2013 Lexus GS

[jimken]

Lexus isn't known for exciting sports cars. It's the leader in quiet, comfortable luxury sedans that deliver good value, but that's not the reputation you want if you're trying to sell a dynamic sport sedan like the GS 350 -- even if it has made Lexus one of the best-selling luxury brands in recent history.

The 2013 Lexus GS sedan won't just change the sport sedan's place in the industry; it will change the entire brand when it goes on sale in February 2012.

The old GS suffered from a split personality. It wasn't sporty enough to win over BMW or Audi shoppers, nor was it comfortable enough to sway Mercedes-Benz shoppers. Somehow, the 2013 GS is both sportier and more comfortable, two characteristics that don't typically go together.

The new GS carries over the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine as the 2011, with a six-speed automatic. It's good for 306 horsepower, but it doesn't come on as quickly as the twin-turbo inline-six in the BMW 535. Still, it will be enough for most buyers, and in terms of zero-to-60-mph speeds, the GS is in line with the 535. Both have manufacturer's estimates of 5.7 seconds to 60 mph.

The GS 350 is estimated to return mileage of 19/28 mpg city/highway. The city figure is unchanged from the outgoing model, but highway ratings are up 2 mpg. They're now identical to the BMW 535's figures and slightly ahead of the Infiniti M37's 18/26 mpg city/highway.

A variety of colors look good, from the menacing black to a more sophisticated dark red. There are also unique dark aquamarine and brown shades that are very attractive.