2013 Lexus GS 350 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.2 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Apr 3, 2012

The mid-size Lexus GS 350 has six cylinders and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, which pits it directly against some of the most popular luxury sedans on sale today.

The Infiniti M37 may be its most direct challenger: it has great handling, a charming fluid style and rippling V-6 power, but some coarse drivetrain noises and less badge equity than some other brands.

The Audi A6 is new this year, and in truth we prefer its sleeker hatchback A7 cousin, but the front- or all-wheel-drive sedan can be had with a supercharged V-6 and tech wonders like Google Earth mapping and S-line sport trim.

The Cadillac CTS gets the nod for distinctive American styling and a lineup that includes sedan, coupe, and wagon, as well as the power-crazy V-Series, but rear-seat room is tight and the interior's aren't quite as well-turned-out as some others.

Of the Germans remaining on our list, the E Class and 5-Series both have their pluses and minuses: we love the Benz diesel sedans and the AMG E63, and BMW's turbo sixes are swell, but the BMW electronic driving feel is just that, and the Mercedes styling language isn't exactly settled.

2013 Lexus GS 350 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Audi A6 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 BMW 5-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Cadillac CTS Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Infiniti M37 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.2 The 2013 Lexus GS 350 gains a little confidence and connectivity, while its competition gains some weight and complexity.	8.4 It's the same V-6 blast to drive as the far more sexy A7, which makes the 2012 Audi A6 a little irrelevant for those not fixated on five seats or four cylinders.	8.6 The 2012 BMW 5-Series appears somewhat conservative on the outside, but it packs an armada of advanced-tech firepower, and new fuel-efficient engines, without interrupting its sport-sedan mission.	8.4 It has a styling leg up, and the 2012 Cadillac CTS backs up its looks with good dynamics, good build quality and a competitive set of body styles and options.	8.8 The 2012 Infiniti M sedans are true super-sedans, delivering sharp handling, scorching performance, and impressive comfort, with a beautiful but not overwrought design inside and out.	8.2 The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class models have sharper driving appeal than in the past, while also returning to the classy interior appointments and vault-like construction that have made them longtime luxury benchmarks.
MSRP From
$47,250	$41,700	$46,900	$35,915	$47,700	$49,800
Gas Mileage
19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
Mid-Size	Midsize Cars	Mid-Size	Mid-Size	Midsize Car	Subcompact Cars
Style Name
4dr Sedan RWD	4dr Sedan FrontTrak 2.0T Premium	4dr Sedan 528i RWD	4dr Sedan 3.0L RWD	4dr Sedan RWD	2dr Coupe E350 RWD
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	4
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	4	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	Sedan	4dr Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4-Door Sedan	Coupe
Transmission
Automatic w/Manual Shift	Continuously Variable Ratio	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Manual	Automatic	Automatic