XBMWOwner

I love the 535 but I didn't love the reliability which is why I now drive an ES350 and a 4Runner. Which Lexus is most comparable to the 535? I like me ES but the power and handling aren't in the same arena as a 535. I'm open to all suggestions . Thanks guys.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

The '13 GS350.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

New 13' GS350 out handled and performed the lastest 535i.

XBMWOwner

What is the 0 to 60 on a GS350? I had heard it has the same engine and HP as the ES which concerned me.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

The ES is not Direct Injected and has less HP.

Road test.http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...s/viewall.html

LexBob2

Lexus shows the 0-60 as 5.6 for the GS and 7.1 for the ES. I've found their estimates to be understated.

The GS has DI and the the ES doesn't. HP ratings are 306 on the GS vs. 268 on ES.

mmarshall

Yep.....the RWD GS350. The AWD GS350, of course, is comparable to the 535xi.

XBMWOwner

Cool thanks guys. Does the gs have the same kind of super high reliability as the ES or is it more finnicky?

mmarshall

According to Consumer Reports, the previous-generation AWD GS300/350 had some reliability issues. That was not the case with the RWD models, which were reliable. The new GS, of course, has not been out long enough to gauge its long-term reliability yet. But I'd bet on it being at least (or more) reliable than the average 535i or xi.

Welcome to CL, BTW. I see you are a new member, with just a couple of posts.

XBMWOwner

I am and thanks for the warm welcome. I purchased an ES350 a few months ago to replace my 535i. The Lexus is great but I miss the performance of the BMW. Unfortunately my 535 was pretty unreliable even with perfect maintenance and low miles. Eventually I would like to turn the ES over to my wife and get one of the other models...GS, LS, I'm not sure. My parents have been driving toyota's since 1990 and have never had anything but stone cold reliability, which is frankly pretty impressive.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

Welcome to CL!

As others have mentioned, 2013 GS350 is what you need. You should test drive it first though. Also, make sure you look at both models, the one with the F-Sport trim and the Luxury model. Both have the same engine, however, they look slightly different and have different options.

This is my 3rd GS. I've had 2001 model, then 2008 and now 2013. Never had any major problems with any of them. Good luck!

cino

iTrader: (1)

I agree with what everyone has said. 2013 GS350 is direct competitor to 535i. I would personally go with GS350 F sport just because of the aesthetics. Never own a GS, but my 06 IS and 99 RX have been very reliable.

Mr. Burns

You're looking at a 2013 Lexus GS F-sport, which will not only rival the 5 series in performance/handling, but will also be much more reliable:


If it's just for you, the new IS would also be a consideration. The IS350 has the same engine and suspension as the GS but in a smaller and lighter package.

natnut

For what it's worth, Motortrend conducted a 4-way shootout between the Audi A6 3.0T, the BMW 535i M-Sport, the Infiniti M37S and the Lexus GS350 F-Sport.

The GS350 F-Sport took first place beating the 535i M-Sport to second place on account of its better handling, more fun-to-drive factor and superb interior.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...s/viewall.html


Automobile and Motortrend also conducted a joint no holds-barred fully instrumented testing of the GS350 versus its main competitors BMW 535i and MB E350 in terms of 0-60, 1/4 mile, braking and slalom timing. This test was conducted using latest satellite tracking and using non-biased third party testers from Automobile/Mototrend magazine. Videos of each aspect of testing as well as the numbers put down by each car are uploaded on this website :

http://www.automobilemag.com/lexusgschallenge/

GS vs 535i in Handling (Autocross) :
http://www.automobilemag.com/lexusgs...rkBL0uE7AggUJ8

GS vs 535i Acceleration 0-60 :
http://www.automobilemag.com/lexusgs..._ynsKIlq0eLund

GS vs 535i in Braking 60-0 :
http://www.automobilemag.com/lexusgs...xXkLoPvp5hGNSY

GS vs 535i in 1/4 mile trap speed and timing :
http://www.automobilemag.com/lexusgs...gSolSob9lBDjFR

Finally for subjective in-car comments by professional reviewers comparing handling of the GS350 F-Sport vs BMW 535i M-Sport on the Autocross :

G Star

iTrader: (2)

I think if you walk into the Lexus dealer looking for a car to out perform the BMW 5 series, chances are you will walk out with a new GS (possibly f sport). All it takes is a test drive.