lamikela1

Last weekend I took delivery on a new 2016 GS350 Luxury in Matador Red Mica so I am moving on to the GS forum. While the ES's that I have owned where excellent cars I just felt the need for the upgraded comfort and technology that the GS offers. Someone will definitely enjoy my '13 once the dealer sells it.

I appreciate all the help that I received on this forum for my 2008 and 2013 ES350's and I hope that I was able to help some of you with your questions and comments.

I'll be taking some pictures of my new GS this weekend and will share them with you and the GS forum as soon as I can. Thanks All!!!

bc6152

Good Luck with the new car and we'll miss your comments.

687Jim

Good luck and enjoy you new GS.

I went the other direction having bought a new GS350 AWD F Sport last summer. Never did warm up to it and missed the lack of rear leg room and other creature comforts our 2013 ES had. It was a blast to drive but was rough riding, noisy and got poor gas mileage compared to the ES. Traded it in for a 2016 ES in January and have never looked back.

jollick

Good luck and enjoy you new GS.

lamikela1

Thanks Guys. 687Jim, my '13 ES had that vibration/buzz issue at idle which my '08 did not have. This'16 GS very quiet and smooth at idle which is a slight improvement over the ES. Here's a few things I've noticed in the short time I've had it.

Pros
Gobs of technology with the luxury package
better stying
more comfortable seats
very smooth and quiet ride even with the Dunlop tires (I tried like hell to get Michelins)
tight handling - it also has the adaptive suspension so I can chose the ride and handling qualities
larger fuel tank - more range
I have AFS again - my '08 ES had it but Lexus decided to remove it on the '13 models
ML audio is an upgrade from the nav/audio system in the ES. It does sound better.

Cons
definetly more expensive
the ride is a bit more sport like compared to the ES but the handling makes up for it
yes less room in the rear but now I have heated rear seats and 3 zone AC with rear controls for all

I am reserved on the engine power. My ES was a really torquey beast and would put you back in your seat. I don't feel that in the GS. Not sure if it's power to weight ratio or gearing and RPM range as the GS is rated at 311 HP and the ES 268. I have really not been able to push it yet as it's still new. I'll see how this plays out.

Again I am not taking anything away from the ES as they are great cars and is one of the best in class for quality and price/features. No one can dispute that. I realy enjoyed both the ES's that I owned.

Mike728

Congrats on the upgrade!

I'm not understanding the fuel capacity/range pro, though. Yes, the GS has a larger tank, by .2 gallons! The ES also has better fuel economy. So, you're saying that extra .2 gallons of gas makes that much of a difference?

lesz

I believe that the GS engine uses some sort of high tech magical component that allows its highway MPG to jump from 29 mpg to 75 mpg when it is using the extra .2 gallons of fuel, which, in turn extends its range to one larger than that of the ES.

Actually, the ES highway cruising range should be about 25 miles more than that of a GS with RWD, and the difference would be bigger between an ES and an AWD GS.

SW17LS

I think you're really going to like it. One of my favorite cars I've had.

Your power issue is the 8 speed transmission.

lamikela1

Thanks guys. On the range when we did a fill on the ES the most it showed was about 330 miles of range on the Driver info screen. on the GS it shows over 400 miles. Maybe that's just marketing magic? When I get to take a road trip I'll know for sure.

Here are some pictures of my GS. I will be taking it to get a clear bra and tint done next week. I will also be ordering the spoiler, rear bumper applique, illuminated door sills and a Nav bypass next week.

SW17LS

Very sharp!

Just to prepare you, fuel economy is pretty bad. Significantly less than your ES, it's more comparable to my LS. The range is showing 400 because it uses the overall FE to calculate range, as it ages that will come down as will the range. I was lucky to have a range over 300 after a fillip in my GS.

Car is beautiful, and the fuel economy hit is totally worth it.

USALV

Well I hope that the 2016 Es 350 don't all have that same vibration/buzz that your '13 Es 350 had!

Eta: you're GS Looks very nice

Mike728

That's the first '16 GS I've seen in the BEST color Lexus offers.

Looks great!

lamikela1

OK that may explain the big difference in the mileage estimate. We are still working on the first tank of gas so it will probably come down on the next fill up. I am keeping it off the freeways for now until I have the clear bra done. I don't want any chips or gouges in the paint from road debris. Our last ES got a few within a couple of weeks after we bought it.

SW17LS

Yeah the clear bra is a must do

Spring for the whole hood and fenders.

lamikela1

No this one is quiet and smooth at idle. No issues with that anymore. We are loving it!!!