What is difference between GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport?

In brief, the GS 350 F Sport is the sport-oriented trim of the GS 350, focusing on handling, styling, and driver-centric touches rather than a bump in horsepower. The core engine remains the same in most years, but the F Sport aims to deliver a more engaging driving experience through chassis and cosmetic tweaks.

The standard GS 350 and the GS 350 F Sport share a 3.5-liter V6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission in most model years, with rear- or all-wheel-drive options depending on configuration. What changes is the degree of sport-focused tuning, including suspension, wheels, interior trim, and exterior styling. Model-year variations mean specifics can differ by market, so verify the exact equipment on the car you’re considering.

Performance and powertrain

Key mechanical differences cover how power is delivered and what drives the car on the road.

• Engine: both typically use a 3.5-liter V6 (from the 2GR-FKS family) producing about 311 horsepower; torque is around 277–280 lb-ft, depending on year; both are paired with an 8-speed automatic. The horsepower figure is generally similar across most years, with no standard bump for the F Sport.


• Transmission and drive: an 8-speed automatic is standard; rear-wheel drive is common, with all-wheel drive offered in many years or markets.


• Performance emphasis: the F Sport does not usually add horsepower; instead, it focuses on chassis and handling tweaks to sharpen response.

In practice, both versions feel comparable in straight-line power, but the F Sport is typically tuned for a more engaging, sportier feel around corners.

Handling, suspension and chassis

How the ride, handling, and steering differ between the two trims.

• Suspension and handling: F Sport models usually feature a sport-tuned suspension, and many years offer adaptive suspension (AVS) that adjusts damping with drive mode; the base GS 350 uses a softer setup prioritizing comfort.


• Steering and dynamics: the F Sport often has a quicker steering feel and a tighter chassis response, delivering a more immediate feel when turning in.


• Wheels and tires: F Sport typically rides on larger wheels (often 19 inches) with sport tires; the base GS 350 commonly uses smaller wheels and touring tires in various configurations.


• Brakes and differential: F Sport may include upgraded brakes and, in some years, a limited-slip differential to improve corner grip; these enhancements are not always standard on the base model.

Overall, the F Sport is designed to deliver crisper handling and a more aggressive stance, while the base GS 350 emphasizes comfort and refinement for daily driving.

Exterior and interior design cues

What stands out visually and inside the cabin.

• Exterior styling: F Sport models carry distinctive front grilles, unique bumpers, rear spoilers, and sport-oriented badging to signal the performance-focused package; the base GS 350 uses a more conventional appearance.


• Wheels and trim: F Sport typically features larger, sportier wheels and distinctive wheel designs; base models use more understated wheel options.


• Interior details: F Sport often includes sport seats with enhanced bolstering, unique trim accents (such as aluminum or carbon-fiber-like finishes), and a performance-oriented steering wheel with paddle shifters; the base model features more standard interior appointments.

These cues help buyers identify the sport-oriented variant and feel the difference in fit and finish from behind the wheel.

Technology, features and price

What to expect in terms of equipment and cost, and how it can vary by year.

• Equipment packages: the F Sport package bundles sport-oriented exterior/interior styling, upgraded wheels/tires, and, in some years, adaptive suspension and differential options; the base GS 350 offers fewer sport-focused features as standard.


• Infotainment and options: tech availability (navigation, premium audio, driver aids) varies by year and trim; F Sport models often reflect the tech packages associated with the sport-focused option.


• Pricing: the F Sport carries a higher starting price due to the added performance and styling content; exact numbers depend on year and market.

If you prioritize ride comfort and value, the base GS 350 is typically the smarter buy; if you want sharper dynamics and sport styling, the GS 350 F Sport is the better pick.

Choosing between them

Which model suits you depends on your priorities: daily comfort and budget versus sportier performance and styling. Both share the same engine and many fundamentals, so the decision often comes down to ride feel, aesthetics, and how much you value sport-oriented features.

In summary

The GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport are closely related, with the F Sport designation signaling a sport-tuned chassis, larger wheels, more aggressive styling, and sport-oriented interior touches. The engine and transmission remain broadly the same across most years, while the extent of equipment and tuning can vary by model year and market. Always verify the exact specification for the year you’re considering.

What is special about the GS 350 F Sport?

Plus. I like the stitching on the shift. Knob. Here's your reverse. Camera. I like this little handrest. Too red interior and you have some interesting trim.

What is the difference between Lexus GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport?

Other than the four specifications above, there are a few other differences between the GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport, mostly in standard features. The F Sport is given a more athletic look. Along with its standard rear spoiler, it also has different standard wheels and a unique grille style.

What is the difference between a regular Lexus and the F Sport?

A Lexus F Sport is a sportier trim of a regular model, distinguished by enhanced performance and styling. Key differences include a sport-tuned suspension, more aggressive exterior styling with unique grilles and badging, and interior upgrades like sport seats and a perforated steering wheel. While both models may share the same engine, the F Sport offers a more engaging driving experience through these performance and aesthetic modifications.
 
This video explains the differences between Lexus F Sport and Lexus F models: 1mMarty MotoringYouTube · Dec 29, 2022
Performance

• Engine: Typically, F Sport models use the same engine as the base model but may have performance tweaks, such as a more aggressive Sport S+ driving mode that adjusts engine and transmission tuning. 
• Suspension: The F Sport features a sport-tuned suspension that provides a firmer, more responsive ride, along with performance dampers. 
• Brakes: F Sport models often come with upgraded brake pads and rotors for better stopping power. 
• Handling: The combination of the sport-tuned suspension and other performance parts results in improved handling dynamics and a more aggressive steering feel. 

Exterior

• Grille and bumpers: The F Sport has a more aggressive front fascia with a unique mesh grille, along with exclusive front and rear bumpers and side skirts. 
• Wheels: F Sport models are fitted with larger, exclusive alloy wheel designs. 
• Badging: F Sport versions are identified by specific badging on the front and rear. 
• Accents: Exterior accents, such as the grille surround, often have a gloss black finish instead of chrome on the base model. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the features of the Lexus ES350 F Sport Handling package: 1mHawkeye RidesYouTube · Dec 11, 2024
Interior

• Seating: F Sport models come with sport seats that have more aggressive bolstering for better support during spirited driving. 
• Steering wheel: A perforated leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel is a common F Sport feature, sometimes with a unique gauge cluster that changes based on the drive mode. 
• Pedals and trim: Aluminum pedals and door-sill scuff plates are often included to give the interior a more performance-oriented feel. 
• Ambient lighting: Some F Sport models feature unique LED ambient interior illumination. 

What is the difference between Lexus 350 and 350 sport?

🔥 The IS 350 delivers luxury and performance, while the IS 350 F Sport adds sportier handling, aggressive styling, and a dynamic driving experience.