We’re accustomed to carmakers upping prices on brand-new models, especially if when they feature significant enhancements over their predecessors. But given the competition from its German rivals, Lexus decided to play it safe and keep the base U.S. price of its all-new 2013 GS 350 sedan unchanged over the outgoing model.

“With all of the enhancements to the all-new GS, the base price remains the same at $46,900*,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “We expect the GS will suit the needs of many drivers and compete well in the segment.”

If you add a delivery, processing and handling [DPH] fee* of $875, the rear wheel-drive 2013 GS 350’s MSRP rises to $47,775.

There’s also an all-wheel drive model priced at $49,450 or $50,325 with the DPH fee, which equals to a $600 increase over the 2011MY GS 350 AWD.

Both the RWD and AWD versions of the 2013 GS 350 are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 306HP matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The RWD model accelerates from standstill to 60mph (96km/h) in 5.7 seconds while returning EPA-estimated ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Standard features include bi-xenon HID headlamps, L-shaped LED daytime running lights, paddle shifters, a new energy-saving auto climate control system and the S-Flow system that uses the occupant-detection system to focus air-flow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated.

A next-generation Remote Touch that allows the user to control the climate, audio, phone controls and optional navigation, and a color TFT multi-information display are also standard.

The Japanese brand’s premium sedan will offer buyers three optional packages named Premium, Luxury and F-Sport.

Priced at $1,400, the Premium Package includes rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats and power rear sunshade.

The Luxury Package, priced at $5,750, includes the aforementioned features plus: Adaptive Variable Suspension; an Adaptive Front Lighting System; high gloss linear espresso wood trim; semi-aniline leather, 18-way power front driver and passenger seats, side bolster and thigh support controls; four-way lumbar; driver and passenger seat memory; rear HVAC and audio controls; rear manual side sunshades; 18-inch alloy wheels, and wood and leather steering wheel.

The F-Sport package, which carries an MSRP of $5,690, enhances the GS 350 with a comprehensive aero kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, an F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, larger front brakes with high friction pads, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), sport seats and interior trim plus an Sport S+ mode that changes the settings of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC).

LEXUS GS 350 F SPORT LEXUS GS 350