Overview

Lexus' GS series is a family of "executive cars": midsize luxury performance sedans that have been on the market in the United States since the early 1990s. The GS 350 features a V-6 engine; the GS 450h employs a gasoline/electric hybrid power plant; and the GS 460 features a V-8 engine. The 2011 GS-Series models carry over from the previous year with only minor changes.

The standard 2011 Lexus GS 350 features 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, sunroof, a full menu of power accessories including a trunk closer and power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, emergency telematics, and a 10-speaker sound system. The Luxury Value Edition option package includes a hard-drive-based navigation system and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. The GS 450h and the GS 460 feature 18-inch wheels as standard, and include performance tires and an adaptive variable suspension. Those features are optional on the GS 350. Adaptive cruise control is another option, and it includes additional safety features.

The 2011 Lexus GS 350 uses rear-wheel drive (RWD) as its standard. All-wheel drive is available. The power plant is a 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 274 lb. ft. of torque. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The 2011 Lexus GS 450h combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with two electric motors; working together, they can generate 340 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission are standard. The 2011 Lexus GS 460's power plant is a 342-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine, joined to an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and RWD.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Lexus GS-Series include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front and rear side air bags, side curtain air bags, front knee air bags, active front head restraints, and emergency telematics. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the GS 350 highest-possible "Good" ratings for frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Lexus GS 350 was $45,360.