lexguynj

Oh my...... the link below is BMW'S info on the new M5 (Photos, Video, etc...)

This just makes you want to buy a 5 series, even if just a 530xi.

I hope Lexus has an incredible marketing campaign for the new GS, to inspire us also.

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/futurevehicles/newM5

biker

I wonder if all the makers planed for this time - when else in history have so many makers come up with new models in one segment so close to each other. Between October 04 and March 05 virtually all luxury makers introed a new mid sized sedan and all of them have jumped on the AWD bandwagon too. It's a good time to be a consumer in this segment.

Lexusfreak

What are the performance numbers (including horsepower & torque) between the 2006 GS 300 AWD vs. the BMW 530xi AWD?

biker

The 6MT 5 series should have a slight edge (258 vs 245HP and it's about 100lbs lighter). The 6 ATs will probably be about the same. The handling OTOH is an unknown on the GS side.

lexguynj

Hmmmmm, I keep waffling back and forth between the Lexus & BMW.

When I see the Lexus GS430 with 18" rims, I like it. Then I see the GS300 with those 17" rims and it's nice, but I am no longer inspired. I just need to see one in person, since I want the GS300 AWD version.

As for the BMW, I have a strong feeling it will be much more than a GS300AWD and paying upwards to $60K for a 530xi doesn't seem worth it. Sure the BMW is a fun car to drive, but do I have to pay a premium to drive a funner car? Maybe so?

I also have a better contact at my local Lexus Dealer as compared to my local BMW dealer, so this may sway me more to the Lexus.

Wow, March 2006 seems like a long time already!

biker

Just face the fact that on price the BMW will never win. A no option 530xi will be about 48K. If you can get one at base price, the GS300AWD will be 45K.

Lexusfreak

The comparison between the 2 should be intresting in the auto mags that's for sure........looking forward to the articles.

spwolf

keep in mind that same engine in Japan "makes" 256hp. In fact, GS300 has 10lbs of torque more than 530 (new engine). And their published 6AT 0-60 times are... the same :-).

I dont know the weights of newer 530 (not on the page yet), however weight of GS430 and 545 is the same, and published specs show that GS430 is actually slightly faster 0-60 in AT guise (one tenth but still) and their weight is about the same...

Pricing wise, similary equipped 5 series (to base GS) is +7k more expensive...

biker

There's only two reasons that I can think of for getting the 530 over the GS300: badge or the 6MT.

Lexusfreak

Like mentioned before in this thread......0-60 times (in the grand scheme of things) don't really mean much to many folks as there are so many other much more important factors to consider.

lexguynj

As a BMW and Lexus Owner, I have to say that Japanese HP just seems different than German HP. German HP just seems stronger and more powerful and a BMW will always be more fun to drive. The Lexus will proabably be more refined and smoother. It's all about preference, but BMW 530i or xi with Sports Package will always be more fun than a GS300 to drive (since Lexus still doesn't offer a Sports package in their SPORTS SEDAN?)

spwolf

Well, um, in fact if you like sport driving, you probably dont want to get Sports package. In every proper review I have read it completly destroys the good feeling of 5 series and detaches you from the road by using some obviously lifeless eletronic steering. Not one review in Europe reccomended it.

What Sport package is - just another way for you to spend few bucks. Should an Sports Sedan have an Sports Package? Does that mean that it is not an Sports sedan without the "Sports Package"?

You can also take as if it is "Sports" tuned from the factory, if that makes you feel better. As to your German to Japanese HP comparison - interesting. I rather preffer dyno sheets myself.

lexguynj

Believe in the sports package option. Believe in the 18" rims with wide tires. Crave the sports tuned suspension, afterall you do want a sports sedan, instead of your run of the mill sedans with cushy and comfortable rides.

It's all a preference of course, but I have to say my 2001 GS430 was a great car, but at the same time a disappointment, because to pay that much for a car you expect it all. It didn't have it all, which is why so many of us here, upgraded the suspension, steering, etc.. to L-Tuned which was an improvement, but not the solution.

Why not give an sports package option to those future GS300 RWD owners out there who want something more than just a stock GS300? The amount of money you will invest in a Lexus, makes wonder why you don't have this option available to you and have to go aftermarket.

Nas

The only thing that keeps me uneasy about the GS300 Awd is it's engine. I know it's a different engine from my ES, but my ES has about 225 hp, and 240lb-ft of torque. The car seems very slow. I know that the current 530 feels very quick, and with this new engine, it should be very fast. I hope the new GS's engine is faster than what it seems.

Do you think in a few years they will add Awd to the GS430? What abou the BMW 545? I know Audi and MB offer it across their entire line up.

Whose AWD system do you think is better? How do you think these would compare to the 4Matic system and Quattro?

I love to see a magazine do a comparison with the E350, A6 3.2, 530xi,and GS 300 Awd.

flipside909

Different engine, different tranny, different drivetrain layout. There's a huge difference there. Just wait and see when the vehicle comes out. Alot of people are not giving it a fair chance just because it's just a 3.0L V6 and 245hp on paper. Wait for it to come out and then drive it.