The rear-wheel drive GS series has always been an alternative to those shopping for a BMW 5-series sedan. And like the 5-series with the base engine, the GS350 is likewise available in an all-wheel drive derivative.

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Powering the GS350 is an all-aluminum 3.5 liter V6 featuring the Toyota / Lexus take on variable valve timing, called Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) as well as direct injection. It makes 303 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, along with 274 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. It is exclusively connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The EPA rates this combination at 19 mpg in the city cycle, and 27 mpg on the highway. The AWD model returns 18 mpg in the city, and 25 on the highway.

The Lexus GS combines proven chassis systems with advanced dynamic handling technology to provide fairly agile handling and the Lexus trademark smooth ride. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, standard on the GS 460 and available on the GS 350, provides two settings, normal and "sport" for tighter, more precise control. AVS can automatically select appropriate suspension damping for driving conditions.

The GS comes amply equipped, with only a navigation system and Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system package and a list of stand-alone options.

Standard fare includes electronic traction and stability control (both with a cut-off switch), dual-stage front airbags, side seat-mounted airbags front and rear, side curtain airbags and knee airbags, four wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution.

The optional Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate curves as the driver steers into it. A Tire Pressure Monitoring system can detect a critical loss in pressure in one or more tires and alert the driver. The available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers and alerts the driver accordingly.

A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard, as are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power and heated front seats and Bluetooth support for hands-free calling. The standard sound system is a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System with an in-dash 6-disc changer and auxiliary iPod / MP3 / WMA port.

The more noteworthy options include electronically adjustable suspension damping, a radar-enforced Pre-Collision System and dynamic cruise control, an electronic parking assist and a backup camera, a choice of three 18-inch wheel and tire combinations, and a choice of Sirius or XM satellite radios.