I posted a thread yesterday asking for thoughts-pros/cons as I am considering purchasing one. As I continue to think about it, I wanted to get feedback on how it handles in the snow, as I reside in the Chicagoland area.
Thanks!

 

AWD? If so, no worries. If not. It is rwd and may require snow tires.

 

Gs 460 rear wheel in Indiana. I did not have snow tires I had a decent set of tires and car did well. Snow tires I am sure would have been better. Inplan to buy snow tires this year. Just buy it.

 

Awd is respectable in the snow. On all season tires. You won't have any problems.

 

I live in Chicago as well and I can tell you that my 08 GS350 AWD is fantastic in the snow... Probably the best vehicle I've ever driven in the snow.

 

Kuleaze: Wow! Says a lot as we reside in the same area...so I know you know exactly what my concerns are, especially with this last winter we had...yikes! Oh, btw, the encouragement is much appreciated! Took photos this weekend and putting it out there today!

Hanuman: Thanks so much! I didn't think I would, just wanted to make sure. Im in Indiana as well. Hope we don't get dumped on again this year! Love the final statement you made by the way..."Just Buy It"! Working on it...

Elbow: To you also, thanks!

 

bit off topic but....I have a 09 GS350 AWD and wondering how I can make it drift in the snow (empty parking lot)

 

i really hate the vcs system on 06+ models it leaves me stuck in the middle of the road all the time in snow on or off i just disable the abs then it disables the vsc, it drives so much better in snow and ice.

 

I have a GS350 07 AWD I think it does alright in the snow.... I have All season tires on all year round... i guess the weight helps it move but the ground clearance doesnt help as much as i keep thinking i will break the bottom piece xD... getting out of snow it will do it just dont expect it to get out of 1ft of snow.... I cant remember but i usually drive my juke in the snow... I remember i was iced in one night and couldn't get out but then again it was the first time i ever encountered being ice.... All in all take your time driving it.... As for drifting in the snow I never tried but i did get power slide in one corner where I pressed lightly through the exit of the corner... my GF freaked out xD but i would just baby it in the snow cause it'll get expensive real quick...

 

When the car is not moving, in the centre console, push and hold the TRAC button until the VSC off light appears on the dash, the information panel should aslo say TRAC OFF.
- TRAC-OFF This disables per wheel ABS (also known as traction control)
- VSC off - This disables vehicle stability control, this is the beeping chime that cuts out your acceleration when the car is going through lateral movement

Set ECT button to PWR, this will keep your gear lower and give you more torque at lower speed to slide around

MAKE SURE IT IS SLIPPERY OR YOU WILL SCREW UP YOUR CAR. This car is full time all wheel drive, meaning that the center differential will be subjected to some pretty screwed up forces each time that both fron and back wheels find traction, it is best for your tires to have as little traction as possible. For drifting you want a rear wheel car so that you have traction at the front and can steer while the back is fishtailing around.

 

hmm I never tried with PWR mode but I think you just hold down the traction control for about 5 seconds and the same should apply as what you said.... Now about the center diff thing.... I think regardless dry or wet people would still try to slide around LOL I've only slid in the snow, tho i do tend to drive aggressively to find alittle bit of the limits... but this car rolls like a boat tho so... idk why anyone would want to drift it....

 

I live in the Dakota's and I LOVE my 07 GS350 AWD in fresh snow on a parking lot! I feel very safe and confident when driving through pretty heavy snow days and the GS350 performs very well IMHO.