Still any way one slices it, GS is the better vehicle. For me, in this price range, FWD is out. Yes, even BMW and MB capitalize on some who don't care. BMW all but stated most X1 owners (original generation) did not know the difference between FWD and RWD, nor that their vehicles were RWD based, so FWD is cheaper to mfg. and means more profits and they switched.

It should be a no can do for people who are enthusiastic...it's possible that a FWD vehicle can be smooth, but they're not going to handle optimally...

edit: p.s. this all reminds me of when I was a kid and my parents agreed to allow me to get nice skis (used haha). I opted for the Atomic GS skis that were 205 cm. Years later I went to a camp at Mt. Tremblant and the instructor took one look at me and said, she suggested I demo some new skis, and probably they will be 175 cm at the most. Not only was that the appropriate length for me at that time (this was 1999 and skis were now wide with big sidecuts), but she said it would have never been optimal for me to have skied on a 205 and I have to work so much harder with them. Sometimes we like what we like and don't see what may be better. She told me she guaranteed that if I tried some 175's, I'm going to find it pretty easy to go through the gates since I'm used to the 205's...she was right.

 

The ES is a fantastic car. If quiet, smooth ride, and comfort are your top priorities the ES can be hard to beat at that price.

As for the GS, if the F Sport was a bit too harsh, I suspect you'll find the luxury package to feel harsh as well.

 

You should really drive an LS. Just on another level specifically in both of those areas that are your main concern.

The Luxury package GS will ride just like the F Sport, the only difference is the wheel size. If its a pre-2015 GS the Luxury has 18" wheels vs 19s on the F Sport which have a big impact on the ride, but the suspensions are the same.

 

no surprise you can't find a GS you want in florida! and from your wants and don't cares i'd say the ES is what you want, the LS if you can swing it, or a G90 like i got.

 

Or if you're on a budget, even the G80. I drove both the ES 350 and a G80 (though, the G80 was essentially a fully-loaded 5.0 Ultimate), and the G80 felt like more solid and was quiter. Not to mention, quicker. I mean if the LS is in the picture, the G90 is possible, but it's going to be a lot more expensive than a used LS or even a new-ish G80.

And, it'll have both a smoother ride and larger back seat than the GS.

 

Correct, the G80 also has an excellent ride.

Just to reiterate the point about the ES. I just had a 2017 ES loaner today, and while it rides nice its just nowhere near the package my LS is. LS is smoother, quieter, more refined and softer riding, feels much more substantial.

 

The biggest difference I saw between the ES and the G80 was not necessarily ride or underpinnings, but that the G80 was noticeably more solidly-built, with more solid-feeling materials inside and out. The ES looks nice inside (I'll admit), but a loser look at the actual materials shows them to be light and insubstantial-feeling compared to the super-solid G80. One exception, BTW, where the ES is clearly superior inside is the nice polished-wood steering wheel......nobody short of six-figures does a wood steering wheel better than Lexus.

I almost bought an AWD G80, BTW. I was strongly attracted to the way it was built, but liked the Lacrosse's comfort and road-manners, and was very satisfied with the service at my GM dealer.

 

Get a ls430 best car lexus ever built rwd, v8, tons of room in the trunk, rear seats, and front. Great smooth ride perfect car to get in and go, take on road trips etc.

 

They're just too old today for most people to consider...with his budget he can buy something only a few years old that is going to be better in every conceivable way. I'd much rather have a 6ES than an LS430 nowadays.

All of those things in the G80 contribute to why it feels more premium and refined on the road. It feels more solid, the RWD architecture gives you better styling, a better driving position, all in all it feels like what it is, its a segment above the ES in everything but cost. The GS is superior to the ES in all the same ways, the difference is that the GS is sprung as a sport sedan the G80 isn't.

 

If one can afford an LS lease or purchase, though, particularly an AWD version which will do better in the winter, I can certainly understand the attraction of an LS. In your case, it was obviously the question of the 460L vs. the new 500.



Genesis now offers a G80 Sport, BTW, presumably with different underpinnings and steering than the standard version. I have not sampled it, and cannot comment on it right now.

 

He's looking used, they're all basically the same price its just a question of what year that gets you.

If buying used already I would take a 2013 LS vs a 2015 or 2016 ES or GS.

Did you watch Alex's review of it? Its actually better riding. Why? Adaptive suspension.