Motortrend sport sedans comparo: Lexus GS Dominates
04-09-12, 08:47 AM
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Motortrend sport sedans comparo: Lexus GS Dominates
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1ST PLACE: Lexus GS 350 F Sport
Maybe The Ultimate Driving Machine
Nimble, balanced, precise, and quick, the GS is a (retired) BMW cloaked in Lexus steel. At 3834 pounds, the GS is the lightest of the four and it feels it -- turn-in is sharp and accurate, and weight transfer, whether lateral or longitudinal, is neutral and composed. The Lexus proved the most entertaining, rewarding, and confidence-inspiring up, down, and along our demanding Malibu road loop. Ultimate driving machine? Oh, yeah.
2ND PLACE: BMW 535i
But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
Much of the 5's air of expensiveness comes from its 7 Series' underpinnings, which, alas, make the 535i feel like its bigger and heavier sibling. It is no longer an upsized 3, but rather a downsized 7. While we prefer the former, there is a plus side to the latter. Says Evans: "The embodiment of what I think of when I think German. Very solid, substantial. Buttoned-down and refined, no-nonsense." From Lieberman: "All that solidity equates to one hell of a nice, smooth ride. 80 mph feels more like 40 mph, and 90 mph feels like a totally responsible, safe cruising speed."
3RD PLACE: Audi A6 3.0T
Fast and Powerful, With Minimal Feel
Yes, the A6, whose supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 doles out the most torque (325 lb-ft) and second-most horsepower (310), outclassed the others from 0 to 60 (4.7 seconds), in the quarter mile (13.4 seconds at 102.2 mph), around the skidpad (0.95 g), and through the figure eight (25.1 seconds at 0.74 g). In fact, the only test it didn't win outright was 60 to 0 braking, which, at 106 feet, placed it in a tie with the BMW. But despite four wins and one first-place tie, the A6 finished last in the most important criterion: driver engagement. Martinez: "The Audi failed to give me any enthusiastic feedback. There was no visceral exhaust note to go with the entertaining speed and no communicative steering either.
4TH PLACE: Infiniti M37S
Lovely -- But Big, Noisy, and Thirsty
"Holy squealing tires and elbows, Batman!" said senior features editor Jonny Lieberman. Online editor Nate Martinez: "The gearbox went into Save Me mode near the end of the loop. It wouldn't let me downshift from 3 to 2 no matter how slow the speed or the rpm. It literally thought I was going to kill it." Associate editor Scott Evans: "The stability control is hyper-reactive. It's constantly on when you're trying to drive fast, always braking a wheel at the slightest hint of fun. Even when the light isn't flashing, you can feel it braking the inside wheel."
04-09-12, 09:27 AM
#4
everyone wants GS to have 8 speeds and "new" engine when in reality, it beat 535i even in acceleration tests, including overtaking at speed, which it really shouldn't have.
In driving feel, the Lexus does exactly what you want it to do -- it shrinks around you. Yet, when it comes to pampering, it opens up, inviting you into the richest, most aesthetically pleasing cabin in its class. Lieberman: "Gorgeous interior. Love the metalwork, especially the volume and tune *****. Feels like they're off my old Marantz Quadradial. Extremely solid and finely made." Martinez: "From the classy analog clock to the soft leather lining the seats, center console, and doors to the near-perfect sport steering wheel and massive and clear multimedia display, this Lexus oozes modern sophistication." Evans: "This is my favorite Lexus interior ever. So refined and stylish. Not boring and not overdone."
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz1rYrP1yVW
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz1rYrP1yVW
04-09-12, 09:45 AM
#7
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04-09-12, 10:07 AM
#12
Lexus Champion
Congrats to Lexus on building a competitive premium luxury-sports sedan. They deserve the win. 
P.S.
With that said:
Even if the Audi had quattro AWD, I still would've picked the Infiniti M37S over it. I don't think the Infiniti should be in last place
P.S.
With that said:
Even if the Audi had quattro AWD, I still would've picked the Infiniti M37S over it. I don't think the Infiniti should be in last place
