Lexus GS 350 F Sport 2013 Long-Term Test - 4

Price Guide (as tested): $102,900
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): See text
Crash rating: N/A
Fuel: 95 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.7
CO2 emissions (g/km): 225

As the motoring.com.au team bids adieu to our long-term Lexus GS 350 F Sport after three wintry months, I must say I'm feeling a little glum to see it go.

People will argue that $99K is a lot dough to hand over for a Japanese luxo-cruiser, but in some respects it shines brighter than its much more expensive German rivals, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series included.

The interior, for instance, is unmatched in this class in my opinion. From the quality of the leather that covers almost every inch of the cabin, to the soft seat cushions and the integration of technology in the form of digital radio, an ultra-wide 12.3-inch screen and its intuitive remote touch interface, the car does modern luxury like few others.

The 16-way electrically adjustable front seats allow for meticulous fine-tuning of the driving position, including the side-bolsters which are pretty nifty, so that drivers of different girths won't be uncomfortable.

Smaller touches like the brushed metal stereo controls and analogue clock contribute to the premium cabin ambience, as does the quietness in the cabin. It's well isolated against outside noise, the only intrusion being the thrum of the V6 engine when you gun the throttle, which did get a little loud during idle as the engine warmed up on cold mornings.

The back seat is a comfortable, spacious place to lounge, with ample room for two adults. It's just a shame the rear seats don’t fold down.

Ergonomics are good in the Lexus. Most controls fall to hand and are easily actioned, and pairing a Bluetooth capable phone is child's play. Except for the oddly-placed electric park brake, hidden underneath and to the left of the steering wheel, there's not much to grumble about.

The unique remote touch interface with 'sticky' force-feedback interaction on menus was a highlight for mine. Intuitive and novel, it also looks especially cool but on that point it might alienate some drivers with its unusual design. I didn't encounter the same problems reported by motoring's Nadine Armstrong, who in our first long-term test of the GS 350 F Sport said the trackball-inspired input system was too sensitive. That said, I only ever used it while stationary.

Push-button heated and cooled seats are standard in GS 350 F Sport and all models in the GS range. But if you want them as standard on an E-Class Benz for example, you have to fork out $249,900 for the E 63 AMG, at more than twice the price.

Entry-level E-Class Mercedes don’t even allow you to option ventilated seats, while on the GS there's not much you could want for and it's reflected in the short options list. The GS 350 F Sport on test has $3000 worth of extra stuff, an incredibly high-fidelity Mark Levinson audio system and the aforementioned 12.3-inch ultra-wide screen.

Driving aids and assistants abound, including blind spot alerts and radar-based automatic cruise control, but as previously reported the radar-based cruise control isn't perfect. On one occasion it decided to shut off for no apparent reason. Truth be told, I'm no huge fan of automatic cruise control, and was happy for it operate in regular mode.

In general operation the Lexus is best-described as a pleasant vehicle to drive. Ride comfort is good, even on the gumball tyres matched to 19-inch alloy wheels, and the light steering and dynamic rear steering (DRS) system which uses an electric motor to turn the rear wheels up to two degrees in either direction ensures the car is easy to position on the road as well as park. A rear camera and proximity sensors also help.

Living with the car for a few weeks proved hassle free. The baby seat went in no problems, the wife loved the luxury, refinement and quiet cabin, and the boot was big enough for the pram, the groceries and even a large coffee table went in at one point.

Keyless entry and engine start are common on a lot of cars these days but still makes life easier and saves time (particularly if you're holding a toddler). That the car is a smooth operator makes it a very good commuter car, and is very handy when you're trying to ensure little ones remain in the land of nod.

On the open road the light steering not quite as effective, and there's a bit of a disconnect between the driver and the turning wheels, which in this case is the front and rear wheels thanks to DRS. But it has good levels of grip and is fairly balanced and predictable through corners.

Like most luxury cars it's heavy (1740kg) and that means it's a bit thirsty. While the others testers managed figures in the 10s, I handed the keys back to Lexus with an average reading of 12.2L/100km. I'm no lead foot, but I did enjoy the acoustics and g-forces of rapid acceleration at times, the car's ageing 3.5-litre V6 still a remarkably flexible powerplant.

Pumping out 233kW/383Nm, the Japanese luxury car glides along in most situations and never really feels rushed or on edge. The levels of interior refinement will raise eyebrows, and the way it goes, stops and turns is also a big improvement over its predecessor, closing the gap significantly with its German peers.

If I was in the market for a $100,000 executive sedan, the Lexus would be high on my list, as it delivers impressive levels of luxury and sophistication. The Lexus GS 350 F Sport left a positive and lasting impression and though I may not speak for everyone in the motoring.com.au office, I will miss our long-term Lexus.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.