What is the difference between GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport?
The GS 350 is Lexus’s base mid‑size luxury sedan with a focus on comfort and refinement, while the GS 350 F Sport is the sportier trim that adds chassis tuning, aggressive styling, and interior sport details. The two share the same 3.5-liter V6 in most years, but the F Sport emphasizes performance-oriented handling and appearance.
Power, performance and handling
Below is a concise look at how the driving experience typically varies between the two trims.
- Engine and output: Both versions generally use the 3.5-liter V6 rated around 311 horsepower and about 277 lb-ft of torque, depending on the model year. The power figure is usually not upgraded simply by choosing the F Sport trim.
- Transmission: Both usually pair the V6 with an 8‑speed automatic transmission; gear shifting behavior is tuned differently in the F Sport for quicker responses.
- Suspension and handling: The F Sport adds a sport-tuned suspension, and in many years can include adaptive suspension (AVS) for firmer damping and sharper handling. The GS 350’s standard suspension prioritizes ride comfort.
- Drive modes: The F Sport typically offers more aggressive drive modes (such as Sport/Sport+ styling) designed to sharpen throttle response and steering feel; the regular GS 350 provides a more modest set of modes aimed at comfort and efficiency.
- Brakes and steering: The F Sport often features upgraded or enhanced braking feel and a more direct steering setup to support dynamic driving, while the GS 350 focuses on smooth, predictable steering and braking suited to everyday use.
- Exhaust note and dynamics: The F Sport frequently includes a more pronounced exhaust tone and sport-tuned dynamics to convey a sportier character, whereas the base GS 350 emphasizes a quiet, refined cabin and balanced ride.
In short, the F Sport version is designed for a more engaged driving experience, with stiffer handling and sportier character, while the GS 350 remains centered on comfort and everyday usability.
Exterior and interior design
The F Sport treatment is not just performance hardware—it also changes the look and feel of the car inside and out.
- Exterior styling: The GS 350 F Sport wears unique front and rear styling cues—such as a bespoke F Sport grille, sportier front bumper, side skirts, and often quad exhaust tips—providing a more aggressive appearance.
- Wheels and tires: F Sport models commonly ride on larger, distinctive wheels (often 19 inches) with performance-oriented tires, while the base GS 350 uses more conservative wheel designs and sizes in many years.
- Badging and cues: F Sport badges and exclusive color or trim options help signal the performance-oriented trim.
- Interior textures: Inside, the F Sport lineup typically includes sport seats with enhanced bolstering, contrast stitching, and trim with aluminum or dark brushed accents. Alcantara inserts or faux suede may appear in some years or markets.
- Instrumentation: The F Sport often features sportier instrumentation and graphics to reflect its character, with accent colors and revised gauge coloring in some model years.
These design elements give the F Sport a distinctly more aggressive presence both on the road and in the showroom, while the GS 350 emphasizes a more traditional luxury sedan aesthetic.
Equipment, options and price
Equipment availability and pricing can shift by year, but the core distinction tends to be how much of the sport package you get as standard or optional content.
- Trim level and pricing: The F Sport package typically adds several thousand dollars to the price of a GS 350, reflecting the performance equipment, styling, and interior upgrades. Exact pricing depends on year and market.
- Included features: In many years, the F Sport package bundles sport-tuned suspension, unique wheels, sport brakes or enhanced braking feel, exclusive interior trim, and F Sport badging. Some features like navigation or premium audio can be separate options or standard on higher trims, regardless of you choosing GS 350 or F Sport.
- All-wheel drive availability: Both GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport offered all-wheel drive in various years, but the availability can vary by year and market. The F Sport badge does not automatically imply AWD.
For buyers, the key takeaway is that the F Sport is a premium, sport-focused upgrade of the GS 350, with additional cost and a higher level of performance, styling, and interior touches.
Model years and availability
Understanding the generation timeline helps explain what’s possible when shopping used examples today.
- Generation span: The GS 350/GS 350 F Sport existed during the third generation of the GS lineup, with variations across 2013–2020 models in the United States and other markets. The exact features of the F Sport package evolved over those years.
- Discontinuation context: In many markets, Lexus discontinued the GS line after the 2020 model year, effectively ending new GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport sales. The brand shifted focus to IS and LS models and other performance lines.
- What this means for buyers: If you’re shopping today, you’re looking at used examples, where year-by-year options and equipment can differ significantly depending on the specific model year and market.
Knowing the year and market helps you compare the exact equipment and performance differences tied to the GS 350 vs. GS 350 F Sport you’re considering.
Summary
The GS 350 delivers Lexus-level luxury and a refined ride, while the GS 350 F Sport adds sportier handling, styling, and interior details for a more dynamic driving experience. Under the hood, both models typically share the same 3.5-liter V6 and an 8-speed automatic, but the F Sport tunes the chassis, brakes, wheels, exhaust, and interior to emphasize performance. As of the latest context, the GS lineup has largely ended production after 2020 in many markets, so current availability centers on used examples rather than new purchases. If you’re after a balanced luxury sedan with a sportier edge, the F Sport variant is the clear differentiator within the GS family.
What is the difference between Lexus 350 and 350 F Sport?
IS 350 F Sport—what's the difference? 🔥 The IS 350 delivers luxury and performance, while the IS 350 F Sport adds sportier handling, aggressive styling, and a dynamic driving experience.
What are the common GS 350 F sport problems?
Top Lexus GS350 Problems
- Brief Rattle or Knocking Noise on Initial Start Up.
- The Inside Rear View Mirror May Become Discolored.
- Software Upgrade for Navigation & Heater Control Displays.
- Lexus GS350 sputtering issue with check engine light and traction control warning.
What makes Lexus F sport different?
ENHANCED WHEELS AND SUSPENSION
In true sports style, each model featuring an F SPORT grade has a unique alloy wheel design and is fitted with low profile tyres for superb cornering grip. Front and rear suspension set-ups are also tuned to enhance handling and ride quality for every driver.
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.
