Best large car over $60,000

In a prestige class largely dominated by European marques, premium Japanese brand Lexus has taken the win with its new GS350 F Sport.

Mid-field scores for pricing and depreciation are made up for by the F Sport’s handsome standard features, which include climate-control air-conditioning, tyre pressure monitors, 19” alloys, active cruise control, leather trim, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and digital radio. Ditto 10 airbags, a pre-collision safety system, alarm, navigation system and moon roof.

The F Sport’s ergonomics scored highly, thanks to well positioned controls and inclusion of features such as paddle shifters, a heads-up display showing speed and other important driving information, a blind spot monitoring system, and reversing camera.

The heated and cooled front seats offer excellent support and adjustability with wrap-in bolsters and cushion extension a feature.

Lexus claims the naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 is good for 233 kW and 378 Nm. Our testing showed it’s a real gem, offering strong response and performance.

Vehicle dynamics are also first class, thanks to standard sport suspension plus dynamic rear-wheel steering and selection modes to customise the power train and suspension settings.

On the road, best cars’ judges had to remind themselves that this was a prestige model, as it would have easily fared well in one of the sports car classes.



Manufacturer’s List Price: $99,400

Lexus GS350 F Sport - Criteria out of 10

Value for Money	Rating
Pricing	6M
Depreciation	6M
Running Costs	9L
Fuel Consumption	2M
Warranty and dealer access	5H
Insurance	5L
Standard Features	9H

Design and Function	Rating
Safety	10C
Environment	8C
Comfort	9C
Space	6H
Practicality	7M
Ergonomics	9C
Build and Finish	9C

On the Road	Rating
Performance	10H
Ride	9C
Handling	10H
Braking	9H
Smoothness and Quietness	8C

Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C = Critical.