The 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD is a standout model that blends luxury, performance, and distinctive styling. This article dives deep into what makes this car a compelling choice for discerning drivers. We'll cover everything from its exterior and interior design to its performance capabilities and unique features. Whether you're considering buying one or simply curious, this comprehensive review will provide all the information you need.

Exterior Design: A Masterpiece of Elegance and Sportiness

The exterior of the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD is a testament to Lexus's commitment to elegant yet sporty design. The Crafted Line edition adds exclusive touches that set it apart from the standard GS 350 models. Let's break down the key elements:

• Signature Spindle Grille: The bold and instantly recognizable Lexus spindle grille dominates the front fascia, giving the car an aggressive and modern appearance. It's chrome-plated and features a unique mesh pattern specific to the Crafted Line, enhancing its visual appeal.
• LED Lighting: The sharp and angular LED headlights and daytime running lights not only provide excellent visibility but also contribute to the car's sophisticated look. The integrated turn signals and adaptive front lighting system (AFS) add to the overall safety and convenience.
• Crafted Line Accents: What truly distinguishes the Crafted Line are the unique exterior accents. These include exclusive paint options, such as the sophisticated Obsidian or the vibrant Ultra White, complemented by black accents on the side mirrors and door handles. The special edition badging further emphasizes its exclusivity.
• Wheels and Stance: The 19-inch alloy wheels, unique to the Crafted Line, feature a dark graphite finish that perfectly complements the car's overall aesthetic. The low-profile tires and sport-tuned suspension give the GS 350 AWD a confident and athletic stance, enhancing both its appearance and handling.
• Aerodynamic Elements: The sculpted lines and subtle aerodynamic enhancements, such as the rear spoiler and underbody panels, not only improve the car's fuel efficiency but also add to its sporty character. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the design, maintaining the car's elegant profile.

Overall, the exterior design of the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD is a harmonious blend of elegance and sportiness. The distinctive Crafted Line accents, combined with Lexus's signature design elements, make this car a true head-turner on the road. The attention to detail and high-quality materials used in the exterior construction further emphasize its premium status.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Luxurious Sanctuary

Stepping inside the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD, you're immediately enveloped in a world of luxury and sophistication. The interior is meticulously crafted with premium materials, advanced technology, and thoughtful design elements. Let's explore what makes the cabin a standout feature of this car:

• Premium Materials: The Crafted Line edition boasts high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The seats are upholstered in supple leather, with contrast stitching and piping that add a touch of elegance. The dashboard and door panels are adorned with wood trim, enhancing the overall sense of luxury.
• Comfort and Space: The GS 350 offers ample space for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The rear seats also feature a center armrest with cupholders, adding to the comfort of rear passengers.
• Advanced Technology: The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 12.3-inch high-resolution display, which houses the Lexus Enform infotainment system. This system integrates navigation, audio, climate control, and various vehicle settings. The screen is controlled via a remote touch interface, allowing for intuitive operation.
• Audio System: The Crafted Line comes standard with a premium Mark Levinson audio system. This system features 17 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, delivering an immersive and audiophile-quality listening experience. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the sound quality is exceptional.
• Connectivity: The Lexus Enform system offers a range of connectivity features, including Bluetooth, USB ports, and smartphone integration. You can easily connect your devices to stream music, make calls, and access various apps.
• Climate Control: The automatic climate control system allows you to set your preferred temperature, and the system will automatically adjust to maintain it. The rear passengers also have their own air vents, ensuring everyone stays comfortable.
• Crafted Line Exclusive Features: The Crafted Line edition includes unique interior touches that set it apart from other GS 350 models. These include special floor mats, door sill plates, and badging, further emphasizing its exclusivity.

In summary, the interior of the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD is a luxurious sanctuary that combines comfort, technology, and meticulous craftsmanship. The premium materials, advanced features, and thoughtful design elements make this car a true pleasure to drive and ride in. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the GS 350's interior provides a comfortable and refined environment.

Performance and Handling: A Smooth and Engaging Ride

The 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD isn't just about luxury and style; it also delivers a compelling driving experience. Under the hood, you'll find a potent engine and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that provides excellent performance and handling. Let's delve into the key aspects of its performance:

• Engine: The GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is known for its smooth and responsive power delivery, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides quick and seamless shifts.
• All-Wheel Drive: The all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, particularly in inclement weather conditions. The system can automatically distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, optimizing grip and control. This makes the GS 350 AWD a confident and capable performer in both dry and wet conditions.
• Driving Modes: The GS 350 offers multiple driving modes that allow you to customize the car's performance characteristics. The modes include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. In Eco mode, the car prioritizes fuel efficiency, while in Sport and Sport+ modes, the engine and transmission are tuned for maximum performance.
• Suspension and Handling: The GS 350 Crafted Line AWD features a sport-tuned suspension that provides a balance between comfort and handling. The suspension is designed to minimize body roll and provide precise steering response. The car feels planted and stable, even when cornering at higher speeds.
• Braking: The GS 350 is equipped with powerful brakes that provide excellent stopping power. The brakes are easy to modulate, allowing for smooth and controlled stops. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) further enhance safety and control.
• Fuel Efficiency: Despite its powerful engine, the GS 350 AWD achieves respectable fuel efficiency. It is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, making it a relatively efficient choice in its class. The Eco mode can further improve fuel efficiency by optimizing the engine and transmission settings.

Overall, the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD delivers a smooth and engaging driving experience. The powerful engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and sport-tuned suspension provide a balance between performance and comfort. Whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling twisty roads, the GS 350 AWD offers a rewarding driving experience.

Unique Features of the Crafted Line

The Crafted Line edition of the 2015 Lexus GS 350 AWD comes with several unique features that set it apart from the standard models. These exclusive touches enhance both the car's appearance and its overall appeal. Here are some of the standout features:

• Exclusive Exterior Colors: The Crafted Line is available in exclusive exterior colors, such as Obsidian and Ultra White. These colors are carefully chosen to complement the car's elegant and sporty design. The black accents on the side mirrors and door handles further enhance the car's visual appeal.
• Unique Alloy Wheels: The 19-inch alloy wheels are exclusive to the Crafted Line and feature a dark graphite finish. These wheels perfectly complement the car's overall aesthetic and add to its sporty stance. The low-profile tires enhance both the car's appearance and its handling.
• Special Edition Badging: The Crafted Line edition includes special edition badging on the exterior and interior. These badges emphasize the car's exclusivity and set it apart from other GS 350 models.
• Premium Interior Accents: The interior of the Crafted Line features premium accents, such as special floor mats, door sill plates, and contrast stitching on the seats. These details enhance the overall sense of luxury and sophistication.
• Mark Levinson Audio System: The Crafted Line comes standard with a premium Mark Levinson audio system. This system delivers an immersive and audiophile-quality listening experience, making it a standout feature of the car.

In summary, the unique features of the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD enhance both its appearance and its overall appeal. The exclusive exterior colors, unique alloy wheels, special edition badging, and premium interior accents make this car a true standout in its class.

Reliability and Safety: Peace of Mind on the Road

When considering a luxury car, reliability and safety are paramount. The 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD excels in both areas, providing drivers with peace of mind on the road. Lexus has a long-standing reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the GS 350 is no exception. Here's a closer look at its reliability and safety features:

• Reliability: Lexus consistently ranks high in reliability surveys, and the GS 350 is known for its dependability. The car is built with high-quality components and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily driving. The engine and transmission are particularly robust, providing years of trouble-free service.
• Safety Features: The GS 350 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features that help protect occupants in the event of a collision. These features include:
  • Airbags: The car has multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
  • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
  • Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD): EBD automatically adjusts the brake force between the front and rear wheels, optimizing braking performance.
  • Stability Control: Stability control helps prevent the car from skidding by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels.
  • Traction Control: Traction control helps prevent the wheels from spinning during acceleration, improving traction and control.
  • Blind Spot Monitoring: Blind spot monitoring alerts the driver when there is a vehicle in their blind spot.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
  • Lane Departure Warning: Lane departure warning alerts the driver when the car is drifting out of its lane.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Crash Test Ratings: The 2015 Lexus GS 350 has earned excellent crash test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings demonstrate the car's ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

In conclusion, the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD offers excellent reliability and a comprehensive suite of safety features. This combination provides drivers with peace of mind on the road, knowing that they are driving a safe and dependable vehicle. The car's excellent crash test ratings further reinforce its safety credentials.

Conclusion: Is the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD Right for You?

The 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD is a compelling choice for drivers seeking a luxurious, sporty, and reliable sedan. Its distinctive exterior design, luxurious interior, powerful engine, and advanced technology make it a standout in its class. The Crafted Line edition adds exclusive touches that further enhance its appeal.

If you value a car that combines elegance with performance, the GS 350 Crafted Line AWD is definitely worth considering. Its all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in inclement weather, while its sport-tuned suspension delivers a rewarding driving experience.

However, it's essential to weigh your priorities and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency over performance, or if you need a larger vehicle with more cargo space, you might want to explore other options.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2015 Lexus GS 350 Crafted Line AWD is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Experience its performance, comfort, and features firsthand, and see if it aligns with your needs and preferences. If it does, you'll be rewarded with a luxurious and enjoyable driving experience for years to come.