Lexus es 350 vs gs 350

If you think all Lexus models look the same, then pop on over to the Audi, BMW or Benz websites and take a peek at their line-ups. Compared to the ranges from those prestige car makers, Lexus models look wildly different from each other.

Opinions on that ‘Spindle Grille’ are as polarising as views on politics or religion. Personally, I like how upfront and brave the grille design is, but what seems odd to me is that it’s almost as if this was the only place on the exterior where designers were allowed to be a bit adventurous. The rear, while cleanly styled is a bit plain. The bottom just doesn’t match the face.

The ES300h’s roofline in side profile is beautiful as it sweeps almost fastback-style to the boot lid. Again, not the most dramatic styling, but it’s still pleasing in the sense that the design flows well together. The same can be said for the fit and finish – the panel gaps are near-perfect.

This perfection continues into the cabin, where the materials and craftsmanship matches German prestige rivals in places (the door handles, leather and digital instrument cluster, for example), only to be let down in other areas which disclose its budget Toyota family connection (the air vents, steering wheel and display screen).

The ES300h’s interior design isn’t going to set everybody’s world on fire, but there will be those who adore its asymmetrical styling with different textured surfaces that fold, swoop and jut up against each other’s space. Have a look at the images, they’re of the Sports Luxury which sits above the Luxury in the two grade line-up.

The differences visually between the grades is minimal. The Luxury has 17-inch alloys, while the Sport Luxury has 18-inch.

New colours for this generation include Glacial Ecru (the sandy hue of our test car in the images) and Radiata Green. Both grades’ interiors come in a variety of colour schemes, including Black, Chateau, and Topaz. Exclusively for the Sport Luxury cabin is Rich Cream, too. The Sports Luxury steering wheel has wood trim.

One of the more peculiar design elements of the ES300h’s cabin design, and there are a few, are the controls for the drive modes and traction control. They sit like horns on the instrument cluster hood, as though these are things the driver will constantly be reaching for, when in reality most people will never touch the traction control button.

A new-generation car means new foundations, and the ES300h is built on the GA-K platform which underpins the Camry. The platform is part of the latest global architecture which Toyota and Lexus are now using to build its vehicles.

The dimensions of the ES300h, if you’re wondering if it will fit in your garage, are just under 5.0m long, 1.9m wide and 1.4m tall.

What's the difference between a Lexus GS350 and ES 350?

Both cars feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6 cylinder engine. The 2018 Lexus ES has 268 horsepower; however, the 2018 Lexus GS has 311 horsepower, more torque, and lower gas mileage as a result. The GS is also available in all-wheel drive versus only front-wheel drive for the ES.

Is the GS or is a better Lexus?

As a luxury sedan, the Lexus ES is a superior offering. Not only is it roomier on the inside, but it also offers more advanced tech, a quieter interior, better fuel efficiency, and a more composed ride. On top of all that, the ES is significantly cheaper than the GS.

What is the difference between A is Lexus and a GS Lexus?

The Lexus GS boasts the same basic design language as the IS, but the GS' larger body is a better canvas for this aggressive look. This larger canvas allows the GS to better combine luxury and sportiness.

What does GS stand for in Lexus?

To fit in a name for the many different sizes of Lexus sedans, “GS” is made to stand for “Grand Sedan.” While smaller than the LS, the GS is a larger sedan for those that find quality in roominess.