yogi350

I bought the IS over the GS for one reason, power. If they came out with a 350+hp GS i would have bought it. Now i havent followed the GS much lately so maybe there is one in the works and i think that would help it compete with the euros a lot since they offer more performance oriented models, especially the m5 and e63 yumm

RandalR

Any idea why the GS sells the least?

Because Wife takes one look at the GS and makes Husband buy an RX, instead.

composite

Doesn't the GS350's cannabalizing of the GS430 explain part of this? Everyone buys the GS350 over the 430 b/c it's more powerful, cheaper and gets better mph.

So essentially, the Lexus GS really only has one line right now -- GS350 and GS350 AWD.

Comparing that to the BMW 5-series and MB's E-Class seems way too broad. More accurate to compare w/ BMW 535i and E350.

Hopefully, GS sales will pick up w/ the more powerful GS460.

lexusgs408

Regardless of the stats, the GS is still my favorite because it is a sport luxury vehicle. It looks aggressive when it is mod and has power when needed!

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

people keep mentioning the reliability and the price of the german competitors and i think that its not really that true. german cars are really making a comeback reliability wise and even if the gs is cheaper, most ppl would choose a 5 series or a e350 over a gs anyways because well, ppl just want to say they own a bmw or mercedes. maybe im wrong , but its just wat i think, but the gs is still one of the best looking cars ive ever seen

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

The IS350 doesn't have 350+hp...

As far as I'm concerned, the IS350 isn't much faster than the GS350, if any faster at all.

StevenC56

I just configured a 535i equipped the same as our GS350 and it's 10K more. Add the fact that there is less mark up on the BMW with less flexible sales department's and it's probably closer to 15K difference. As far as reliability goes-Our 2003 had it's fair share of issues and the newer models have even more problems what I hear. Their service departments a really poor as well.

twister

You have to take into consideration the weight of the car. The same engine/hp on a lighter car with make it faster Just like putting the same engine from LS460 into GS460, it will perform faster!!!

The interesting comparison would be between IS350 and new 300+ hp G35.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

I understand that... But realistically... How much faster is the IS350 over the GS350?

In addition, my comment was directed towards Yogi's comment of 350+hp GS.

AlBoston

The E-class is bigger, smoother riding, and drives fairly sporty (07+ anyway), and has more features... plus more powerful V8 engine.

The 5-series is bigger, drives way better, and has more features... plus more powerful engines 6-cyl and 8 cyl.

The GS just isn't much bigger than the IS, thats the problem imo. That and the ES steals a lot of market share from the GS. ES has a roomier interior and is very similar to the GS except for the sportier drive (I'm talking about mainstream consumers here).

To me the E-class is the winner in the mid sized luxury sedan category. The smoothness is just amazing in the E550. You won't hear a dash rattle in that car.

twister

I'm not sure which models you are comparing, but for example if you even look at '08 535i and '08 E-350, they cost much more (at least $5k-$7k more) and only BMW has 300hp while Mercedes is 268hp. I don't know about their 0-60 performance, these are just basic numbers for comparison of V6 with a reference to GS350. The same if you compare GS350 AWD with '08 535xi and '08 E-350 4MATIC (which for some reason only comes in wagon and not sedan). Where do you see a more powerful engine?

BWM handles better, but doesn't drive better in terms of comfort. It does have some additional options which add up to a lot of $$$. MB is more on a softer side of the ride and always been that way, unless you step up to AMG package which gonna cost you much more. I was in someone's S550, and its still a very hi-tech boat What I really like in GS350 AWD is a perfect blend of luxury and performance and AWD handling which did better than my wife's '05 Highlander last winter You really can't beat GS value!

And, I drove on a few occasions in IS loaner. That is one tight interior, and I'm only 5'10". I also can't understand why they only make IS350 in RWD and not AWD? Here on East Coast they ONLY sell AWD models, and IS250 AWD felt very slow, in comparison to GS350 that is.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

E350 4Matic comes in sedan too. The one I built cost 10k more than my GS350AWD. Eeeks!!!

bmgs400

I visited the local Lexus Dealership last Saturday to get part for my GS. Wandered throught the showroom with my son. He and I both thought the new ES looks better than the new GS. The new LS460h...wow!

07350FROST

The new ES looks better than the GS??? Um.....NO! i dont think so at all. The new ES looks waaaaaay better than the old ES. yeah, ill give you that one. The new body style on the GS is/has been one of my favorite looking cars since it came out! LOVE IT!!
And as for BMW and Mercedes......i test drove the MB E350 and didnt like it at all. the only thing i got or remember from the whole thing is looking over that hood and seeing the MB badge, other than that.....not impressed at all!!
BMW....love the car and body style but....one of the worst built cars out there. Everyone i know has nothing but problems. No realiability and I for one dont need the stress!! Lexus all the way!
BMW=Break My Wallet!!!

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2007 GS350 Glacier Frost Mica/ Blk Int./ Mark Lev
50% tint all around (including windshield!)/3000K Fogs
PIAA Ion Yellow Parking Lights/LED Trunk Light Mod.
NAV/BT/DVD Hack/VAIS next week!

composite

I thought MB was having serious reliability problems? Some friends have sworn they'll never buy another MB again over this issue.
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