I really like the look of the new GS generation. . .to my sense the engine in the 300 is one of the finest Lexus has released to date. . .a WONDERFUL combination of performance and silky smooth that BMW only provides in their $80K+ 7 series. (I'm sure the 430 is terrific as well. . .but haven't tried it out.)

So "why" haven't I purchased an new GS yet?

Off we went to a dealership earlier this past summer. . .thinking we would trade in our older ES. . .I got behind the wheel. . .wife and kids in the back. . .we no sooner got out of the parking lot and all THREE of them exclaimed: "Dad, this car's too small. . .you should keep what you have!"

Although I'm only 5'8" (clearly not very tall!). . .my hair was nearly brushing against the ceiling. . .it was becoming obvious to me (and the salesperson) that this beautiful car clearly has LESS headroom and cabin space than the ES class.

Sales consultant's response: Maybe you should just get another ES or step up to the LS!

(BTW, I also test drove the new BMW 5 series. . .not particularly crazy about the body style and shark fin on top. . .yes, the engine is advanced but not as incredibly smooth as the GS. . .and. . .gotta be honest. . .the headroom/cabin space was much more generous than the GS. Darn! Why isn't Lexus making a car for me and in my price range--well under $50K on most configurations for basically a luxurous ROOMY sports sedan!)

Question: Am I being unreasonable here? I checked the official specs between the ES and GS. . .wow. . .I guess an "inch" or so really does make a big difference!

Do others (incl. existing GS owners) have some issues with the GS' headroom and overall cabin spacing? Recommended solutions while staying within the Lexus line?

Thank you in advance!

(P.S. It would seem the Infiniti M class is addressing exactly what I'm looking for. . .yes. . .I checked it out. . .truly a beautiful cabin. . .then took it out on a test drive. . .most underwhelming! The transmission is too stiff and the shifting very abrupt. . .the GS wins hands down this way.)

 

First of all, you might want to post in the third gen forum.

But yes, no question the new GS is shy on headroom. I was actually really bummed on this, I thought briefly about buying a new GS. I went to the autoshow last year and sat in a new GS for a long time. I messed with the seat a lot, put it all the way down and reclined the back, trying to get comfortable. I found I could do it, but my hair was touching the headliner no matter what when I was in a normal driving position. I am 6'3" but still I find in most cars I can get comfortable. I was dissapointed in the new GS that they didn't give it at least a little more headroom.

The solution? I bought a used 03 GS430. It has quite a bit more room than the new ones, I'm totally comfortable. I still have the seat all the way down but I have a good inch or so clearance from the headliner. The extra $25k savings in my pocket didn't hurt either.

If you still want a GS look at used, or move to the LS. Yeah it's too bad if you want headroom but that's the way it is.