joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

I've had my 2015 gs350 awd for 3 months now.

So far, I have not been impressed with the drive.. It's a nice car, but feels like something is missing..
I think it's due to it being AWD. I wanted the RWD, it wasn't available in my area.

Anyone drove both drivetrain and felt the difference?

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

The only thing that's missing is an extra 50hp.

2Squared

The specs for the 2015 GS350 on Edmunds show both AWD and RWD having the same horsepower. The main difference is the AWD has a 6 speed transmission vs the RWD having a 8 speed transmission.

737Driver

I believe 0-60 times are very close between the two drivetrains. Like within a couple tenths.

AJLex19

RWD is rare in the northeast but i've seen a few used ones...

Did you consider the hybrid GS 450h (It has the RWD that you were looking for and the additional horsepower that you may feel like is missing...) ?

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

I don't think I am missing power. I meant how the RWD drives compared to AWD. Mostly handing between the two. even the ride height difference I am thinking the RWD drives a bit tighter.

Definitely couldn't afford the 450h.

rld14

I just sold (Well, my guys did I was off for Passover) a RWD 14 GS. I drove it and I often drive an AWD GS....

So....

The RWD car had noticeably better turn in and the suspension felt like a proper RWD car, I was VERY impressed and the AWD GS, IMO, has a fantastic suspension for an AWD car.

Part of it was obviously that the RWD car had staggered tires and summer Potenzas as opposed to the all season Dunlops or whatevers that the AWDs come with.

Brakes? Def felt a difference with the larger front brakes.

I get some 450s in and they haul butt but don't handle like the RWD F-Sport.

AJLex19

I'd imagine that outside the GS-F, the super rare GS 450h F-Sport might be the best overall performing GS...

rld14

I've got the closest thing to it coming in... A GS450h Luxury (With Night Vision, ML and Pre Crash no less) so it will have the AVS suspension.

I'll take it home for the night if it's not sold and report back

Im2bz2p345

As a GS450h owner and having test driven the RWD GS350 (F-Sport & Non F-Sport) at multiple dealerships, I can tell you that the torque is a big difference between the cars.

I guess it really depends on the if the batteries are charged up in the GS450h, but after the car has ran a bit on a highway or slowed to a stop to build up the charge, it really throws you back when the electric motors combine with the engine to deliver power.

Also, when the GS450h is going over 60+ mph, there is a large difference that is felt because the weight of the batteries is less of a factor. The hybid is like a rocket that continues to push.. without any shifts in gears since it has an ECVT transmission. It's honestly really hard to tell when the car will stop accelerating.

Cornering wise though, I like the GS350 F-Sport the best because it has less weight than the hybrid and the AVS suspension does wonders when the car is pushed in S+ mode.

Anyway, i am not sure if this helps the OP, but if torque and power after 60+ mph is what you consider "missing," then the GS450h is worth a look (remember - it has a ECVT so it feels like one continuous gear - you'll loose out on the "shifting" feeling). Otherwise maybe consider a different Lexus vehicle (i.e. GS-F)?

All the best,

~ Im2bz2p345

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the notes.

I am not going to trade-in the car. The car is nice, but I just felt the AWD was missing something. More on the handling side than anything.

Acceleration is decent. I just felt the AWD is too heavy for this engine. Lexus needs to maybe up the displacement to 3.7L or add a turbo on to the v6 engine.

The RWD with the lower stance looks better also. The woes of living in snowy state...

AL13NV8D3R

Just go to one of the lower states and buy it there. Then drive it home and register it. Bam! You now have a RWD Lexi.

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

water under the bridge now..