USED: The 2020 Lexus GS 350 Midsize Luxury Sedan Will Turn Heads
Kim S.
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The Lexus GS 350, with its luxurious interior, top standard safety features, and entertainment options is the luxury mom car that will turn heads.
Moms know that ‘everything happens in mom’s car.’ Our cars are essentially our homes away from home. Therefore, our cars have to be comfortable, safe, and have the convenience and entertainment options needed for practical daily use with children. That’s what the 2020 Lexus GS 350 is. It has a super comfortable luxurious interior dressed up with nice materials, soft leather, and beautiful wood trims. The look and feel of this 4-door luxury sedan are what a modern working mom would love.
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Photo: Kim S.
Luxury isn’t optional, and neither is safety
When thinking of a luxury vehicle, what comes to mind are butter-soft leather seats, beautiful trims, top-of-the-line technology, entertainment, and safety features. With Lexus, those things are not optional. Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power/tilt slide moonroof, navigation, and even more are standard in the GS.
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Moms can rest assured that their children are comfortable and safe in the backseat. Photo: Kim S.
Where safety is concerned, Lexus didn’t disappoint. I am a fan of backup cameras, and viewing one on a 12.3” screen makes things even better. I feel safer and more confident when reversing.
Other standard safety features include:
- 10 airbags (Smart Stop Technology)
- forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- automatic high-beam headlights
- adaptive cruise control
- lane departure warning with steering assist
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The rear passenger seating offers seats for three. It is equipped with two sets of LATCH systems in the two outboard seats. The anchors are tucked in the groove of the seat, but not too far back in a way that makes it difficult to reach. Photo: Kim S.
A sedan that’s luxurious and can handle snow
As a Northeasterner, having a car that can handle the winters is important. Like many living in the North East, where winters are cold and snow is expected, I’ve come to prefer an SUV over a sedan. That’s because many sedans lack AWD. However, the GS 350 is different. AWD is available with an [optional] AWD system that will make anyone looking for an SUV reconsider.
In the Lexus GS 350, you can have the luxury and the traction needed to handle snow. Plus, with a sedan you save money on gas and have better mileage than an SUV. In fact, this mid-size luxury sedan estimates mileage of 20 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. That isn’t too bad for a sedan its size with 311 horsepower and V6 engine.
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AWD capability and the use of low-beam LED headlights lead to safe winter driving. Photo: Kim S.
A luxury mom car with the trunk space to prove it
Working full-time with an office job means my trunk is used to store things like extra pairs of heels. When I say extra, I mean maybe 10 pairs — or more. Please don’t judge me. I’m sure I am not the only one. In addition to being shoe storage space, trunks have to hold things like groceries, strollers, or in our case, even a bike. The 2020 Lexus GS 350 has 18 cubic feet of cargo space and was able to hold my daughter’s travel system stroller as well as a bike. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.
Trunk space is an important factor for families. The GS has it. Photo: Kim S.
Does technology help with daily commutes?
Daily commutes require a comfortable car, but one that is also packed with amazing entertainment features. In the 2020 GS, drivers and their passengers can enjoy listening to their favorite SiriusXM satellite radio station on the standard 12-speaker system. Additionally, you can upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
We love the large 12.3″ screen. It makes viewing maps easy. Photo: Kim S.
Unfortunately, the car is not equipped with Android Auto or AppleCarPlay. This may not be a dealbreaker for some, but it may be for others. However, Lexuses are equipped with the brand’s Remote Touch Interface. This features a mouse-type controller located in the center console. I must admit, this feature took some getting used to. Once I became familiar with the interface, I did like that both myself and my passenger could easily control the Infotainment system.
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All technology features are easily accessible. Yes, it has a ‘Sport’ mode. Photo: Kim S.
What we Love
- Standard features:
- 12.3” dashboard screen
- navigation
- a power-adjustable steering column
- moonroof
- Three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport
- Power folding exterior mirrors
- Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system
- Ventilated front seats
- Power rear sunshade
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection,
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Lane keep assist
- Backup Camera
We love the 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats and memory settings for the driver’s seat because it allows for various driving positions to suit different drivers. You will, too! Photo: Kim S.
Who is it for?
The 2020 Lexus GS 350 is only available in a limited number of trims: Base (FWD and AWD), and F-Sport. It is a 4-door mid-size luxury sedan that is perfect for someone like me who becomes overwhelmed by too many options when it comes down to trim levels. Once you figure out that part, everything else is easy.
The 2020 Lexus GS350 driver is someone who will appreciate having a mid-size luxury 4-door sedan that is
- Comfortable luxury
- Safe and reliable
- Roomy and can haul their small family
- Carpooling
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This is not your average ‘mom car.’ I was impressed by the comfort, roominess, and safety features. Photo: Kim S.
What does the GS cost?
The Matador Red Mica GS 350 model I tested had a starting MSRP of $51,065. However, it was equipped with additional options, which increased its price by nearly $6,000 to $57,310. This is still a decent price for a 4-door midsize luxury sedan in its class. These options include:
- All-weather package – $290
- 19” split five-spoke wheel – $660
- Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers, 835 Watts with 7.1 premium surround featuring GreenEdge and CLARI-FI Technology – $1,380
- One-touch power trunk – $400
- Intuitive park assist – $500
- Premium package – $1,760
- Rain sensing wipers
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power rear sunshade
- Heated steering wheel & open-pore trim – $800
- Key gloves – $25
- Paint protection film – $430
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Photo: Kim S.
What you should know
- Lexus Safety System Plus is standard
- Every new Lexus comes with complimentary first and second scheduled maintenance services.
- No available Android Play or Apple CarPlay.
We took our daughter to our local Ralph’s for their tasty Italian ices. Took this photo just because the GS looks hot! Photo: Kim S.
Whether you’re heading to work, grocery shopping or taking the kids out, you’ll be sure to turn heads in the 2020 Lexus GS 350.
What we listened to
When I’m with the kids, I put on KidzBop or Radio Disney, but this mama loved listening to some of her favorite R&B artists on the Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system. Check out my playlist below.
Disclosure: Lexus provided the vehicle for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
