ral2531

I'm fairly new to Lexus, but have noticed that quite a few GS350 F-sport owners have AWD rather than RWD. Is this simply due to weather considerations? Or is there something special about AWD handling in a GS even in dry conditions?

dchar

Getting AWD is definitely for additional traction in poor conditions. The RWD F-sports have staggered tires, bigger brakes, and weighs less, which means more performance oriented. I don't think Lexus did anything "special" to make the AWD handle better than RWD in the dry. If you want better performance and handling but don't need to deal with bad weather, then RWD is the way to go. Also easier to be a hooligan by doing burnouts and drifts

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Trust me if I didn't live in Boston I would have a RWD GS.

SW17LS

Yep, only reason to have AWD is snow.

JEFFOS69

iTrader: (1)

Same - it's my all season car.

2014GS350F

Agreed. Only reason to have AWD is snow. Fuel efficiency is also significantly less in AWD. You live in CA it appears. Get the RWD.

KOOLFELLA

iTrader: (34)

Lets not forget that the RWD also has the rear wheel steering as well as the 8-sp trainny, which i cant wait to get my hands on once the damn thing gets here!!!!!!!!!!!!

praetor

I specifically chose the GS for it's AWD features. It saved my butt a few times this winter in Chicago.

KOOLFELLA

iTrader: (34)

Trust me after this winter I do understand more than most..... but I have a GX460 & my girl has a RX350 & my previous toy was a RWD IS350 so staying on that course a RWD toy with more style & tech is very much so needed...

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Well you sir are part of the lucky few that can get away with a RWD with that line-up, the timeline in Boston was too long to wait for a RWD so I had to pass and get the AWD.

praetor

I only have one car so I need something that can deal with this. I had to shovel a bit but the car handled wonderfully.

sick21

RWD!!! I live in an area where both AWD and RWD are sold about equally. I went with RWD for the slightly height of the car, staggered tires and bigger brakes.

balfor

yes, definitely get the AWD only if you need it for snow/ice.

I've had both: a RWD F-sport when I lived in CA and now have an AWD luxury in MN. The AWD is higher, heavier and gets worse MPG. It is nice for the snow but if I had the choice I would go RWD. AWD also has an annoying hump on the driver's side floor....

duraiaras

Snow Snow Snow.. otherwise RWD.

ral2531

Ok, I see now. Lexus is not trying to do the "Quattro thing" like Audi.
They're just being practical for those with snowy winters.

But with AWD you at least get six-speed, and a number of owners here like the responsiveness of 6 better than the new 8.