RedRider

My local dealer got their first batch of GS 350s this past week so this afternoon, my wife, my daughter and myself went over for a test drive. First, I drove the GS 350 AWD. Next, for comparison I drove an IS 350 then an ES 350 (unfortunately my dealer's initial allocation was three GS350 AWD and no RWD).
I own a 1999 GS400 while my daughter has a 2006 IS 250 AWD and my wife's car is a 1996 LS 400. We all agreed that the ES was our favorite. Frankly, I was surprised. I really like the way my 2nd generation GS 400 drives and I thought that the GS 350 with it's 300 HP V6 would be almost as much fun. It wasn't. It may have been the AWD but the GS 350 I drove just didn't do much for me. I was much more impressed with the IS 350's power and agility and the ES 350's cabin and smooth ride. It just seemed like the GS didn't measure up to either of the other two.

IMHO, if you want something sporty buy an IS 350 or wait for the updated V8 GS. If you want luxury, I would get an ES 350 with the Ultra Luxury package. Don't get me wrong, the GS 350 AWD I drove was really nice but it just didn't impress.

CrazyMPG

iTrader: (4)

did you test drive a GS450h?...heh maybe that's sporty..not sure tho..hehe

jwa

Did you have the GS in "Power Mode"? It makes a big difference if your interested in experiencing the performance aspects of the car.

TunedRX300

GS350 hands down
1) Award winning engine 2gr-fse, no tuned down 2gr-fe for me
2) GS is built at Tahara plant in Japan, which received Platinum Award for top manufacturing plant globally for 4 straight years. ES and IS are built at other plants, all Lexus model are reliable but I want the best.
3) AWD option
4) Better resale value according to Kelly Blue Book
5) No rebranded Camry for me, I don't fall for price discrimination tactic by Lexus.

hokietech

Totally agree, recently test drove the both 2006 gs300 awd & new IS. The gs with a v6 is a disappointment. Competitors like e3504m & 530xi is so much better in terms of driving experiences although interior is nicer in gs.

TunedRX300

GS300's V6 is not the 2gr-fse in GS350.
JD Power on IQS, one chart says it all about Lexus and BMW's reliability

hokietech

Jdpower doesn't tell you the prestiges, driving experiences & fun factors.

Julez

I honestly think that each (RWD GS and IS and the FWD ES) are totally unique in their own way. The ES has a lower console where as the GS and IS seem to put me in feeling that I'm real low in the car and depending on how you like to feel yourself on the road. The ES gives me that SUV feeling that I'm totally safe(higher up) which is nice occasionally, but I like my fun car, with the higher console, giving me a low feeling like I'm in a go-cart. Each day I feel different and having both gives me the opportunity to drive each as I feel. If I had to choose one, another factor would have to be brought up, is this a family car(more than 3 people in the car at once on avg) or is the avg 1-2. Family ES hands down. Fun I would say, GS hands down.

I do think the GS has a nicer interior only because the passenger dash area is so bland on the ES.

TunedRX300

What prestige? "Bring Money With you" to BMW dealer? no thanks.
BMW is below industry average in JD Power, for crying out loud, it is worse than Chevy, Ford, Dodge and Pontiac...

hokietech

Prestige doesn't mean reliability. Bmw & Lexus are two different cars. Lexus cars are definiately more reliable in general and I personally experienced but don't be bitter for the facts that bimmer moves faster & benz has the three point star on the hood.

RandalR

Well, the problem is that most of BMW's advantages over Lexus are illegal to exploit on public roads, anyway.

If I want to race the car, yeah, I'll probably want a BMW. If I want to drive the car in an excessively risky fashion up twisty mountain roads with no guardrails because tempting fate is fun, then I'll also want a BMW. If I want to impress professional peers with my status in life, I'll get the Mercedes (and, personally, I love both the new S550 and CLS550).

But if I need to spend long hours on the freeway in total comfort with virtually zero risk of anything on the car breaking down on me, still have enough power to do "sporty" things when necessary, and save about $15-20K over the German competition, I'll get the Lexus GS350. If people think my new car isn't as prestigious as theirs, I don't really care.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

GS350 is probably a good medium if you want characteristics of both cars in one car, more space than an IS but less quick. Maybe try a GS350 RWD. IMO the GS350 will turn that market upside down, before for 50k it gets you a 525 (huge slug I bet) or a 530. Now you can load a GS350 generously for 50s

RandalR

Yes, you start putting options on the 530i that match the fully loaded GS350's options and you find yourself with an MSRP over $70K real fast.

I like the look of the 5-series, but that's a pretty stiff "prestige" premium.

TunedRX300

BMW 530 xi sedan does not perform better than GS350. Clock does not lie.

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5/530...n/techdata.htm

Max HP 255 Max. torque 220 lb-ft Compression ratio 10.7 :1 and 0-60 time 6.6 second manual, 6.9 second auto

All inferior to GS350, both in displacement and design

http://www.lexus.com/models/gs/350aw...fications.html

Max HP 303 Max. Torque (lb-ft) 274 Compression Ratio 11.8:1
0 - 60 mph (sec) 5.8 sec

AlexusAnja

No one driving a Lexus ever feels bitter for anything. I'm sure it's quite prestigeous to to visit the dealership every few months for 'minor' problems with your Bummer and the Three Points (or strikes) on the hood. All I know is that no one at work has heard any issues with my RX, but I've heard plenty of 'satisfied' ML owners bi*ching about their vehicles.

I'll take the BIG L on the hood anyday.