Power - slight edge to 450h which seemed faster
Ergonomics - 450h -> had to use stupid mouse just to get air on my feet in the 550
Handling -> 550i, not even close sorry lexus, this may be a deal breaker
Exterior -> subjective but I give slight edge to lexus
Interior -> slight edge to 550i, mostly because of the awesome M sport steering wheel which matters more than most other stuff

Overall I'd rather drive the 550 but I'd rather be in the 450h. I wish there wasn't such a big handling gap....

 

Thats the big differnce tween Lexus and either MB or BMW.
Ones made to be driven nearly to it's limits to be fully enjoyed, and the other isnt.

I spent 3 full days at MB and Beemer dealerships trying to find something I really liked.
30 seconds in the Lex, and that was all it took...

 

was the 450h fully loaded with the active stablizer suspension system...sigh...what a long name for an option...heh

 

The advertising company my wife works for recently landed the BMW account and as a result I have access to the sweetest partner deal I've ever seen. Basically I can get any new non-M car at $500 over invoice price and then get a $500-1,500 rebate from BMW after purchase (the higher end of the rebate on the more expensive cars). So basically I could get a 550i for $500-1K under invoice with no negotiation required. As a result, this has had me seriously pondering a 550i Sport 6MT. However, even at invoice price, it rings in at $65K after gas guzzler tax, etc., and that's damned expensive. The power-to-weight ratio is almost identical to the previous-gen M5, though, and that's one of my favorite cars of all time.

If you saw my thread, a few weeks ago I briefly considered the GS450h but decided to stick with my S4 for the fun factor. I think the 550i Sport 6MT would give me the space and extra luxuries of the GS450h (yes, I know iDrive is annoying vs. the Lexus touchscreen) with the fun/performance of the S4. It would also cost me a chunk o' change above what I have invested now, though.

Something to consider...

 

I disagree. I drive 6 miles to work - top speed is normally about 35ish. I simply love driving my BMW and trust me, I'm not even close to the limits. When I had my GS, the only time I actually enjoyed driving it was when coming home from a nice dinner and I wanted an isolated ride.

It is true that they are two cars for two different types of people. But if you really enjoy driving, then nothing beats the BMW.

 

what about exotic cars??...porsche, lambo, ferarri...heh

 

A lot beats the BMW, trust me~

 

BMW is nice. Agree, A lot beats the BMW

 

Sorry guys, was in reference to the topic here, GS450h vs. 550.

Plus I'm just not sure where my kid's car seats would fit in those "other" cars

 

thats how it worked for me aswell......I would rather have a super comfortable ride than feel every bump...not to mention that BMW leather is like sitting on rocks, literally the most unconfortable seats Ive ever sat on.

 

When was the last time you sat in them? They're awesome seats.

 

I think your comparison seems very fair although I can't say I care for the 550i dash at all (fugly) but as you say, the steering wheel is great, as is the shifter, seats, pedals, etc.

Lexus makes powerful smooth drivetrains with Buick suspensions.

 

My mother has a 645 and my best friend has a x5 and they both are like rocks....just my opinion.

 

Hmmm, the leather is a bit tougher, but the comfort seats (now standard with the sports package in the 5-series - and called multi-contour seats) are by far the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in.

But I have to ask... you are wearing clothes when you sample these seats right? Cause I'm just not sure how you can feel the "softer" leather unless you are buck naked

j/k

 

don't they have a four door ferarri?...heh lol