2013 Lexus GS 350 (photos)

Lexus gave its GS line a makeover for the 2013 model year, and a new set of options. The L-Finesse design language gets a very defined interpretation on the 2013 Lexus GS 350. The F Sport package added to the model CNET reviewed brings cosmetic and performance elements.

L-Finesse includes many angular elements, plus the pinched grille. Following the lines of the Lexus LFA supercar, the grille lines drop down to a lower intake.

The very angular styling of the L-Finesse design language can be seen in the shape of the headlights.

Although still using a 3.5-liter V-6, Lexus adds its hybrid port and direct injection. This 306-horsepower mill uses port injection at low speeds, but goes to direct injection when greater power is called for.

The GS 350 has a substantial feel to it, and a large cabin. It sits just below the flagship LS sedan in the Lexus lineup.

The F Sport package costs about $6,000, and brings in custom wheels, an adaptive suspension, driver-selectable performance profiles, and some cosmetic elements.

Along with the F Sport adjustable suspension, this example also had all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system adds a half-inch of height to the car, all in the suspension.

The rear exhaust ports, molded into the body, look cool, but are merely decorative. Conventional round pipes sit right behind them.

There was plenty of room in the trunk for a standard CNET editor.

Much of the tech, including the navigation system, is optional. Without the navigation system, the huge LCD in the dashboard gets replaced with a smaller display.

The interior of the GS 350 largely upholds Lexus' luxury mission.

The rear seats are very comfortable and offer a decent amount of legroom.

The electric power-steering system has been well-tuned for road feel. Unlike other Lexus vehicles, this wheel delivers very responsive turning.

The LKA button on the steering wheel activates lane departure prevention, a technology that tugs the steering wheel slightly if the car drifts over a lane line.

The button with the car-profile icon on the right steering-wheel spoke lets you adjust the following distance when using adaptive cruise control.

Despite the oversize navigation screen, the GS 350 still uses standard analog gauges on the instrument cluster.

The shifter controls a six-speed automatic transmission. In its Sport modes, it has a very aggressive profile.

This is the cabin tech interface controller, which works like a mouse.

Lexus gave the main menu a very nice design treatment, letting it fill up this 12.3-inch LCD.

Voice command offers many very useful functions, such as asking for music playback by artist name.

The maps remain unchanged from previous GS models. They still only show a 2D plan view.

The GS 350 offers all the previous external data feeds from satellite radio, such as fuel prices and weather, but also includes an app icon for accessing the Enform system.

Enform app integration is very useful, as it lets you find locations with Bing search or Yelp, and instantly set a destination.

The Yelp listings are more useful than the car's own points-of-interest database.

The FM radio mode includes HD Radio, with the ability to cycle through a station's multicasts.

Pandora integration with the stereo comes as part of the Enform system.

For iPod and USB drives, the interface shows album art, courtesy of an integrated Gracenote database.

The iPod music library interface presents the usual categories, and a letter index, making it easy to jump to different sections of the library listings.

This car has the base, 12-speaker audio system. It sounds very good, but Lexus also offers a Mark Levinson system with 17 speakers.

The Bluetooth phone system includes the usual features, such as contact list integration.

The GS 350's backup camera shows static distance lines, complementing the car's other driver assistance features.