2020 Lexus GS

The executive sedan market might not be as famous as it once was, but there are still some great cars out there that offer something more driver-focused than the luxury SUV without compromising too much on space. The 2020 Lexus GS is one such car. Lexus has seen its brand go from old-people-only to young-and-hip thanks to a big push in its performance department, and the trickle-down effect of that can be seen and felt in the latest GS, which looks sporty, and offers a solid driving experience, but some issues have also come to the surface. The GS isn't as fast as its competitors, and its interior, usually a strong point of the Lexus brand, has seen a drop in quality. The GS redeems itself with a good list of standard features, a large trunk, and an impressive history of being reliable. Starting at $51,395, the Lexus isn't the cheapest offering out there, so can it hold up to its turbocharged German rivals?

The price of the 2020 Lexus GS falls somewhere in between the European offerings from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, to the entry-level cars from other Asian manufacturers, and we think that the latest GS offers good value for money. The cheapest way to get yourself behind the seat of a 2020 GS would be to buy the AWD GS 350, which goes for an MSRP of $51,065. This price excludes registration, tax, and a destination fee of $1,025. The RWD car will cost $330 more. The more aggressive-looking and dynamically capable F Sport only costs marginally more: the RWD car costs $52,760, and the AWD version goes for $54,505. An entry-level Audi A6, driven by a significantly less powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, will cost $54,900.

First things first: the GS isn't a full-blown sports sedan, and this becomes abundantly clear once you slip behind the steering wheel and get driving. The GS offers a silky-smooth ride which is made even more refined by the fact that there is little to no road noise penetration within the cabin. While it might be set up to deliver a comfortable ride, the suspension isn't overly soft, and the GS can still be thrown into a corner with confidence, but minimal steering feedback and a tendency to understeer show the GS's true colors. You'll be able to drive the GS in three driving modes, namely Normal, Eco and Sport, and between these settings, Lexus allows you to adjust the GS to suit your driving needs. F Sport models offer a more dynamic experience thanks to a set of larger brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and a Sport Plus mode on the driving mode menu. If you're looking for an even better driving experience, the F Sport can be fitted with a limited-slip diff and even rear-wheel steering. The Audi A6 and Infiniti might be dynamically more impressive, but the Lexus might be one of the most relaxing cars to drive in this segment.

Lexus has made some significant strides since the days of building grandpa's favorite box-shaped LS, and other lumbering executive sedans. In the past few years, a rebirth of the Lexus brand has taken place, one that embraces performance driving, and as such, most of the Lexus lineup has gained a sportier edge. The 2020 GS benefits greatly from this new trend, especially in F Sport guise. For the new decade, Lexus has kept things more or less the same; you still get a naturally-aspirated V6 engine, a beautifully compliant ride, and a plush interior, but we feel like the Lexus is slowly being left behind in terms of its powertrain, design and overall quality. The V6 under the hood offers enough power for most, but the accessibility of low-down torque on offer by turbocharged competitors makes the GS feel dated. The same goes for its uninspiring interior which makes use of sub-par materials, and an infotainment system that can be tricky to use. There's a lot to like, such as the good level of standard features, safety equipment, and Lexus' reliability track record, but at the end of the day, the GS has slipped, and there are many competitors that do the executive sedan much better.

There's not much separating the base model GS 350 from the F Sport, so the choice will boil down to how sporty you want to go. If we were to go with a GS 350 model, it would be the RWD version which gets a bunch of features not available on the AWD car, such as a power rear sunshade, leather-trimmed interior, heated and ventilated front seats, as well as rain-sensing window wipers. The GS 350 shares all its safety features, such as pedestrian detection and high beam assist with the F Sport, so you won't be missing out there. If you're keen on the more Aggressive F Sport, then we would suggest going with the RWD model and include the optional limited-slip differential for some fun driving action. The F Sport adds performance-orientated upgrades such as sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and optional rear-wheel steering.

The Lexus ES slots in one step below the GS, and is classified as a midsize executive sedan, but one with a cheaper price tag. To its credit, the ES is powered by the same naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 as found in the GS, but in this case, it has been de-tuned to deliver 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and sends its power to the front wheels. The ES will get to sixty in the low to mid six-second range, and according to the EPA, will consume 22/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined in its most efficient configuration. On the road, the ES feels planted but retains the road comfort of the GS to a large extent. But pushing into corners reveals a tendency to understeer as the underpinnings give way to their luxury and comfort bias. Inside the cabin the ES feels cavernous in comparison to the GS. The ES offers much of what the GS has to offer, but clearly places the focus on comfort and refinement over driving dynamics. The decision here is simple - if you want a lounge on wheels, get the ES< but if you like to enjoy the drive, the GS will do just fine.

The IS has been the sporty young sibling of the Lexus sedan range for years, and it's persona hasn't changed all that much. It is still a premium executive sedan, and it exudes style from every angle. The IS is also the only car in the Lexus sedan range which is powered by a small-capacity 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 241 hp and a chunky 258 lb-ft of torque, which is available from only 1,650 rpm. This engine isn't all that efficient; however, the best the IS will manage is 21/30/24 mpg city/highway/combined. The IS is even smaller than the GS, so interior space is even more cramped. Those in the front have enough space, but things get cramped in the rear, as does its trunk space. But the IS is a joy to drive, and has more than enough get up and go for everyday driving situations. The interior design seems a bit dated, but there's enough tech to make up for it. Starting at $38,560, it undercuts the GS buy over $10,000, so if you won't miss the extra space, the IS could be the one for you.