If you’re looking at a 2016 Lexus GS 350, you’re probably tired of the German car cycle. You know how it goes. You buy a BMW 5 Series or an Audi A6, it feels like a rocket ship for three years, and then the electronic gremlins start invited themselves over for dinner. It’s exhausting. The 2016 GS 350 is the antidote to that specific brand of anxiety. It represents a very specific "sweet spot" in the Lexus timeline where the technology finally caught up to the over-engineered mechanicals, but before the brand went entirely all-in on those polarizing, massive touchpads.
Luxury isn't just about soft leather anymore. It’s about not being on a first-name basis with your mechanic.
Why 2016 Was the Turning Point for the GS
Lexus did something smart in 2016. They gave the GS a mid-cycle refresh that actually mattered. Most car companies just swap out a headlight bulb and call it a new year, but the 2016 Lexus GS 350 got a massive facelift. The "spindle grille" became much more aggressive—some people hate it, honestly, but it definitely stopped looking like a boring office building on wheels. More importantly, they ditched the old six-speed automatic transmission for a much crisper eight-speed (on the RWD models).
It’s heavy. You feel the weight. But that’s sort of the point of a Lexus, isn't it? It feels substantial. When you slam the door of a GS, it doesn't "clack"—it "thuds" like a bank vault.
The Engine That Refuses to Die
Under the hood sits the 2GR-FKS. That’s the 3.5-liter V6 that has become the backbone of the Toyota/Lexus reliability legend. In the 2016 Lexus GS 350, it puts out 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Is it the fastest car in the world? No. A modern turbocharged four-cylinder might beat it off the line in a drag race, but those turbo engines are stressed. This V6 is barely breathing hard. It uses both direct and port injection (D-4S), which is a fancy way of saying it cleans its own valves so you don't have to pay $1,000 for a walnut blasting service at 60,000 miles.
You get a linear power delivery. No turbo lag. Just a smooth, sweeping climb to the redline that sounds surprisingly guttural for a "quiet" car.
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The Interior Reality Check
Step inside and the first thing you see is that massive 12.3-inch screen. In 2016, that was basically a movie theater. Even today, it looks impressive because it’s tucked deep into the dashboard, which helps with glare. But let's be real: the Remote Touch Interface—that weird little joystick/mouse thing—is kind of a pain. You'll get used to it, but you'll definitely mutter a few choice words the first time you try to enter an address while driving.
The leather quality is where Lexus eats the competition's lunch. If you find a model with the Luxury Package, you're getting semi-aniline leather that feels like it came off a much more expensive car.
- The seats move in 18 different directions.
- The wood trim is real (often Shimamoku wood).
- The Mark Levinson audio system has 17 speakers.
Seriously, if you find one with the Mark Levinson package, buy it. Don’t even think twice. It’s widely considered one of the best factory car audio systems ever made, even by today's standards. It transforms a commute into a private concert.
Handling: Is the F Sport Worth It?
A lot of people ask if they should hold out for the F Sport trim. It depends on what your lower back thinks about the road. The F Sport adds 19-inch wheels, a tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), and bigger front brakes. It looks significantly cooler. The mesh grille is a vibe.
However, the base GS 350 on 18-inch wheels is the smoother cruiser. If your city has potholes that look like craters, the F Sport might feel a bit stiff. But if you enjoy taking the long way home through some twisty backroads, the F Sport’s Rear Power Steering (on the RWD models) makes this big sedan feel way more nimble than it has any right to be.
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What Usually Goes Wrong? (The Short List)
We have to talk about the "Lexus Tax." Because these cars are so reliable, they hold their value incredibly well. You’ll pay more for a 2016 GS 350 than a comparable BMW of the same year. But you're paying for the lack of headaches.
There are very few "common" failures. Some owners have reported the folding side mirrors getting a bit "crunchy" or slow over time. Occasionally, the fuel pump can be noisy, and there was actually a recall for the low-pressure fuel pump that affected several Lexus models from this era. If you’re looking at one, just run the VIN to make sure that’s been handled.
Batteries also tend to drain a bit faster than average if the car sits for weeks, mostly because of all the entry-lighting and telematics systems. But compared to "my transmission exploded," these are champagne problems.
The Fuel Economy Conversation
You aren't buying this for the MPG. Just being honest. The 3.5L V6 is thirsty. You’ll probably average about 20-22 miles per gallon in mixed driving. If you’ve got a heavy foot, that number will dip into the teens. It also requires Premium fuel. If you're trying to save money at the pump, you’re looking at the wrong car. You buy the GS for the build quality and the "waftability," not for fuel efficiency.
2016 Lexus GS 350 vs. The Competition
Back in 2016, the Mercedes E-Class (W212) was the main rival. The Benz is arguably more prestigious, but the interior switches feel "clicky" and plastic-heavy compared to the Lexus. The BMW 535i is faster, sure, but it’s a ticking clock of cooling system issues.
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The GS 350 sits in this weird middle ground. It’s more athletic than the E-Class but more refined and reliable than the 5 Series. It’s the "thinking person’s" luxury car.
Modern Safety Tech
Standard for 2016 was the Lexus Safety System+. This was a huge deal. It brought:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Intelligent High Beams
- All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Having adaptive cruise control as a standard feature in 2016 was a major flex. It makes highway road trips significantly less taxing.
The Verdict on Value
Is the 2016 Lexus GS 350 worth it today? Absolutely. It’s one of the few cars from that era that doesn't feel dated the moment you sit in it. The design has aged gracefully. The engine is a tank. The seats are like clouds.
If you can find a one-owner car with a documented service history at a Lexus dealership, you’ve hit the jackpot. These cars easily go 200,000 miles with just basic oil changes and brake pads. You aren't just buying a car; you're buying a decade of peace of mind.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
- Check the Fuel Pump Recall: Before you sign anything, check the VIN on the NHTSA website to confirm the fuel pump recall was performed. It’s a free fix at the dealer but saves you the hassle of a potential stall.
- Inspect the Door Actuators: A common minor gripe is the power door locks failing. Test every single door lock multiple times from the driver's switch. If one is sluggish, use that as a negotiation point—they aren't cheap to replace at the dealer.
- Search for "Luxury Package" vs "Premium Package": Many listings confuse these. Look for the "wood-trimmed steering wheel" and "rear climate controls" in the armrest—that's the sign of the rare Luxury Package, which is the one enthusiasts crave.
- Check the Infotainment Firmware: Ask the dealer (or a Lexus specialist) to ensure the Enform system has the latest firmware updates. It can help with Bluetooth connectivity issues that plague older smartphones.
- Look at the Tires: The GS is sensitive to tire quality. If it’s riding on "budget" rubber, it will be noisy. Budget for a set of high-quality Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4s or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus to really feel what the chassis can do.