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Test Drives:
2007 Lexus GS 350 AWD
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The 'Taste of Lexus' luxury tour was the venue for this particular test drive. Having driven
the GS 300 AWD before and being disappointed, I was anticipating this upgraded GS
350. At the time of this drive, the GS 350 had been introduced in the United States but
was still weeks away from launch in Canada. To an observer, changes are minimal if
not completely unnoticeable. In the United States, a V6-powered GS can now be
ordered with optional 18-inch wheels. Canadians have to accessorize in order to get
18s with a GS 350 since they are not available with any packages. A dead giveaway
when spotting a new GS 350 is the roof-mounted shark's fin antenna which seems to
be making its way to every car on the road, as is satellite radio.
On the dynamic road course, the GS 350 AWD drove fairly well. Lexus should learn
from its competitors (who happen to dominate the segment) and offer a sport package
to tighten up the suspension and steering a little. The GS is a very comfortable car to
drive but now with over 300-hp, corresponding suspension and steering tuning could
be of benefit to providing a sportier ride.
On the inside, the GS really satisfies the senses. Touch the surfaces of leather, wood
trim, high-quality plastics and buttons and you will feel comforted. The design of the
interior is typical Lexus in every sense. Ergonomics are excellent with everything being
placed in a logical position. The large touch-screen display may be somewhat difficult
for the older demographic to comprehend but overall it is design with common sense in
mind so confusion is kept to a minimum. Less commonly-used functions are tucked
away below and to the left of the steering column in a push-button fold out design.
Overall the interior design feels very avantgarde.
In a segment where the Germans hold significant market share, Lexus finds itself
struggling to compete. Not long after the GS 300 was redesigned for the 2006 model
year, Infiniti re-entered the segment with the new M35/M45 at a significantly lower price
point. Not long into its introduction, the Lexus became uncompetitive. The reposition of
the GS 350 will give the GS-Series more of a footing in this segment. However, BMW
and Mercedes-Benz are not sitting ducks. Mercedes-Benz has just introduced its minor
model change with a facelight and upgraded V8 engine. BMW will use the 2008 model
year to reposition the 5-Series with its revised inline-6 and turbocharged 6 (528i, 535i).
This particular segment is one that Lexus has never been king of the hill. A
repositioned GS will help, but likely not catapult the sedan above the 5-Series or
E-Class.
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