There is one less hybrid model in the Lexus lineup today with the brand's announcement it has cut the GS 450h sedan for the 2019 model year.
That leaves the gas-powered GS 350 AWD as the sole member of the GS range. It is carried over unchanged from last year and carries a price of $63,800, a $250 increase compared to the outgoing 2018 model.
Also carried over are F Sport Series 2 and Executive packages, both of which see their prices go up by the same amount, to $69,950 and $70,600, respectively.
Last year, Lexus said the GS 450h hybrid boasted class-leading fuel efficiency, an advantage that was surely eroded by the arrival of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) competitors like the BMW 530e.
We suspect there's more than that to the hybrid GS's disappearance; automakers often eliminate low-volume variants of models that are about to be redesigned.
Whether a new GS is in the offing depends on how confident Lexus is in its need for a mid-range sedan in addition to the new ES, whose surprisingly entertaining character overlaps with the GS's former mission as the brand's sport sedan offering.
For now, however, the GS 350 AWD remains with its 3.5L V6 engine putting 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way adjustments, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED headlights, heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, LED reading lights, power rear-window sunshade, 18-inch wheels and a power trunk closer.
Also included is the Lexus Safety System +, which bundles frontal collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, radar cruise control and automatic high beams.
F Sport Series 2 adds an adaptive variable suspension, 16-way driver's seat and a variety of F Sport cosmetic details.
Executive trim also adds the variable suspension, plus 19-inch wheels, head-up display, upgraded LED headlights, 18-way front seats with butterfly headrests, rear heated seats and climate controls and premium leather upholstery.
The 2019 Lexus GS 350 AWD is now on sale at the brand's dealerships across Canada.
You may also like
