Hello everyone,

I’m new to the Lexus board and figured this would be a good place to get some insights and opinions. I currently own an ES 300 (2000) that was handed down to me. It’s not my first choice of car being that I’m 34 years old. I’m in the market to buy either the BMW 5 series or the Lexus GS.

I’ve read several times on this board regarding the comparison between the two. I think I know the difference (the aspect of body style, gas mileage, radio equipment, handling, etc.) What I don’t know is the difference in which drives more smoothly. I’ve read a few posts that stated it was bumpier than I ever thought Lexus would be. I have a 50-mile commute to and from work on Pacific Coast Highway, and I wanted to see what most of you thought of the overall ride. Has anyone driven both the BMW 5 series and the Lexus GS? Will the handling of the GS be much different than my current ES 300?

I realize asking this question on a Lexus board will probably provide some one sided answers. But I’d still like to get some opinions.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts….

Southbay

 

I drove both the 550i and the GS 450h. The GS with normal (non run-flat) tires with have a good sporty ride that is not too harsh. It would be a bit softter and with more body roll than from a 550i with normal tires.

Overall, BMW 5 series are among the best-handling sedans from any manufacturer. But the GS is not far behind. Just make sure you don't get the run-flat tires, if you don't want an overly harsh ride.

As far as ES vs GS, you will notice a huge difference, but a good one. The ES 300 drives like a Buick: soft and floaty.

 

Thanks Modeler!

I was thinking of getting the GS 350 or the 530i

I'm glad to hear that the performance is much better than the ES. That helps me in my decesion.

 

It amazes me that y'all are in comparison with a BMW and Toyota. I thought it would be more like Infiniti VS. Lexus and Mercedes VS. BMW. My buddy actually purchased the BMW 530 and now he's looking at the GS450H. Sounds like he was pretty satisfied with BMW, NOT!

 

Ok. read my signature to see how much weight you should put in my opinion, but with having owned both, I just sold the 550i a few weeks ago they are both incredible cars.

Will the GS be a much different car in regards to handling compared to your ES... NO QUESTION THERE. totally different.
With the AAAS that comes with the GS450h, if you opt for that, it is an incredible car in handling. I can corner wonderfully and with it's trac control, I don't peel out and it grips the road very nicely.

To your next question, the GS is better for COMFORT than the 550i. The 550i is better for cornering and SPORT.

THe nav on the 550i is terrible in my mind, no touch screen and you cant watch movies. The Lexus GS nav is very user friendly and I wouldn't want the BMW once I had the Lexus touch screen.

The 550i, is louder, where the 450h, is wisper quiet.
Even in acceleration the GS450h, is more like a jet engine that spools up and goes, where as the 550i, revs up and shifts. No shifting with the 450h. very impressive.
There is more room I feel in the 550i, 1 in in headroom, and maybe an inch in the rear. From what I remember.

The GS450h is only bumpy to where you would complain if you have run flats... I do Dunlops and I don't mind, but I do understand the complaint. But on comfort mode I find the 450h to be very satisfying with the ride comfort, and when it's on the Sport.... although not as stiff as the 550i, adn not as good around corners the GS is a very nice MIX, and to have the option of sport/comfort which you dont have with the 550i is worth it to me. The 550i, if you opt for the sports package is stiff, sporty, and perfect, but stiff.
I love both cars but there are the answers to your questions. I hope I was of help.

So my conclusion is:

If you are going through mountains and you care about the cornering go with the 550i, if you care about comfort/sport and being able to choose, go with the GS.
I sold my 550i, for reason of to many cars, but I kept my 450h, which is the important fact.
I also think the finish on the GS is much nicer than the 550i, EXCEPT for the 20 way articulated comfort seats. THose are by far superior. But as a whole the GS (450h) that is, is my pref.

Hope this helps.

Jason

 

Wow Jason! That was in depth! Thank you very much for the detailed response. I'd probably be looking at the GS 350, hopefully it's not too much of a drop off from the 450. I guess I'll have to test drive both to see how it feels.

You guys have been a great help.

 

the main only difference is the optional lazer/pre collision system and the AAAS I believe.
Besides those they are similar cars... although those make it a quite different beast.

 

I have a 2006 GS300 AWD, with the runflat tires. No problem with the ride or performance -- just the opposite. BTW, I live in Redondo Beach and drive on PCH all the time.