As premium sibling to the industrious Toyota brand, Lexus stands at the threshold of both affordability and comfort. The 2019 Lexus GS successfully blends a dash of sportiness, a coating of sophistication, and a flair for the dramatic in terms of styling.

To help you decide if you’d like to call the 2019 Lexus GS yours, or even if you’re curious as to what the brand is up to these days, below you’ll find some basic information on the model.

Performance Specifications

Customers can purchase the 2019 Lexus GS in the following colors:

  • Eminent White Pearl
  • Liquid Platinum
  • Atomic Silver
  • Smoky Granite Mica
  • Caviar
  • Obsidian
  • Matador Red Mica
  • Nightfall Mica
  • Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0
  • Ultra White
  • Flare Yellow

Lexus’ 2019 GS is powered by either a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, or a 5.0-liter V8. The turbo 4-cylinder engine is capable of 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the more powerful V6 engine has 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Top-of-the-line models come equipped with a V8 capable of 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission options on the 2019 Lexus GS include a 6-speed automatic and an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available.

Entertainment and Safety Features

Per Edmunds, the 2019 Lexus GS received a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though it hasn’t been rated in every test yet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated the 2019 GS either.

Understanding the various trim levels offered on the 2019 Lexus GS requires more than just a glance at the features list. It’s best to think about each trim level as (of course) offering more than the previous level, but all sharing the same base characteristics. For example, every 2019 Lexus GS model comes equipped with LED headlights and taillights, a power moonroof, push button start and keyless entry, Bluetooth, and Lexus’ Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect, complimentary until 2029. Base models ring in around $46,000, depending on your location.  

Said base models, known as the GS 300, feature 17-inch wheels, heads-up display (HUD), SiriusXM capabilities, and steering-wheel mounted controls. The GS 300 is only available with an 8-speed, rear-wheel drive transmission. Choose the GS 300 F Sport model and you’ll upgrade to everything the F Sport package includes, from 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, 4-piston brake calipers, and an LFA-inspired instrument panel to custom front seats, special interior accents, and aluminum sport pedals. Exterior F Sport accents fill out this trim. The GS 300 F Sport is also only available in rear-wheel drive.  

The Lexus GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport are both available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Rather than an 8-speed automatic transmission, these models are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Options on the GS 350 twins include a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, triple beam LED headlights, a power open and close trunk, heated steering wheel, and orange brake calipers. Customers can choose from 4 drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow.

The Lexus GS F model comes in near $85,000 and features all the accoutrements you could ever want on a luxury sedan. Brembo brakes, the Mark Levinson audio system, and a 12.3-inch split-screen infotainment screen are just the tip of the iceberg on this model. The Flare Yellow paint is exclusive to the GS F model, along with a torque vectoring differential.

Packages on the 2019 Lexus GS include Premium, Navigation, and Cold Weather. This is where customers will be able to choose which interior amenities they prefer, from leather seats that are heated and ventilated to headlamp washing wipers. As you can see, it’s best to consider each model based on what type of engine and transmission you prefer, and then add on features as you please. There are plenty of features to pick from.

Fuel Efficiency

Kelley Blue Book ranks the 2019 Lexus GS second only to the 2019 BMW 4 Series. According to FuelEconomy.gov, Lexus GS 300 models are capable of 22 city and 32 highway EPA-estimated MPG, while GS 300 F Sport variants achieve 21 city and 30 highway MPG. The GS 350 and 350 F Sport put up 20 city and 28 highway, and 19 city and 27 highway MPG respectively. All-wheel drive GS 350 models will see around 19 city and 26 highway MPG. Those who choose the V8-powered Lexus GS F should budget more for their gas bill; the model only achieves a 16 city and 24 highway MPG rating.  

How the 2019 Lexus GS Compares

The 2019 Lexus GS is a sedan that can fulfill the needs of those who want both a sports car and an SUV. Built on a spectrum from tame and fuel efficient to sporty and fun, the 2019 GS “successfully melds luxury and sportiness,” according to Consumer Reports. Competitors like the Genesis G80, the Infiniti Q70, Cadillac’s CTS, Jaguar’s XF, and the Chrysler 300 offer their own renditions of the pairing, but we’ll leave it to you to decide who ultimately wins the battle.

Pros

  • Plush, well-appointed interior
  • Variety of options and upgrades
  • Affordable luxury

Cons

  • Rear seats don’t fold
  • No hybrid option

An affordable price, plenty of optional features, and an array of powertrain choices make the 2019 Lexus GS a contender for any consumer looking to pair utility with comfort.

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Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.