Flash Drive

2019 Lexus GS F

May 30, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Lexus GS F 4 door sedan

The 2019 Lexus GS F has a moderately aggressive stance, but nothing too rowdy.

Engine:5.0-liter V-8, 467-horsepower, 389 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 16-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 19-mpg combined

Base Price: $84,350

As Tested: $88,210

Performance:

Impressive V-8 performance

Great exhaust note

Four staggered exhaust pipes

There are four staggered exhaust pipes that deliver the exhilarating sound of the 467-hp V-8.

Torque Vectoring Differential for track driving and even drifting

Confident Brembo brakes

“F” Spec sport suspension

Easy car to drive with gusto

Paddle shifters

Control knob for driving style modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport Plus

Snow button

Great range of driving experiences via different modes

OK economy in Eco mode—our best was 25.2-mpg highway

The many driving modes are easily controlled on the center console.

Comfort:

Excellent front seats with moderate side bolster

Supportive yet comfortable seats

Heated and ventilated front seats (3 temps each mode)

Driver only power lumbar

Very handsome interior design and materials

Soft, wide suede covered center armrest and cursor rest pad

Super stretch-out front legroom

The Lexus GS F interior is geared toward the driver and front passenger giving them supportive comfort.

Tight backseat legroom, but OK with front seats moved up

Large floor hump mostly negates adult in rear middle position

Great contoured, textured leather steering wheel

Power tilt/telescopic steering column

Huge dead pedal

Utility:

Rear seats don’t fold

Small locking port/pass through

Flat trunk floor

The backseat looks great, but legroom can be a little snug depending on where the front seats are positioned.

High lift-over (6-inches)

Medium size bin under cargo deck

Four cargo loops

Quality carpet and covered trunk hinges

Easy to use infotainment cursor and enter buttons

Optional head up display

Medium size locking glovebox

WOW Factors:

Impressive performance

Powerful, but not raucous exhaust note

Trunk space is OK, but not great since there is a fair amount of wheel tub intrusion.

Comfortable, supportive front seats

Handsome styling

High quality interior materials

Whines:

Sticker shock—88K and not totally equipped

$300 for orange painted brake calipers

Rear seat doesn’t fold down

No power lumbar for front passenger

No rear seat HVAC controls

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Lexus GS F sedan is an athletic sport/luxury sedan that’s great fun to drive aggressively and

The 2019 Lexus GS F is best on the open road or twisty back roads. The fun quotient is high.

very pleasant to cruise comfortably. The highly adjustable drive modes make this handsome sedan extremely versatile.