The Lexus GS 350 is one of those unassuming cars that will present the Lexus buyer with a difficult choice.
Now equipped with a larger, more powerful V6, the 2007 GS 350 tops the power available in its sibling car, the more aggressive GS 430.
Think of the 350 more as a boulevard tourer than bad boy sprinter.
Both cars look pretty much the same, both offer sumptuous interiors and that elegant ride that has made Lexus one of the most successful luxury brands in North America.
But the difficulty comes when comparing numbers: The new 3.5-litre V6 in the 350 produces 303 horsepower, slightly more than that in the current generation 430.
The 430 generates 290 horses from a V8 (though we’re told the next 430 will have somewhere in the vicinity of 380 horsepower).
The difficulty is further compounded by the better fuel efficiency – and price – in the 350. The attraction of the 430 is slightly more torque, a more sporting experience, better handling and the unmistakable joy of a V8.
But the new 350, with an engine that first appeared in the IS 350, is so capable and so quick, it’s a viable alternative for the driver who wants a sporty Lexus without making a statement.
The car runs with some distinguished company, including the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz
E-Class, Audi’s A6, and Infiniti’s M35 – all producing similar-sized sedans with more than 300 horsepower – though the Lexus comes in with one of the best MSRPs.
Our rear-wheel-drive test car (available in AWD) was able to reach 100 kilometres per hour in 5.7 seconds, according to Lexus.
Riding on Bridgestone LM-22 winter tires, the rear-wheel-drive 350 displayed more understeer than expected, with the front tires pushing out easily in corners, and body roll more pronounced than the GS.
Of course, the car never strayed far from its intended path thanks to a multitude of vehicle dynamic assists and management systems that couldn’t be shut off.
That’s probably not going to be an issue with a majority of Lexus owners anyway, since most won’t be pushing the tires to their limits.
Where it probably matters most for Lexus drivers is in ridecomfort and reliability, attributes for which Lexus is well known.
Certainly, the ride in our 350 was hallmark Lexus: The six-speed automatic transmission shifted with satisfying accuracy. Highway cruising was delightful.
Around the city, driving was smooth and uncomplicated.
Our test car developed an annoying squeak somewhere between the dash and windshield, but the car, otherwise, came with the high standard of fit and finish expected from a Lexus.
The instrument cluster in the 350 is easily one of the finest available – bright, legible and smart looking.
A new arrangement of instrument and interior lighting casts the cabin in soft, elegant LED light. The keyless entry and push-button start works so well that the key fob never leaves the pocket.
The touch-screen control system, which manages radio, heating, information and navigation is clear and quick, though, like all touch screens, has issues that require some getting used to.
Also missing in our test car was some of the hushed tones expected from a Lexus.
At cruising speeds, the car was serene and quiet, but at start up and idle, there seemed to be more engine noise than encountered before.
We’re not sure if a belt had gone bad or the more powerful engine simply had more to say, but the noise detracted from the pleasantness found at other speeds, and seemed out of character for this car.
What isn’t out of character, however, is the value this more powerful Lexus delivers.
Now with a much more potent engine, the GS 350, starting at $59,750, easily outprices a similarly equipped BMW or Mercedes, yet still delivers comparable levels of luxury and performance – a fact that should make any purchase decision easier to make.
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2007 Lexus GS 350
Price: $59,750(base); $62,550 (as tested)
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Power: 303 horsepower; 274 pound-feet of torque
Fuel economy: 11.2 litres per 100 km (city); 8.1 litres per 100 km (hwy.)
Visit www.driving.ca for more specifications on this vehicle or visit www.driveyourdream.com to rent one first!