2019 Lexus GS: A Trim Comparison
The 2019 Lexus GS has plenty of room and plush seats to make this vehicle an excellent family car. However, it also has plenty of power from strong engines to make it incredibly playful for any driver looking for a little fun. Which trim is right for your lifestyle?
GS 300
The 2019 Lexus GS 300 starts at $46,860, an affordable price considering what comes with this trim level. The standard engine is a 2L inline 4-cylinder capable of 241 horsepower. It’s only available in rear-wheel drive and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy of 26 mpg is in line with competitors in this segment.
The GS 300 trim comes with Bluetooth technology standard, as well as heated front seats for the driver and passenger. A 12-speaker system pumps music throughout the cabin, and there are 12v power outlets in the front and rear. Exterior mirrors come standard with integrated turn indicators, and they are also heated. A moonroof also comes standard.
Safety features include a backup camera with dynamic guidelines, Lexus safety system, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. An all-speed dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure alert with lane keep assist will also help during commutes.
GS 300 F Sport
A performance-tuned version of the GS 300 is also available. Termed the Lexus GS 300 F Sport, it has an MSRP of $51,450 and has the same dimensions and standard features of the GS 300 upon which it is based. The main difference is the addition of the F-Sport package, giving the exterior and interior some sporty touches. The package comes with paddle shifters and a sport-tuned and adaptive variable suspension. The engine is still the same 2L inline 4-cylinder but is turbocharged for this sporty trim. That does lower the fuel economy somewhat.
A few extras do come included, like orange brake calipers and a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel.
GS 350
The other trim option for the 2019 Lexus GS is the GS 350. Drivers have the option of a RWD version that starts at $51,245 or an AWD version starting at $50,915. The main difference between these two trim levels is the larger engine in the GS 350. On this upper trim, the engine has been upgraded to a 3.5L V6 capable of 311 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque. That, naturally, drops the fuel economy somewhat to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
There are a few new standard features as well. Navigation comes standard on the touchpad-controlled infotainment system, including subscription-free traffic and weather. Where Lexus does fall behind its competitors somewhat is that certain features are only available as add-ons, no matter what the trim level. That means that intuitive parking assist ($500) and a power open/close trunk ($400) cost extra. These features are standard inclusions on certain trim levels from other automakers.
GS 350 F Sport
Similar to the GS 300 trim level, a sporty version of the GS 350 exists. The MSRP for the RWD Lexus GS 350 F Sport starts at $52,610 while the AWD model begins at $54,355. As before, the dimensions and most standard features carry over from the traditional GS 350. However, sporty touches, including a sport drive mode and turbocharged engine, are added. The orange brake calipers, heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, and 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels also make a reappearance to finish out the GS 350 F Sport trim.
GS F
Finally, the 2019 Lexus GS F is technically a separate model, but because it has so many similarities to the Lexus GS, we will discuss it here. It’s nearly similar to the Lexus GS in measurements, being only a hair longer, wider, and shorter. If you thought the GS F Sport versions were sporty, the Lexus GS F will completely blow you away.
The starting MSRP of $85,595 provides buyers with a 5L V8 engine that screams with 467 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, the combined fuel economy is only 19 mpg, but if you’re interested in this performance-focused model, then fuel economy probably isn’t high on your list of concerns.
It has the signature orange brake calipers and paddle shifters of the F Sport trim options, but it also adds black carbon fiber trim throughout the interior. Additionally, the 2019 Lexus GS F features torque vectoring differential and an F-adaptive variable suspension. It also has heated and ventilated front seats. The dual-zone climate control system even has a smog sensor.
(image via Facebook)
