Lexus GS 350: Specs, History and Why It Was Discontinued

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Lexus GS was a rear- or all-wheel-drive midsize sport sedan sold in the US from 1993 to 2020. The final 2020 GS 350 used a 311-hp 3.5L V6, and the GS F a 467-hp 5.0L V8. Lexus ended GS production in August 2020 after four generations; the GS has no direct replacement.

Type
Midsize rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan (discontinued)
Powertrains
GS 350 (RWD), GS 350 AWD, GS F · 311–467 hp
Current generation
Fourth generation (GS 350, GS 450h, GS 200t/300, GS F), 2013–2020

2019 Lexus GS price and trims

For 2018 the turbo GS 200t was renamed GS 300 alongside the GS 350, GS 450h and GS F. Lexus's 2020 releases cover the GS 350 (including a 210-unit F SPORT Black Line Special Edition) and the GS F, which got 19-inch matte black wheels and blue Brembo calipers. Lexus's text releases give no per-trim 2020 prices, so only the 2019 GS F figures are shown.[20][21][22][23][24]

Lexus GS trims with 2019 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2019)Powertrain
GS 300—2.0L turbo I4 (241 hp, 258 lb-ft), RWD[20]
GS 350—3.5L V6 (311 hp, 280 lb-ft), RWD 8-speed or AWD 6-speed[21][20]
GS 350 F SPORT Black Line Special Edition—3.5L V6 (311 hp, 280 lb-ft), RWD or AWD[23]
GS 450h—3.5L V6 hybrid (338 hp combined), CVT[20]
GS F$84,3502019 MY; derived from Lexus's statement that the $89,350 10th Anniversary Edition was a $5,000 premium over the standard model; destination treatment not stated5.0L V8 (467 hp, 389 lb-ft), RWD[24][22]
GS F 10th Anniversary Edition$89,3502019 MY; destination treatment not stated5.0L V8 (467 hp, 389 lb-ft), RWD[24]

Every GS trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Lexus GS engines, horsepower and mpg

These were the final (2020) US powertrains. The GS 300 turbo four and GS 450h hybrid were not offered for 2020. Lexus's 2020 GS pricing sheet could not be retrieved, so no final-year MSRP is shown.

Lexus GS powertrains with Lexus-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
GS 350 (RWD)GS 350, GS 350 F SPORT, F SPORT Black Line3.5L V6 (direct + port injection)[1]3112808-speed automaticRWD20/28/232020 MY[2]
GS 350 AWDGS 350, GS 350 F SPORT, F SPORT Black Line3.5L V6[1]3112806-speed automaticAWD19/26/212020 MY[3]
GS FGS F5.0L naturally aspirated V8[4]4673898-speed automaticRWD16/24/192020 MY[5]

Output is as rated by Lexus; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

GS 350 vs GS F (2020)

The two GS models in the final model year.[1][4][2][3][5]

GS 350 vs GS F (2020)
GS 350GS F
Engine3.5L V65.0L V8
Output311 hp / 280 lb-ft467 hp / 389 lb-ft
DriveRWD (8-speed) or AWD (6-speed)RWD (8-speed)
EPA combined23 mpg (RWD) / 21 mpg (AWD)19 mpg
  • The GS F gives 156 hp more for 4 mpg less combined than a RWD GS 350.
  • Only the GS 350 was offered with all-wheel drive.

Why and when the Lexus GS was discontinued

Lexus announced in April 2020 that GS production would end in August 2020. In its announcement it thanked customers for 27 years of global sales across four generations since the first GS in 1993, and said it would carry the GS's grand-touring character forward in other models. Lexus named no direct successor.

In the US the 2020 model year was the last, with the GS 350 and GS F. The send-off was the GS 350 F SPORT Black Line Special Edition, a limited run of 210 cars in RWD and AWD with Gloss Black F SPORT wheels and red interior accents. Japan got an Eternal Touring special edition instead.[7][18][10]

Lexus GS F (2016–2020)

The GS F premiered at the 2015 Detroit auto show and was sold for the 2016–2020 model years. Its naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 used forged connecting rods and titanium valves for a 7,300-rpm redline, and it was rated at 467 hp and 389 lb-ft. EPA rated the 2020 GS F at 16 city, 24 highway and 19 combined mpg.

For 2019 Lexus sold 100 GS F 10th Anniversary Editions in the US at $89,350, and for 2020 the GS F got 19-inch matte-black wheels and blue Brembo calipers.[6][4][19][5][10]

Lexus GS generations by year

Every US Lexus GS generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Fourth generation (GS 350, GS 450h, GS 200t/300, GS F)2013–20203.5L V6 GS 350 (306 hp at launch, 311 hp by 2020); 3.5L V6 hybrid GS 450h (338 hp system, 2013–2018); 2.0L turbo four GS 200t (2016–2017) / GS 300 (2018–2019); 5.0L V8 GS F (467 hp, 2016–2020)Went on sale in 2012 as the first Lexus with the spindle grille. There was no 2012-model-year GS. The 2013 GS 350 started at $46,900 before an $875 delivery fee.[6][7][8][9][1][4][10][11]
Third generation (GS 300/350, GS 430/460, GS 450h)2006–20113.0L six GS 300 (2006); 3.5L V6 GS 350 (2007–2011); 4.3L V8 GS 430 (2006–2007); 4.6L V8 GS 460 (2008–2011); 3.5L V6 hybrid GS 450h (2007–2011)On sale in 2005. The GS 450h was Lexus's second hybrid and the industry's first luxury hybrid sport sedan.[6][10][12][13][14]
Second generation (GS 300, GS 400, GS 430)1998–20053.0L six GS 300; 4.0L V8 GS 400 (1998–2000); 4.3L V8 GS 430 (2001–2005)The next-generation GS 400 and GS 300 went on sale in 1997.[6][10][15][16]
First generation (GS 300)1993–19973.0L six, 4-speed automaticThe GS 300 luxury sport sedan was introduced in 1993.[6][10][17]

Lexus GS problems and recalls

Lexus GS problems on record are recalls. The 2006–2011 GS had loose VVT gear bolts on the GS 350 (13V395) and several fuel-leak campaigns (09V020, 11V029, 14V647, 18V432). The 2013–2020 GS had brake-switch and steering recalls on early cars, a GS F high-pressure pump recall (18V107) and fuel pump recalls 20V012, 20V682 and 26V222.

Documented Lexus GS issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
2GR-FSE VVT gear bolts can loosen (recall 13V395)[25]S190 (2006–2011)2007–2011Recall 13V395
Fuel pulsation damper diaphragm can crack and leak (recall 18V432)[26]S190 (2006–2011)2007–2011Recall 18V432
Aluminum fuel rails can corrode and leak (recall 09V020)[27]S190 (2006–2011)2006–2007Recall 09V020
Fuel pressure sensor can loosen and leak (recall 11V029)[28]S190 (2006–2011)2006–2007Recall 11V029
Fuel leak at the fuel pressure sensor from plating remnants (recall 14V647)[29]S190 (2006–2011)2006–2011Recall 14V647
Brake master cylinder seal can dry out and leak (recall 10V499)[30]S190 (2006–2011)2006Recall 10V499
AWD floor carpet pad can catch the accelerator (recall 11V115)[31]S190 (2006–2011)2006–2007Recall 11V115
VGRS steering can leave the wheel off-center (recall 12V221)[32]L10 (2013–2020)2013Recall 12V221

All 12 documented GS issues and 12 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show real buyer-reported prices, dealer invoice estimates and current asking prices for the Lexus GS.

More GS research

See how a GS was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Lexus build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lexus build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Why did Lexus discontinue the GS?

Lexus announced in April 2020 that GS production would end in August 2020, after four generations and 27 years of global sales. It did not name a direct successor.

What was the last year of the Lexus GS?

The 2020 model year was the last GS in the US, offered as the GS 350 and the GS F. A 210-unit GS 350 F SPORT Black Line Special Edition closed out production.

How much horsepower does the Lexus GS 350 have?

The 2020 GS 350's 3.5L V6 produces 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. The 2013 GS 350 was rated at 306 hp.

How much horsepower does the GS F have?

The GS F's 5.0L V8 is rated at 467 hp and 389 lb-ft with a 7,300-rpm redline. It was sold for the 2016–2020 model years.

What gas mileage does a Lexus GS 350 get?

EPA rates the 2020 GS 350 RWD at 20 city, 28 highway and 23 combined mpg. The AWD version is rated 19/26/21.

Was there a 2012 Lexus GS?

No. EPA lists no 2012-model-year GS. The third generation ended with 2011, and the fourth-generation GS went on sale in 2012 as a 2013 model.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Lexus for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2020 Lexus GS 350: A Sedan With Both Luxury and Sporty Handling — Lexus USA Newsroom
  2. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Lexus GS 350 (RWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Lexus GS 350 AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. What's New: 2020 Lexus GS F — Lexus USA Newsroom
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Lexus GS F — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. The History of Lexus — Lexus USA Newsroom
  7. LEXUS、GSに特別仕様車“Eternal Touring”を設定 (Lexus GS production to end August 2020) — Toyota Global Newsroom (Japanese)
  8. Lexus Pricing: 2013 GS 350 — Lexus USA Newsroom
  9. Lexus Pricing: 2013 GS 450h, RX 350, RX 450h, RX 350 F SPORT, 2012 IS Sedans — Lexus USA Newsroom
  10. EPA fuel economy model listings by year, Lexus (1990–2026) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2016 Lexus GS 200t — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2006 Lexus GS 300 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Lexus GS 460 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2007 Lexus GS 450h — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 1998 Lexus GS 400 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. EPA fuel economy: 2001 Lexus GS 430 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  17. EPA fuel economy: 1993 Lexus GS 300 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  18. Lexus Crafts the Best-Ever GS in Black Line Special Edition Model — Lexus USA Newsroom
  19. The Tenth Anniversary Editions: 2019 Lexus GS F and 2019 RC F Have Arrived — Lexus USA Newsroom
  20. Luxury and Handling With a Sharper Edge: The 2018 Lexus GS (Aug 16, 2017) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  21. 2020 Lexus GS 350: A Sedan With Both Luxury, Sporty Handling (Nov 19, 2019) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  22. What's New: 2020 Lexus GS F (Nov 19, 2019) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  23. Lexus Crafts the "Best Ever" GS in Black Line Special Edition Model (Apr 23, 2020) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  24. Two Reasons to Celebrate: The 10th Anniversary Editions of the 2019 Lexus GS F and 2019 RC F Have Arrived (Jun 4, 2018) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  25. NHTSA recall 13V395: Variable-Valve Timing System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. NHTSA recall 18V432: Fuel Diaphragm Cracks may cause Fuel Leak — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  27. NHTSA recall 09V020: FUEL DELIVERY PIPE — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  28. NHTSA recall 11V029: FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. NHTSA recall 14V647: Fuel Leak at Fuel Pressure Sensor/Fuel Pipe — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  30. NHTSA recall 10V499: BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  31. NHTSA recall 11V115: FLOOR CARPET PAD — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. NHTSA recall 12V221: VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

More Lexus tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Lexus or Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus, F SPORT and the model names are trademarks of their owners.