I have a 98 Lexus GS 300. I'm thinking of upgrading to a 2007 GS 350.

One of the main concerns I have is something I haven't heard mentioned before in forums.

My 98 has a leather steering wheel, which is quite comfortable to hold while driving. High end new Mercedes and BMWs also have all leather steering wheels, but Lexus has chosen for all but their ISs to use plastic with wood underneath because they think it looks more expensive I guess.

Whenever I get a loaner RX or ES from the dealer, driving with a plastic wheel is something that I've always felt uncomforable. So here are my questions?

1. Is new GS steering wheel somehow more comfortable that than the RX or ES?

2. Are others bugged by this, and, if so, did you just learn to live with it, eventually got used or learned to like it, or did you do something to fix it?

3. Has anyone tried the aftermarket covers that turn the rim into all leather? I really don't car mod in general, but I might be willing in this case.

Thanks

 

I have a GS right now, and the steering wheel does have some Leather, but it is mostly the wood grain. I haven't had any problems with the steering wheel at all. At first, when looking at the wheel, I thought that my hand would slip on the wood, but I was wrong, the steering wheel offers a lot of grip and is comfortable to drive on. I've learned to love it, and I'm sure you will to. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

I actually have one of those leather covers. It's not a cheap one from WalMart, but it is along the same look. I do love the feel of it though so I really don't care what people say about the look. I am the only one who ever drives my car. It is much thicker and a much better feel; much much thicker.
It my 71K car, I can do with it what I want.

 

Is that a Valentine 1 on your dash? You lucky bastard! I live in Virginia where radar detectors are prohibited. I had to shelve my Escort that saved my *** many times when I moved here. Had four tickets since then in as many years...

 

I wouldn't care if they were illegal.
But yes, I prefer the lower dash placement instead of by the rear view mirror for my V1.
I had it hardwired, and the wired drops down the center speaker. Extreamly clean install.

 

All Lexus cars have ALWAYS had leather steering wheels. Now it is leather and wood. Lexus has always used real wood as well. No plood.

 

I drive a BMW, tested and ordered a GS350 this past Monday. I too expected the wooden steering wheel to feel slipery, just like the classic Nardi wooden wheel I had installed in my Alfa Romeo way back in early 70. Well, both my wife and myself felt at one with the wheel right away. My wife also commented that the size is just right for her and that comment floored me.
She very seldom has anything nice to say about ANY car.

She also commented about the comfortable driving position and how it feels so easy to drive inspite of the length of this car. So, it's goodby bimmer. As much as I love it, we are down to one car due to both being retired, and the Lexus wins hands down.

 

Wow, congrats! The GS is actually shortest in class, at right under 190 inches long, not even an inch longer than the previous model.

Glad your wife likes it!

 

I like it. Feels weird at first, but its fine. I love it. But it boes feel plastic-y. But if it didn't, I think it would slip in your hands.

 

I remember seeing some pictures of a GS3 in a brochure about 18 months ago showing a leather only steering while, no nav and cloth upholstery. Perhaps you could special-order a leather only steering wheel.

I personally never had a problem with it - I think it is one of the best looking steering wheels available. If you hold the steering wheel at the quarter-to-three position you'll be gripping leather anyway...I have an awful habit of holding the wheel at the twelve-o-clock position with my left hand all the time. On one of my previous cars, the padding actually disbonded from the wire rim in that position, so i'm quite happy with the wood since it's more durable...

Jace...there's only one possible reaction for me to that steering wheel cover on a GS450h...AAAAAAAAGHRRRRR!

 

The only way your hands will slip on the wheel is if your hands are completely devoid of any perspiration or moisture. Although it can get very cold.

The wheel cover is not that bad.

 

I know.. .I know.... sorry
I like the wide grip feel. I little more like the BME I drive and a little more my style.

The all leather steering you are refering to, although it's completely leather, it's to skinny in my mind. I just like a fat wheel and all leather.....
To give you an idea of what I would want if ever possible is the Hartge steering wheel. It's fatter than the stock M5 wheel. Just nothing that integrated with the buttons.. or the lexus airbag.
I would have also preferred a black wood or dark grey... rather than the maple.... oh well.
I love the car.. even my wheel. You can't really even see it at first glance, b/c of the black leather, dark tint... ex. only after I say what you think about the wheel does someone make the face. .... but that's cool in my mind. Doesn;t bother me....

no offense taken.... It's just what I like the feel of....

 

"high end new Mercedes and BMWs also have all leather steering wheels"

I forgot to mention, for a wooden steering wheel, Mercedes will charge extra $$$. I can't remember about BMW.

 

BMW doesnt offer wood. There cars are sport/// luxury. I actually prefer their steering wheels 100% over the lexus wheels.
I get it the wood is suppose to be more luxurious, but it's not a Bently. It's a lexus. I wish it was at least an option for a sport steering wheel, even sportier than the IS...

oh well. can't have every thing perfect in any car...

this is the wheel I wish I could have in the "lexus"

oh well.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/att...6&d=1160356114

 

True, it's not a Bently, but it's neither a Porsche or BMW.

I get it, you don't like the wheel. This Lexus is more about luxury than sport.