Overview

What's New for 2013:

• Completely redesigned for the 2013 model year
• Standard Drive Mode Select technology
• Available F Sport package for improved handling
• Optional Lexus Dynamic Handling with Dynamic Rear Steering
• S-Flow climate control system technology
• Mark Levinson audio system option
• New safety technology, including a Pre-Collision System with Driver's Eyes Monitoring
• More powerful hybrid powertrain in GS 450h model
• Hybrid model has triple-lamp LED headlights, bamboo interior trim

Exterior Features
The new 2013 Lexus GS, which is completely redesigned, rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels and offers a 0.26 coefficient of drag, according to the automaker. The optional Riviera Red paint contains glass flakes for greater radiance.

Interior Features
The new GS is equipped with a standard S-Flow climate control system that uses occupant-detection technology to better deliver heating and cooling to the locations where people are actually seated in the vehicle.

Optional Features
A new F Sport option package contains suspension and braking component upgrades, 19-inch staggered-width wheels and summer tires, 16-way power sport seats, and unique exterior styling. Additionally, Premium, Cold Weather and Luxury packages are available, as well as a navigation system with Lexus Enform telematics and a Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system.

Under the Hood
A 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is installed in the GS 350, and power is fed to the rear (RWD) or all four wheels (AWD) through a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 2013 GS 450h combines an Atkinson-cycle version of the V-6 with an electric assist motor, nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system output measures 388 horsepower. Lexus says the GS 450h accelerates to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, a tick quicker than the GS 350.

Drive Mode Select is standard, offering Eco, Snow, Normal and Sport driving modes. Models with the Luxury or F Sport option packages also have a Sport+ mode.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Lexus GS are:

• GS 350: 19/28/23 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• GS 350 AWD: 19/26/21 mpg
• GS 450h: 19/34/31 mpg

Safety
Highlights from the standard safety equipment list include 10 air bags, new Whiplash Injury Lessening front seat designs, and one year of Safety Connect service with Automatic Crash Notification and Emergency Assist. Among the numerous optional safety technologies, one key extra-cost item is a pre-collision system that uses infrared camera technology to monitor the driver's eyes and, if the driver is not paying attention when a collision is about to occur, emits audible warnings well in advance so that the driver can take corrective action.

The new GS has not been tested for crashworthiness by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as this overview is written. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the Lexus GS a "Top Safety Pick."