a tuned chassis aimed at confident highway acceleration and comfortable ride quality. The available F Sport package adds sport-tuned suspension, distinctive styling and upgraded wheels, which enhance handling responsiveness but do not transform the car into a true sports car. For buyers seeking a more dedicated performance machine within the Lexus ecosystem, a higher-performance GS F (which uses a V8) or other Lexus models might be more aligned with that goal. It’s also worth noting that Lexus largely phased out the GS in favor of other body styles in its current lineup in some markets.
Variant options and drivetrain
In GS 350 form, the engine is a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the F Sport variant introduced sport-oriented suspension tuning and styling cues to sharpen handling and visual appeal without turning the car into a pure-bred sports car.
Performance and configuration snapshot
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Power: generally a bit over 300 horsepower depending on model year and trim
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain options: rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Handling: base GS 350 emphasizes comfort; F Sport offers sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels
Across model years, horsepower and acceleration figures vary slightly, but the GS 350 remains best understood as a well-rounded luxury sedan with sport-inspired options rather than a dedicated performance car.
How the GS 350 compares to true sports cars within Lexus’s range
To place the GS 350 in perspective, here is how it differs from models that push harder on the sport side within Lexus’s lineup or in the broader market:
- Body style: GS 350 is a four-door sedan; RC F is a two-door coupe; LC 500 is a two-door grand tourer
- Powertrain: GS 350 uses a V6; RC F uses a V8; LC 500 uses a V8 with higher performance tuning
- Intended use: GS 350 emphasizes refined daily comfort with some sporty handling; RC F and LC 500 emphasize aggressive performance and driver engagement
- Weight and dynamics: sport coupes and GT/GT-like models tend to be lighter and more track-focused than a four-door luxury sedan
Thus, while the GS 350 can deliver confident highway speed and respectable acceleration, its primary role is as a luxury sedan with optional sport-oriented features rather than a true sports car. If your goal is a genuine performance focus in the Lexus lineup, the RC F or LC 500, or a used GS F, would be closer to that category.
Current availability and modern alternatives
As of the latest model years, Lexus has largely phased out the GS from the U.S. market, meaning new GS 350s are no longer sold in American showrooms. Some markets outside the United States may have had later offerings, but overall production and new-car availability have ended in many regions. For buyers seeking a similar blend of luxury, technology and performance without leaving the brand, the recommended paths are to consider:
- Lexus IS (compact sedan with sportier trims)
- Lexus ES (more comfort-oriented, with refined technology and ride)
- Lexus RC F (two-door sports coupe with a high-performance V8)
- Lexus LC 500 (grand tourer with a high-performance V8 and strong dynamics)
For those who specifically want a GS model, used examples may still be available in some markets, but prospective buyers should be mindful of aging technology and wear in a vehicle that is no longer produced new by Lexus.
Summary
The Lexus GS 350 is best described as a luxury sport sedan rather than a pure sports car. It offers strong everyday usability, a refined cabin and enough performance to satisfy many enthusiasts, especially with the F Sport package. However, its four-door sedan layout, emphasis on comfort and the lack of a dedicated lightweight, two-seat sport focus place it outside the traditional sports-car category. If you’re seeking Lexus’s most focused performance machines, consider the RC F or LC 500, or look to the IS/ES as contemporary alternatives. Note that, in the U.S., the GS line has been discontinued for new sales, shifting buyers toward other models or used options.
Is a Lexus GS 350 considered a sports car?
The Lexus GS 350 is a sports luxury sedan, meaning it balances sporty driving characteristics with a comfortable and luxurious ride. It's not a pure sports car in the vein of a two-door coupe, but it offers a performance-oriented experience, especially with the F Sport package, which includes a sport-tuned suspension and other handling enhancements. The GS 350 is considered more athletic than other Lexus sedans like the ES, which is focused purely on comfort.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus GS 350's performance and driving experience: 1mPerformance LexusYouTube · Oct 5, 2024
Sporty characteristics
- Engine and performance: The GS 350 has a powerful V6 engine that provides quick acceleration.
- Handling: Rear-wheel drive and the available F Sport package contribute to a more athletic feel, with features like a sport-tuned suspension, thicker stabilizer bars, and a rear-wheel steering system on some models.
- Driving modes: It offers selectable driving modes, such as SPORT S+, which adjust the throttle, transmission, and suspension for a more engaging driving experience.
Luxury characteristics
- Comfort: It provides a smooth and comfortable ride, blending sporty handling with the refinement expected from a luxury vehicle.
- Interior: The cabin features premium materials and a sophisticated design.
- Balance: The GS 350 is designed to be a versatile daily driver, capable of providing a relaxed commute as well as a spirited drive when desired.
Is the Lexus GS sporty?
Lexus marketed the GS as a performance sedan competing in the mid-luxury class, between its compact executive IS and large/flagship LS.
Is Lexus considered a sports car?
A large sedan with an automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and modest power output, tossed into a competitive set just beginning to burst into a forced-induction arms race, the 2016–2020 Lexus GS F was admittedly a milder sport sedan, more luxury than sports car.
What is the difference between Lexus GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport?
The main difference is that the GS 350 F Sport is a sportier version of the GS 350, with a more aggressive look, enhanced handling, and performance-tuned components. Key upgrades on the F Sport include a unique grille, 19-inch wheels, a more responsive steering system, an adaptive suspension, and upgraded brakes. The standard GS 350 offers a more comfortable and luxurious ride, while the F Sport prioritizes a sharper, more dynamic driving experience.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the GS 350 F Sport and the GS 350: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jun 8, 2023
Lexus GS 350 vs. GS 350 F Sport
| Feature | Lexus GS 350 | Lexus GS 350 F Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Standard suspension and steering | Upgraded adaptive suspension, a variable gear ratio steering rack, and upgraded brakes |
| Handling | Comfortable and smooth ride | Sharper handling with a more responsive feel |
| Exterior | Standard grille and wheels | Unique F Sport grille, sportier 19-inch wheels, and a rear spoiler |
| Interior | Standard interior features | Sport-themed interior, including an F-branded steering wheel and aluminum trim |
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This video demonstrates the performance of the GS 350 F Sport: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Aug 16, 2020
Which one is right for you?
- Choose the GS 350 if: You prioritize a smoother, quieter ride and a more luxurious experience for daily driving.
- Choose the GS 350 F Sport if: You want a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, with sportier looks and enhanced handling.
You can also watch this video to compare the Lexus GS 350 with other models: 56sSerg Car ReviewsYouTube · Sep 16, 2019
