Which Lexus GS has the V8?
If you’re chasing a GS with a V8, you’ll find it in several older and high-performance models: the GS 400, GS 430, GS 460, the high-performance GS F, and, in some markets, the GS 600h L hybrid.
The Lexus GS lineup spans multiple generations from the 1990s through the end of the model’s run in 2020. Over those years, V8 options appeared on specific variants rather than the entire lineup, ranging from early 4.0-liter and 4.3-liter V8s to later 4.6- and 5.0-liter configurations, plus a high-performance hybrid that paired a V8 with electric motors.
V8-powered Lexus GS models
The following GS variants are known to have V8 powerplants. Each item lists the engine size and typical engine code used by Lexus.
- GS 400 — 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE).
- GS 430 — 4.3-liter V8 (3UZ-FE).
- GS 460 — 4.6-liter V8 (1UR-FSE).
- GS 600h L — Hybrid model using a 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE) paired with electric motors (market-specific).
- GS F — High-performance version with a 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE).
Note: Availability of these variants depended on model year and market. The GS line was eventually discontinued after 2020, with future Lexus sedans continuing to emphasize a broader range of V6 and hybrid options.
Engine codes and what they indicate
Lexus used several V8 engine families across the GS lineage. The 1UZ-FE and 3UZ-FE are older, naturally aspirated V8s, while the 1UR-FSE introduced direct injection for the 4.6-liter option. The 2UR-GSE is a modern 5.0-liter V8 shared with high-performance models (like the IS F and GS F) and, in hybrid form, powered the GS 600h L in certain markets.
Summary
In short, the Lexus GS has featured V8 engines in multiple generations: the GS 400 (4.0L), GS 430 (4.3L), GS 460 (4.6L), and the high-performance GS F (5.0L). In some markets, there was also the GS 600h L hybrid variant with a V8, reflecting Lexus’ broader V8 strategy during the GS era. The current GS lineup is no longer in production, but these V8-powered variants remain part of its legacy.
