Is the Lexus GS350 a fast car?
Yes. The GS350 delivers brisk acceleration for a mid-size luxury sedan, typically pulling from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-to-upper 5-second range depending on year and drivetrain, powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6.
In plain terms, speed means different things to different buyers: straight-line sprint, agility through corners, or everyday responsiveness. The GS350 excels at refined, confident highway performance and effortless passing power, but it isn’t designed to compete with purpose-built sports sedans. This article breaks down how fast the GS350 is, how its speed has varied over its production years, and how it stacks up against rivals.
Performance credentials
Key performance figures for the GS350 across common years are summarized here.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FSE)
- Horsepower: about 306 hp (varies roughly between 303–311 hp by year)
- Torque: around 268–277 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic in earlier years; 8-speed automatic in later years
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) optional in some years
- 0–60 mph: approximately 5.7–6.0 seconds (RWD); 6.0–6.3 seconds (AWD)
- Top speed: electronically limited; typically in the roughly 130–150 mph range depending on year and configuration
These figures place the GS350 in the brisk-to-quick range for a mid-size luxury sedan. It offers strong passing power and confident highway cruising, especially in a well-maintained, lighter-weight configuration with RWD.
How it stacks up against rivals
When pitted against common rivals in the luxury-sedan class, the GS350 holds its own in comfort, refinement, and everyday speed, though it often trails sportier variants that emphasize pure acceleration. The following snapshot highlights where it stands in the market.
- Acceleration and straight-line speed: GS350 is typically fast enough for daily driving and highway merging, but many rivals offer quicker 0–60 speeds with sport packages or higher-performance engines.
- Ride quality and handling: The GS350 blends a composed ride with solid low- and mid-speed grip; it prioritizes refinement over razor-sharp cornering compared with some German rivals.
- Braking and cadence: Brakes provide strong, progressive stopping power with good feedback in most conditions.
- Interior and tech: A quiet, upscale cabin with Lexus reliability and intuitive controls; newer rivals may offer more advanced infotainment features.
- Overall ownership: Lexus reliability and relatively calm maintenance costs help the GS350 hold value and deliver long-term ownership satisfaction.
In practical terms, the GS350 is a balanced, confident performer that suits buyers who want a refined luxury sedan with strong daily performance. If outright sport-sedan speed is the goal, some rivals or higher-performance variants may edge it out in straight-line times.
Lifecycle and current status
The Lexus GS line, including the GS350, was phased out in the U.S. after the 2020 model year as Lexus retooled its lineup around other sedans and SUVs. The GS340/GS350 represented a traditional, well-rounded option in the brand’s midsize luxury segment, but it no longer sits in new-car showrooms. For buyers today, the GS350 is a used-vehicle prospect with strong reliability signals and a legacy of comfortable performance.
For context, buyers considering similar speed and luxury today typically look to current IS sedans, ES variants, or other brands’ midsize luxury sedans with newer powertrains and updated tech. The GS350’s blend of smooth power and refined ride remains a benchmark for traditional Lexus luxury in the pre-discontinuation era.
Summary
The Lexus GS350 offers solid, confident speed for a luxury sedan, delivering a robust V6 soundtrack, smooth power delivery, and a refined ride. While not a true sports car, its acceleration is competitive for its class, particularly in RWD configurations. If your priority is outright sprint capability and the latest tech, newer rivals or higher-performance variants may deliver more edge; if you value reliability, comfort, and a composed daily drive, the GS350 remains a compelling choice—especially on the used market.
