Best large car over $60,000
Lexus GS350 F Sport
Winners and scores
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.