For years, the Lexus GS 350 has served as the forgotten sedan in the luxury automaker’s lineup, but that’s set to change with the latest redesign. At least, that’s definitely what Lexus hopes with the 2013 GS 350 midsize sedan, which provides a much-needed freshening to remind consumers of the car’s existence. Does the new 2013 Lexus make a better design statement than the GS 350 it replaces? Let’s have a look.
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The front styling of the 2011 and 2013 Lexus GS 350 cars couldn’t be much different. The old double headlights have been replaced by single units that, on the 2013 model shown here, are darkened for added appeal. In an effort to establish a common brand identity, Lexus has introduced a bolder form of its aggressive two-part grille on the 2013 GS 350.
Park a 2013 Lexus GS 350 near a 2011 Lexus GS 350 and the new car’s more prominent wheel well flares are the most visible change from the side. The side mirrors on the 2013 car are now mounted on the doors instead of at the corner of the driver’s side window. From behind, the new 2013 GS 350 has new taillights with L-shaped accents and a more upright trunk lid. Details like stylized exhaust pipe outlets and a license plate area connected to the taillights contribute to the Lexus’ revised appearance.
The differences between the interiors of the 2011 and 2013 GS 350s suggest more than just one generation of upgrades. Even getting past the 2013 Lexus’ massive navigation/infotainment screen, there’s no mistaking one car for the other from behind the wheel. The 2013 GS 350′s analog clock (replacing a digital unit) sits between two long and thin air vents. The 2011 Lexus’ silver trim around the navigation screen is gone, and the automaker has added the mouse-like navigation controller in the 2013 model.
It was easy to overlook the outgoing Lexus GS sedan by the end of its production lifecycle, but how well do you think the 2013 Lexus GS 350 will age? Give us your opinion in the comments section below.
Last week, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma truck proved controversial. Mconsbruck wasn’t a fan of the new design: “The new refresh added more odd bumps and odd shapes to an already odd looking trucks.”
“Not revolting,” said dc2rocket, “but it’s not refreshing either.”
