While past versions of the GS midsized luxury sedan struggled to reconcile the brand's trademark isolating plushness with the fun-to-drive verve found in competing class leaders, this iteration of the GS pulls it off. Engaging to drive, yet offering a supple ride, it's roughly on the same page as its German competition. The GS 350 has a punchy V6 powertrain and is linked to a smooth transmission. Fuel economy, at 21 mpg on premium fuel, is OK for the class but not a standout. Handling is quite agile and the ride is comfortable. The ultra-quiet cabin is beautifully finished and quite accommodating.
Clearly, the car's biggest source of frustration is its control layout, dominated by a giant, nearly foot-wide display screen for audio, climate, navigation and communications functions, all manipulated by a mouselike multi-directional control knob on the center console. The system is an exercise in frustration, requires too much eye-off-the-road time and a delicate touch. It may work well when the car is parked, but proves too distracting and too aggravating while driving. That's unfortunate because the GS is a decent car overall.
Three engines are available: the 3.5-liter V6 in the GS 350; the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid in the GS 450h; and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the GS 200t. While the hybrid does improve fuel economy, it is positioned as the higher-performance version of the GS. A V8 is only available on the super-high performance GS F.
Each powertrain is available in either regular or F Sport trim, which adds a sports-tuned suspension and more heavily bolstered seats. The GS 350 is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive; the 200t and 450h hybrid are rear-wheel drive only.
The GS comes well equipped. All have leather, sunroof and heated front seats. Navigation is a no cost option.
We'd stick with the regular GS 350. Get all-wheel drive if winter poses a problem where you live. If you want the more aggressive looks and slightly sharper reflexes of the F Sport, it doesn't impose much sacrifice in comfort -- but most will be plenty happy with the regular car. To us, the only must-have option is the blind spot monitoring system.